Title: Anthem Of The Peaceful Army (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Bad Company
Tell me more: While many classic rock fans cling to the hope of a Led Zeppelin reunion they are sadly missing out on the emergence of that band's mind-blowing musical descendant Greta Van Fleet. Since emerging with its breakout single "Highway Tune" in March 2017, Greta Van Fleet has been conjuring up an explosive sound blending the best of Led Zep with their own 21st century creative instincts — all leading up to the terrific new album Anthem Of The Peaceful Army released on Oct. 20. "The Cold Wind" is a stylish rocker wrapped up with an undeniable groove. The ambitious "Watching Over" feels like a rock ballad, but only briefly, before it builds to a majestic mid-tempo gait highlighted by Jake Kiszka's stellar guitar work and singer Josh Kiszka's inviting wails. The troupe can also scale back as evidenced by the acoustic-flavored "You're The One" with its warm choruses and sweet embrace. This writer's favorite track is "Brave New World," which sounds nothing like any of the band's '70s influences. A song that is both heavy and melodic "Brave New World" is bolstered by a nuanced musical soundscape featuring an intoxicating rhythm, artful guitar playing and singer Josh Kiszka's otherworldly vocals. Armed with skills as top-tier songwriters and musicians, Greta Van Fleet's mesmerizing Anthem Of The Peaceful Army is an incredible work whose power is both obvious and rare. The Michigan-spawned quartet's authentic rock 'n' roll attitude doesn't hurt either. Information: GretaVanFleet.com.
Title: Bohemian Rhapsody (Hollywood Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Queen
Tell me more: One of rock's greatest and most creative artists, Queen's well-deserved legacy is celebrated across the newly-released Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack. In addition to 11 number 1 hits, the 22-track collection features a mix of deep album cuts and live recordings. The lush prog rock-flavored "Doing All Right" (recorded when the group was known as Smile and featured vocalist Tim Staffell prior to the founding of Queen with Freddie Mercury), a fiery live recording of "Keep Yourself Alive" (featuring Brian May's guitar playing and a cool Roger Taylor drum mini-solo), a blistering "Fat Bottomed Girls" performed in Paris in 1979, and a moving "Love of My Life" recorded at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil in January 1985 (with an audience of 300,000 singing along) are among the rarities on display. The release is highlighted by the inclusion of the audio from the band's complete Live Aid performance at Wembley in July 1985. That 21-minute set — "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Radio Ga Ga," "Hammer To Fall" and "We Are The Champions" — is widely viewed as one of the most memorable live performances ever. I can't wait to catch the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" when it opens in theaters on Nov. 2. Information: QueenOnline.com.
Title: Spaceman (Entertainment One)
You might like if you enjoy: KISS, Ace Frehley, Ozzy Osbourne
Tell me more: Fans of early KISS know that lead guitarist Ace Frehley was essential to the power of the band's best-known rockers. Now Frehley is back with Spaceman, his third solo LP in four years. The good news for fans of the brash, bar chord crunch of
'70s KISS is that Frehley has found plenty of new sonic pay dirt in that classic rock style across the new nine-track disc. "Without You I'm Nothing" is a hypnotic rocker with Frehley's flashy lead guitar front and center. Frehley also displays his finesse on his electric guitar via the tuneful "Your Wish Is My Command," the autobiographical "Bronx Boy" and hard-charging anthem "Pursuit of Rock and Roll." "Rocking With The Boys" comes closest to conjuring up the musical ghost of vintage KISS while elsewhere Frehley showcases his growth as an artist, particularly on an inspired reworking of Eddie Money's confessional "I Wanna Go Back" and his own cosmic "Mission To Mars." Frehley closes out the fast-moving LP with the amazing instrumental "Quantum Flux," a wonderful mix of folk rock and electric guitar prowess. Information: AceFrehley.com.
Robert Kinsler
Really excited to see that Queen movie too. I'm going to go check out Greta Van Fleet now.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robert!