TESLA - Twisted Wires & the Acoustic Sessions... (Released July 12, 2011)

 

Here we go with the latest by this band from Sacramento, California. TESLA is one of the few bands that has pass the test of time holding its head up but finally they have fall in re-recording their own songs into acoustical. This is not a bad album, actually is one of the best acoustic albums i've ever listened to but what Rock needs are new songs, new music, new sensations to take back the attention of people and not, once again, an unplugged, live or cover versions albums.
The album, properly, is not an unplugged 'cause there are some electric guitars. It's conformed by 9 re-recording tracks, two new song and one cover. First of the new tracks is 2nd Street, a nice song that tastes to the ROLLING STONES. Better Off Without You is the second new song, a melancholic cut with some electric guitars while the other non-TESLA song is I Love You a fantastic cover of this song by CLIMAX BLUES BAND.
The rest of the album are covers of their own songs such as Edison's Medicine, Hang Tough, Shine Away or Song And Emotion. Is important to mention that this album could have some similarities with Five Men Acoustical Jam so none of the songs in this album is repeated in Twisted Wires & the Acoustic Sessions...
In summary, a nice half-unplugged album by a fantastic band though this kind of albums are bored.

More info: http://teslatheband.com/teslatheband/

Charts:

USA # 97

Best Tracks (in order of preference):

Hang Tough

Edison's Medicine

Caught In A Dream

Song And Emotion

Changes

This album is worth of 4 out of 5 ROCKS!!!

AIRRACE - Back to the start (Release: July 1, 2011 EU - Agu 23, 2011 USA)

 

Here we go with the returning of this band after 27 years and first of all let me say something, swear to God that i can't understand why major record labels don't support quality Rock bands like this one. i've got my own theory but it's too long...
Well, the album opens with Keep On Going an energetic and full of melody cut built on keys and solid guitars. Two Of A Kind is pure 80's Rock starting with some guitar chords and plucking that reminds Piece Of Mind by BOSTON though the song grows in a very different direction. When Baby is the reference track of the album and one of the year's AOR songs. This song is full of good vibe, catchy choruses and magnificent keys and backing vocals. Singer Keith Murrell reminds, all through the album, an early Steve Perry with high tone and strong vocals as evident in Call Me Anytime, another highlight that has a 70's vibe thanks to the way the piano is played and the chorus. So Long is a mid-tempo with a perfect conjunction of keys and guitars and with an intro with military rythm built on drums, great song.
Enough Of Your Lovin' and One Step Ahead could perfectly fit into Infinity or Evolution by JOURNEY while What More Do You Want From Me is the perfect end for this great returning.
The rest of the album keeps the same strong and melodic vibe introducing some Hammond keys in cuts like You Better Believe It  with PURPLE reminiscent because of this and the proper songwriting.

The only thing with the album is the sound that could be better. 

Special mention that there's no ballad in this album... but you won't miss it.

In summary, a must have album for all Melodic Rock lovers and even for all music lovers and one of the best returning of the last years. 

Best Tracks (in order of preference):

 When Baby
 Call Me Anytime
 So Long
 One Step Ahead
 Enough Of Your Lovin'

This album is worth of 4.7 out of 5 ROCKS!!!

NEWS:

HOUSE OF LORDS will be back in September with a new album entitled Big Money released through Frontiers Records.

EU Sep 23, 2011
USA Sep 27, 2011