Friday, October 18, 2013

Reviews for : SIT DOWN, SERVANT!!, THE ANSWER and JIM WILSO

CD REVIEW: I WAS JUST TRYING TO HELP by Sit Down, Servant!!
(PID Records)



'I Was Just Trying To Help' by Sit Down, Servant!! is the debut release and the new project from Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar/Grady. This recording is certainly more laid back than what one would hear with Big Sugar or Grady. The overall vibe of the music is more laid back than Big Sugar or Grady.  Accompanied by Big Sugar drummer Stephane Beaudin on drums, Gordie Johnson sings and plays steel guitar along with his Moog bass pedals for blues and gospel musical experience that will have your hands clapping and feet stomping in no time flat. This recording is another fine example of the musical repertoire of Gordie Johnson. This guy is a musical genius. You may think that spiritual songs don't appeal to you, or that gospel hymns aren't your kind of music. No matter. Gordie Johnson and Stephane Beaudin present the material in such a moving and soulful way that this record will speak to you. The album opens with Gordie' s take on “In My Time of Dying” a traditional gospel song that has been recorded numerous times over the years. Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan covered it. Blind Willie Johnson recorded it as, "Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed" back in 1927. As I listened to the album names of great Bluesman like, Charlie Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Robert Johnson came to mind. That Delta Blues vibe can be heard and felt throughout the album on tracks like, "If You Think Your God Is Dead", "Wrapped Up, Tangled All Up In Jesus", "Motherless Children" and "Blackbird Bakey Pie Blues". Ten tracks in all. All solid and each with a story to tell. Sit Down, Servant!!'s 'I Was Just Trying To Help' is an amazing album recorded by two of the most talented musicians on the planet. There is a respect for tradition while still not afraid to innovate and make the songs his own. The bottom line: Whether Gordie Johnson plays Reggae, Rock or good old Delta Blues, He sure as hell delivers the goods. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: NEW HORIZON by The Answer
(Napalm Records)



Irish rockers, The Answer return with their highly anticipated  release, 'New Horizon'. This is the band's fourth release. While some may have thought the lads might have lost a step with their last outing, 'Revival' (which I loved), the new album will certainly erase any of those doubts. The band set a very high benchmark with their debut, comparisons with Led Zeppelin and Free can only raise expectations so subsequent albums are bound to be subject to close scrutiny. I will always hold 'Rise' as an all time classic, but after just one listen, I have to say 'Horizon' is their most consistent and cohesive album. The lads are definitely back in rocking form with this monster of a recording. From the opening title track the band have your undivided attention as they proceed to rock your senses with, "Leave With Nothin'', the lead off single, "Spectacular", "Speak Now" and "Call Yourself A Friend". All thirteen tracks are gems. Cormac Neeson's vocals are on point and sound more powerful than ever. Paul Mahon's guitar work as expected is to be commended with riffs that will give you goose bumps. The rhythm section of bassist, Mick Waters and drummers James Heatley are rock solid. These lads have sure come a long way growing up listening to their parents' record collection to becoming one of best rock bands in the world. They serve up music that has guts, power and loads of skill capturing perfectly the excitement and joy of the shared experience that is pure Rock `n Roll. Hats off to Toby Jepson for an amazing job with the production for capturing the band's pure rock and roll power. 'New Horizon' is a terrific ride of an album that shows how joyful and exuberant music can and should be experienced. Classic Rock is alive and well in the 21st Century! Welcome back boys, so good to hear from you again! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: JIM WILSON by Jim Wilson
(A Jim Wilson Record)



Jim Wilson formerly of Mother Superior and The Henry Rollins Band  unveils his highly anticipated self titled debut release and I'm here to let you all know it's a winner! I didn't think anyone made albums like this anymore! There is something on this album that has been lost over the years in music. That intangible spark that propels the listener through the album, song by song, taking you by surprise many times, delighting your ears with familiar yet somehow very fresh sounds built around the loose constructs of blues rock. Lending their amazing talents on the album are, Steven Nistor, Ron Mael, Russell Mael, Daniel Lanois, Joey Vera and Rasputin. This album is one of those great recordings where I found myself impressed on first listen, and engrossed completely by my second spin through. The album opens with the groove laden mover, "Bleeding" and shifts gears with smooth sway of, "Honest Mistake" then picks up with the funked up rocker, "Things Are Looking Up" and only gets better from there. The soulful swagger in Wilson's vocals combined with his smoking guitar work is amazing. As is evident on tracks, "Holding Out For Love" and "Killer". Jim Wilson is carrying the torch of good music today. If you're looking for an album or an artist with lifeless lyrics, little to no musical ability, or just no talent, I do not think this is the album for you. If however you grew up on Muddy Waters,  Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, and you just can't seem to find a musician these days that encompasses the glory, power, majesty, and skill of good, original, classic rock/blues, I implore you to pick up this album. You won't regret it. - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

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