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,

March 11, 2026

Call Me - Call Me (1981)

*Reissued on CD for the first time in 1992 by RCA Victor. 
This pressing contains 10 tracks total.
Country: Germany
Language: English 
Genre: Pop Rock
Label Number: PL 28482
 
© 1981-1992 RCA Victor
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: call me, call me album, call me band, 1981, 1992, flac,

Black - Black (1991)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Pop Rock, Acoustic
Label Number: 75021 5365 2
 
© 1991 A&M Records
Colin Vearncombe, otherwise known as Black, often writes songs that are suitable for candlelit dinners. They are usually quiet and move at a slow pace that would test the attention spans of radio programmers. However, Black's self-titled 1991 album will leave patient listeners with much to feast on. Vearncombe has a deep, plaintive croon that sounds like a cross between the Lover Speaks' David Freeman and Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry. The mellow, jazzy rhythms on Black befit his voice; Vearncombe's vocals require moody, relaxed arrangements in order to let the emotions calmly pour out. On "Too Many Times," he sings about his father passing away with subtlety and palpable regret. Like "Too Many Times," "Feel Like Change" and "Here It Comes Again" unfold with a snail's velocity; nevertheless, they are beautifully sung and stylishly composed. "Fly Up to the Moon," a duet between Vearncombe and Sam Brown, has a deceptively romantic chorus. The protagonist in "Fly Up to the Moon" dreams of escaping his troubled world, but his lover refuses to join him in the track's startling conclusion: "and if I should fly/only you, you/there's only you/that would say goodbye." The refreshingly upbeat piano of "She's My Best Friend" might appeal to fans of Fra Lippo Lippi. There's only song worth skipping on Black: the leaden "Learning How to Hate." The understated hooks on Black may not be heard on first listen; however, they become loud and clear after repeated spins.

tags: black, black album, self titled, 1991, flac,

March 03, 2026

Julian Lennon - The Secret Value of Daydreaming (1986)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Pop Rock
Label Number: CASCD 1171
 
© 1986 Virgin/Charisma
On The Secret Value of Daydreaming, the follow-up to his successful debut, Julian Lennon emphasizes his mainstream pop leanings by adding a tighter, more polished production which brings out the best in his songs. That is, it does when the songwriting is up to par. Lennon had some difficulty producing a consistent set of songs for his second album, with only a handful of tracks -- including the hit "Stick Around" -- standing out amidst the slick, immaculately produced material. 
 
tags: julian lennon, the secret value of daydreaming, 1986, flac,

Julian Lennon - Mr. Jordan (1989)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Pop Rock
Label Number: 7 81928-2
 
© 1989 Atlantic
Julian Lennon did an about-face on Mr. Jordan, abandoning the polished mainstream pop of his first two albums for a darker, more rock-oriented sound. Lennon also changed his style of singing, choosing a deeper timbre that was eerily reminiscent of David Bowie -- which was appropriate, because the thick guitars that dominated the album were reminiscent of a kinder variation on Bowie's early-'70s hard rock. Although Lennon's new sound was promising, he only came up with one song, the minor hit "Now You're in Heaven," that could support his musical visions. 
 
 tags: julian lennon, mr jordan, 1989, flac,

February 28, 2026

Wiseguys - Process of Elimination - The Unreleased E.P. (Limited Edition) (2017) ⚓

This limited edition green-gold vinyl pressing 
is restricted to 120 copies & contains six tracks recorded during 
the 1996 "In Tha Company of Killaz" album sessions. 
The material was officially released for the first time 
as a complete E.P. in 2017 on LP & CD 
by Chopped Herring Records. 
Photos of the record are included in the RAR file.


Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Hip-Hop
Style: Mafioso Rap, Gangsta Rap 
Label Number: CHWI5EGUY501
 
© 2017 Chopped Herring Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release. 
 
tags: wiseguys, process of elimination, the unreleased ep, limited edtion, 2017, 1996, flac, vinyl,

February 27, 2026

Rosetta Stone - An Eye For The Main Chance (1994 Reissue)

*Reissued in 1994 by Minority/One Records
This pressing contains 12 tracks total 
and non-remastered audio.
A photo of the disc is included in the RAR file. 
 
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Gothic Rock
Label Number: MIN01 CD
 
© 1991-1994 Minority/One Records
*No professional reviews are available for this release.
 
 tags: rosetta stone, an eye for the main chance, 1991, 1994, reissue, flac,