April 24, 2026

The Boys Next Door - Door, Door (1993 Reissue)

*Reissued in 1993 by The Grey Area
This pressing contains 10 tracks total 
and features non-remastered audio.
Country: Australia
Genre: Post Punk
Label Number: DOORCD1
 
© 1979-1993 The Grey Area
If one compares Door, Door to later albums made by these soon-to-be-infamous Aussies -- albums released under the Birthday Party moniker -- it sounds fairly tame and relatively straightforward. But that's not to say there's anything wrong with it. In fact, it's a frantic, edgy, and surprisingly catchy piece of post-punk mayhem; just don't expect anything as original or downright disturbing as "Big-Jesus-Trash-Can" or "Zoo-Music Girl." The album starts out in high gear with "The Nightwatchman," replete with ringing guitar figures, a boppy punk-pop chorus (yes, those are "ooh-ooh-ooh-oohs" you're hearing), and dirty sax lines. Sax pops up on "Brave Exhibitions" as well, providing a meaty partner to the lead guitar on circular, descending scales that bring some weirdness to a straight-up rocker. Things begin to get slightly more strange and troubled as the record plays on: "The Voice" and "Somebody's Watching" are filled with a paranoid mania and creepy, memorable musical phrases that make them two of Door, Door's highlights. (The lead guitar parts in the latter song make it seem as if Rowland Howard spent time listening to Television at the wrong speed.) And "Roman Roman" is a frenzied schoolyard chant that hints at some of the anarchic pandemonium the group could create on-stage. It's impressive how, even at this early stage, Nick Cave was a confident and unique singer, perfectly aware of the strengths and limitations of his voice; although he's not much for range, he knows how to come across in a scary and theatrical manner that perfectly complements the music. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the band's closing, mournful ballad, "Shivers," an unashamedly melodramatic example of post-adolescent anguish. 
 
tags: the boys next door, door door, 1979, 1993, reissue, flac,

Masters of Funk - "IV" (2001)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop
Label Number: CTCR-13155
 
© 2001 Cutting Edge
*No professional reviews are available for this release. 

 tags: masters of funk, iv, 2001, flac,

Jan Hellriegel - All Grown Up (2009)

Country: New Zealand
Language: English 
Genre: Pop Rock
Label Number: BDR-001
 
© 2009 Blind Date Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: jan hellriegel, all grown up, 2009, flac,

April 23, 2026

Shooting Gallery - Shooting Gallery (1992)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: 314 512 184-2
 
© 1992 Mercury
Shooting Gallery was a vehicle for ex-Hanoi Rocks guitarist Andy McCoy. With drummer Paul Garisto (Psychedelic Furs, bassist Dave Tregunna (Lords of the New Church), and rough-hewn belter Billy G. Bang! on vocals, the band's 1992 debut is very much like a Hanoi Rocks album (they even cover that band's "Don't Never Leave Me"). Musically, it's a pretty potent and enjoyable slab of glam/hard rock. The lyrics are mostly throwaway efforts stereotypically dealing with rock & roll excess ("House of Ecstasy," "I Mess Around," "Striptease"). What really sinks Shooting Gallery is a flat-out lack of songs. "Restless" leads things off in fine fashion, but nothing else manages to sustain interest. They also perform an ill-advised version of "Brown Eyed Girl" that too much resembles Poison. A fairly disappointing release, considering how effortlessly (and better) Hanoi Rocks used to cover the same ground.
 
 tags: shooting gallery, shooting gallery album, 1992, flac

Danity Kane - Danity Kane (2006)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: R&B, Pop
Label Number: 83989-2
 
© 2006 Bad Boy Entertainment
A pop/R&B quintet formed by Sean Combs (aka Diddy) for the Making the Band reality TV show, Danity Kane unveiled its Bad Boy Entertainment debut in late summer of 2006. Leading off with the frenetic, club-ready single "Show Stopper," Dawn, Aubrey, Aundrea, D. Woods, and Shannon easily display enough sensuality and confidence to position themselves for competition in the pop diva big leagues.
 
 tags: danity kane, danity kane album, 2006, flac,

Danity Kane - DK3 (2014)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: R&B, Pop
Label Number: 81012252-2
 
© 2014 Stereotypes Music
 The remaining members of Danity Kane -- Dawn Richard, Shannon Bex, and Aubrey O'Day -- survived the making of their third album, but in-fighting brought about another split, announced two months prior to the release of DK3. Produced primarily by the Stereotypes, who released the album through their vanity label, DK3 is a satisfactory parting statement. Brief and varied, it ranges from simplistic pop ballads to bland party anthems, but the songs that fall between those two extremes -- the Prince-inspired "Secret Lover," the sleek "Roulette," and the battering "All in a Days Work" all more R&B-oriented -- are among the group's best songs. 
 
 tags: danity kane, dk3, 2014, flac,

April 17, 2026

Joanna Dean - Misbehavin' (1988) ☠

*First pressing. 
Contains 9 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: 835 272-2
 
 
☠: Selected by Lass
© 1988 Polydor
Throughout music's history, without concerning genres, there have been countless of first timers that went up to be last timers, meaning did a single thing once only to be through with pretty fast and retiring. What happened with Joanna Dean, one of many US female vocalists aiming for the glory in the name of Rock N' Roll, was nearly the same as what I have just described, yet with a small twist in the plot. After her debut solo album, named "Misbehavin'", which was originally released in 1988 via Polydor Records, Dean formed BAD ROMANCE, a Hard Rock band that turned out to be a short lived venture that only released a single album in 1991. Yesterrock Records decided to head back and remaster Dean's debut album in order to let you boys and girls the true feel of Southern / Blues Hard Rock / Rock N' Roll and let you have a piece of the pie of history. One has to remember his / her roots before heading over to the new things barging over and over. Trust that "Misbehavin'" will show at least some of the good old flavour of old school Hard Rock with a lot of attitude.

Following the first tunes of "Misbehavin'", I have to admit that fell for Dean. With her rough and raspy tones in the vocal alley of Janis Joplin, Leather Leone and some of Doro Pesch, there is something sexy about her vocals that drew me even more. On the other hand, her tunes were rather ordinary, even with some great thrills that I found appealing, Dean pretty much reprised herself more than enough with the same kind of riffing and vibes. The music itself appeared general and pretty easy, solid Hard Rock with flakes of Southern Rock / Country music and energies of 70s Rock N' Roll. Let's say that nothing was too demanding over here, just plain fun in the sun, like a something good to have a drive by. Nevertheless, I liked the Bluesy and Rocking sensation following every song and the rough submission Dean's Southern accent, which was strapped onto each tune with love. Without a doubt this chick has quite dominance and it would have been great checking her out performing live. "Burning Rubber" shaped a little as a light Metal song that reminded me some of the great hits of several great American bands, especially with that bombastic opening riffing and thumping. Dean's vocals were divine, just in any track on this release. Near its end there is an attractive riffing that even if it was simple, it was just in time. "Ready For Saturday Night" must have been the album's single back in the day, a winning chip of great quality and I presume in commercialized standards. "Once Is Enough" is the soft spot of the album, a nice delivered ballad with a lot of heart and plenty of pains.

Once again Yesterrock Records did the honors for a rather forgotten artist. I sure hope that the old US scene in the South didn't forget Joanna Dean, because it would be a shame if they did even if artists like Dean spread like flies. This album isn't too special or overly thrilling but it is still good. Solid Hard Rock flavored attributed to a wonderful vocalist.
 
 tags: joanna dean, misbehavin, 1988, flac,

Romeo's Daughter - Romeo's Daughter (1988) ☠

*U.S. first pressing. 
Contains 10 tracks total.
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: 1135-2-J
 
 
☠: Selected by Lass
© 1988 Jive Records
 The lineup for the eponymously titled debut album by Romeo's Daughter was Leigh Matty (vocals), Craig Joiner (guitar and vocals), Tony Mitman (keyboards), Ed Poole (bass), and Andy Wells (drums). The album was partly produced by John "Mutt" Lange, the former husband of band manager Olga Lange, who was perhaps more famous for being married to Shania Twain although his production credits also included many other rock bands from Def Leppard to AC/DC. The remainder of the album was produced by John Parr of "St. Elmo's Fire" fame. The first single released from the album was "I Cry Myself to Sleep" which never charted in the U.K. Perhaps the most famous song on the album was "Heaven in the Back Seat" which was used on the soundtrack to Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child. The only single to break into the U.S. chart was "Don't Break My Heart" which could only reach a high of 73. Although receiving critical acclaim the album never achieved any success in the U.K. chart, and it also only reached number 191 in the U.S. Despite the lack of chart success, Romeo's Daughter has obviously not gone totally unnoticed. Several songs from the album have been covered by other bands including "Wild Child," that was recorded by Heart on their album Brigade, "Heaven in the Back Seat," which was re-recorded by Eddie Money on his album Right Here, Bonnie Tyler, who included "I Cry Myself to Sleep at Night" on the album Angel Heart, and even Steps, who included "Stay with Me Tonight" retitled as "Stay with Me" on the album Step One. 
 
tags: romeos daughter, romeos daughter album, 1988, flac,

Romeo's Daughter - Delectable (1993)

*U.S. first pressing. 
Contains 10 tracks total. 
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: CDMFN 153
 
© 1993 Music For Nations
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: romeos daughter, delectable, 1993, flac,

KingOfTheHill - KingOfTheHill (1991)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: CDP-95827
 
© 1991 SBK Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: king of the hill, king of the hill album, self titled, 1991, flac,

April 16, 2026

Sammy Hagar - VOA (1984)

*U.S. first pressing. 
Contains 8 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: 9 24043-2
 
© 1984 Geffen Records
Evidently, being kicked out of Van Halen revitalized Sammy Hagar, since Marching to Mars is among his best solo albums. A lean, tough collection of by-the-books hard-rockers, Marching to Mars stands out because of its immediate sound and Hagar's sense of purpose. He's out to prove himself, to illustrate that he wasn't just Van Halen's mouthpiece or a blowhard. Subtlety still remains a weak point with Hagar, but he's rarely sounded quite as convincing as he does here, tearing through a set of surprisingly well-written songs with such guest artists as Huey Lewis, Slash, Mickey Hart, and Bootsy Collins. There's still a handful of weak moments, but the record is one of his strongest, and with bluesy cuts like "Little White Lie," it's also one of his more ambitious. 
 
 tags: sammy hagar, voa, 1984, flac,

Sammy Hagar - Marching To Mars (1997)

*U.S. first pressing.
Contains 11 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: TRKD-11627
 
© 1997 MCA Records
Evidently, being kicked out of Van Halen revitalized Sammy Hagar, since Marching to Mars is among his best solo albums. A lean, tough collection of by-the-books hard-rockers, Marching to Mars stands out because of its immediate sound and Hagar's sense of purpose. He's out to prove himself, to illustrate that he wasn't just Van Halen's mouthpiece or a blowhard. Subtlety still remains a weak point with Hagar, but he's rarely sounded quite as convincing as he does here, tearing through a set of surprisingly well-written songs with such guest artists as Huey Lewis, Slash, Mickey Hart, and Bootsy Collins. There's still a handful of weak moments, but the record is one of his strongest, and with bluesy cuts like "Little White Lie," it's also one of his more ambitious. 
 
tags: sammy hagar, marching to mars, 1997, flac,

Sammy Hagar & The Waboritas - Red Voodoo (1999)

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: TRKD 11872
 
© 1999 MCA Records
When Sammy Hagar's 11 years with Van Halen came to an end, he delivered some of the best solo albums of his career. The rocker's post-Van Halen albums weren't much different from his pre-Van Halen albums of the late '70s and early to mid-'80s -- Hagar was still playing the type of commercial hard rock and arena rock that put him on the map, and he was doing so with a lot of conviction. The Californian was in his early fifties when Red Voodoo came out in 1999, but it hardly sounds like the work of someone who was mellowing with age. Ballsy, in-your-face rockers like "Mas Tequila" (which incorporates Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll, Part 2"), "Don't Fight It (Feel it)," "Shag," and the AC/DC-ish "High and Dry Again" are oozing with confidence -- in fact, it's almost as though Hagar is shaking his fist at the Van Halen brothers and letting them know that he can do quite well without them, thank you. To some proponents of '90s alternative rock, Hagar and other arena rock veterans were anachronistic -- and, to be sure, this CD won't win any awards for being innovative or groundbreaking. Nonetheless, Red Voodoo is among the most passionate, focused, and inspired albums of Hagar's career.
 
 tags: sammy hagar, the waboritas, red voodoo, 1999, flac,

April 13, 2026

Sammy Hagar - Sammy Hagar (I Never Said Goodbye) (1987)

*U.S. first pressing. 
Contains 10 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: 9 24144-2
 
© 1987 Geffen
Sammy Hagar, the singer's last solo album, was released a year after his first album with Van Halen, 1986's 5150. Although it charted the highest of any of his records, peaking at number 14, it wasn't as successful as his three previous albums, suffering from a slick, synthesized production and a lack of consistent material. The power ballad "Give to Live" was a hit and a couple of the rockers raised above the pedestrian level, yet the overall product was rather faceless. Perhaps sensing the lackluster quality of the record, Hagar launched an MTV promotion to re-title the record; the winning entry was I Never Said Goodbye, and titled that way in subsequent pressings. The 1994 Unboxed compilation also called the album I Never Said Goodbye, not Sammy Hagar. 
 
 tags: sammy hagar, i never said goodbye, 1987, flac,

SouthGang - Tainted Angel (1991)

*U.S. first pressing. 
Contains 11 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: 2-91639
 
© 1991 Charisma
*No professional reviews are available for this release. 
 
tags: south gang, southgang, tainted angel, 1991, flac,

Warren DeMartini - Crazy Enough To Sing To You (1996)

*Released in 1996 by Polydor for the Japanese market. 
Contains 11 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hard Rock
Label Number: POCP-7190
 
© 1996 Polydor
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: warren demartini, crazy enough to sing to you, 1996, flac,

April 05, 2026

Black Funeral - Vampyr - Throne of The Beast (1997 Reissue)

*Reissued in 1997 by Full Moon Productions
This pressing contains 8 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Black Metal
Label Number: FMP005
 
© 1995-1997 Full Moon Productions
*No professional reviews are available for this release
 
 tags: black funeral, vampyr, throne of the beast, 1995, 1997, reissue, flac,

Black Funeral - Empire of Blood (1997)

*First pressing. 
 Contains 11 tracks total.
Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Black Metal
Label Number: FMP 014
 
© 1997 Full Moon Productions
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: black funeral, empire of blood, 1997, flac,

Kriegsmaschine - Prism: Archive 2002-2004 (2014)

Country: Poland
Language: English, Polish (polski)
Genre: Black Metal
Label Number: NS-02
 
© 2014 No Solace
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
tags: kriegsmaschine, prism archive 2002 2004, 2014, flac,

March 18, 2026

Opal - Happy Nightmare Baby (1987)

*U.S. first pressing. 
Contains 9 tracks total. 
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Neo-Psychedelia
Label Number: SST CD 103
 
© 1987 SST Records
At once drowsy, psychedelic, entrancing, and possessed of a sinuous spark, Happy Nightmare Baby may have been Opal's only album but deserves more attention than merely being a blueprint for Roback's later work in Mazzy Star. For one thing, Opal was very much its own band, with Kendra Smith's particular lyrical visions of mystic power and universe-scaling dreams and nightmares its own entity. As is her singing, though she's got less of Hope Sandoval's wistful drift and more focused control -- check out the brief "A Falling Star," where the comparatively stripped-down arrangement places her singing in the foreground, notably without much in the way of echo. Roback's playing certainly won't surprise anyone per se who backtracks to this group from albums like She Hangs Brightly, and the atmosphere of textured, moody power is evident right from the start with the wonderful early T. Rex tribute, "Rocket Machine." The compressed string swirl and steady stomp is pure Marc Bolan-via-Tony Visconti, though Smith avoids Bolan's style of warble for her own cool, something also quite evident on the slow-groove stomp of the great "She's a Diamond" and the concluding "Soul Giver." Meanwhile, other familiar elements Roback would later use are present aplenty -- very Ray Manzarek-like organ lines on the mantra-chugs of "Magick Power" and "Siamese Trap," compressed acid rock solos and lots of reverb. The title track itself stands out a bit as being a bit more of a '60s Europop confection in a stripped-down 1968 setting -- Roback's electric guitar adds some fire, but it's the slightly jazz-tinged rhythm and easy delivery from Smith that helps establish its own character. It's a release that stood out both in time and place (a 1987 release on SST Records, of all places!), but it stands up to future years and listens darn well. 
 
 tags: opal, happy nightmare baby, 1987, flac,

London Grammar - If You Wait (2013)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Indie Pop
Label Number: MADART1
 
© 2013 Metal & Dust/Ministry of Sound
English trio London Grammar have quietly amassed a body of atmospheric, electronic pop material since they first posted "Metal & Dust" on the internet in 2012. Partnered with an appearance on Disclosure's Mercury-nominated album Settle, the Nottingham University alumni had set the internet hype machine in motion, less than a year after forming. With obvious nods to the unfussy, reverbed guitar motifs of the xx, alongside Hannah Reid's beautiful, emotive vocal ability -- which rises and falls with an alarmingly disarming effect -- the album is a practice in refrain, where each song is pushed to the brink of an inevitable climax and achingly, no further. The percussive production, synths, and basslines provided by multi-instrumentalist Dot Major, build on this sense of drama and urgency and are displayed perfectly in one of the highlights of the record, "Wasting My Young Years." Its throbbing chorus is chastened by the slow-burning synths and guitars that come together with stunning results when coupled with Reid's vocal delivery. The obvious confidence Reid has in her own voice belies the apparent vulnerability in the words she sings throughout, and the piano ballad "Strong" is testament to the loneliness and heartbreak that encapsulates the brooding feel of the album, which conflicts with the almost upbeat, danceable moments scattered amongst "Flickers" and "Stay Awake." They pay homage to their electronic influences mid-album with a rework of Kavinsky's "Nightcall" that unfolds gently into one of the most boisterous cuts on the record. It's no surprise that Reid's strong vocals are at the forefront of London Grammar's sound, and her voice dominates their music in much the same way as Florence Welch's does in Florence + the Machine. However, although at times they come close to overshadowing the subtle instrumentation provided by Major and Dan Rothman, it’s actually the intrinsic balance between the contributions of all three that defines their sound. 
 
tags: london grammar, if you wait, 2013, flac,

London Grammar - Truth Is a Beautiful Thing (2017)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Indie Pop
Label Number: 0602557593242
 
© 2017 Ministry of Sound/Metal & Dust
Four years after their debut, English trio London Grammar returned with their sophomore set, Truth Is a Beautiful Thing, featuring production by Jon Hopkins (Imogen Heap, Coldplay), Paul Epworth (Florence + the Machine, Adele), and Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sia). Once again, vocalist Hannah Reid takes center stage with her powerful, angelic instrument, which can stir the soul at the smokiest depths before jolting everything to the heavens in a fashion much like Florence Welch or Annie Lennox. Dan Rothman and Dominic Major provide lush accompaniment to Reid's voice, creating a gorgeous cinematic landscape that ranges from dreamlike wisps to fully enveloping grandeur. The first half of the album takes time to pick up, as Reid slowly eases listeners into "Wild Eyed," an expansive moment that recalls 2013's "Hey Now." The thumping heartbeat of "Oh Woman, Oh Man" gives the band equal time to shine. Other highlights include the throbbing "Non Believer," the uplifting Florence-esque "Bones of Ribbon," and the sweeping "Leave the War with Me." These tracks provide a much-needed jolt of energy to balance the album's other quieter moments, which tend to lull the listener into a dreamlike haze. While it's an overall relaxing experience, Truth Is a Beautiful Thing is never boring; it's a comforting and often heartbreaking listen that really gets under the skin, especially with Reid's emotive delivery. 
 
 tags: london grammar, truth is beautiful, 2017, flac,