THE WINERY DOGS - Elevate (Single)

Supergroup consisting of Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Transatlantic...), Billy Seehan (Mr Big, DLR, UFO...) and Richie Kotzen (Poison, Mr Big, Vertu...) 

FM - Rockville II (Released: Out Now, Riff City Records)

And here it is the second part of FM's Rockville.This review is for those fanatic fans that didn't enjoy the review of Rockville and decided to raid me with mails... though i said Rockville is a fantastic album.
Rockville II keeps the line of its predecesor though this time production is more elaborated and sound is a little bit smoother with a couple of cuts close to Pop. Lepparian backing vocals have almost disappeared (still can find them on Bad Addiction), keys have a heavier weight and we can also find some programing drums in the instrumental Desolation Station or some arabian arrengements in Runaway Train. Once again no ballads or power-ballads but a precious mid-tempo called Forever And A Day. Interesting is Paradise Highway reminding of Live Is A Highway by Tom Chochrane.

In summary, not a bad album but it fails to reach the excellence of Rockville.

Best Songs (in order of preference)

Guilty
Forever & A Day
Last Chance Saloon

Sound Bites





Links:

http://www.fmofficial.com/fmofficial/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/FMofficial

(Dedicated to MS... Take it easy dude)

FM - Rockville (Released: Out Now, FM Website)

I must admit i wasn't so interested in the latest effort by these guys, specially after listening to the first single Tough Love (nice track but weak chorus), but somehow i decided to give a chance to Rockville and... WOOOOWW!! this is a kick ass album.
Though this work has some modern influences we could describe it as a raw Rock album, strong guitars, some Hammond and what should be a wind section all that mixed with some backing vocals ala-Def Leppard, smooth keys and vocals by Steve Overland in impressive good shape.
Almost everything works in this album, from the first listening it will catch you and you won't be able to stop moving your feet. There are no ballads but some mid-tempos Story Of My Life, Goodbye Yesterday and the beautiful Show Me The Way.
It's sad that an album like this has to be sold by the band through their website (Rockville II will be released through Riff City Records March 22)... no big label to release it? Well, maybe the answer in something that not so long i knew, Antonio L.A. Reid is currently the CEO of Epic Records and that means he is also one of the heads of Sony Music Entertainment... could that be the reason why those big labels only sign R&B, Hip-Hop, Latin acts and they refuse to promote Rock bands?... I think so.

In summary, an excellent album full of Rock & Roll, maybe one of the best in the discography of FM... congrats guys!!

Best songs (in order of preference)

Show Me The Way
Better Late Than Never... (Chorus is killer)
Only Foolin'
Story Of My Life
Crave

Sound Bites








Tough Love (official video)




Links:

http://www.fmofficial.com/fmofficial/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/FMofficial

CLIMIE FISHER - Coming In For The Kill (Released: 1989, EMI)

After an impressive debut album with worldwide hits like Love Changes (Everything) and Rise To The Ocassion, this Pop duo returned with their second and final album introducing some Melodic Rock elements. The album couldn't reach the success of it's predecessor though three singles reached the UK charts, Facts Of Love UK# 50, Fire On The Ocean UK# 89 and It's Not Suppossed To Be That Way UK# 77.
The album reached UK# 35.
Simon Climie is credited as songwriter in massive hits like My Heart Can't Tell You No by Rod Stewart, I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) by George Michael and Aretha Franklin or You're Not Alone by Amy Grant while Rob Fisher was part of Naked Eyes and credited in many songs by Rick Astley
Rob Fisher passed away in 1999. RIP.



Facts Of Love (Official video)




Fire On The Ocean (Official video)

BON JOVI - What About Now (Out Now, Island Records)

After 4 years and inmerse in a wave of declining sales Bon Jovi are back with an album, once again, whitout a clear style. The guys goes Pop, Rock and Country-Folk so for those waiting for two decades for a Hard Rock album by Bon Jovi let me tell you... men, that ain't your album... neither mine. Actually there are some interesting tunes like Pictures Of You or Amen but the core of this album is so impersonal so you could be listening to an album by The Goo Goo Dolls, Mumford & Sons or Fun. instead of Bon Jovi.
Maybe the most interesting thing with this album is that in a few songs David Bryan's keys are back. I must confess that for a bounch of years i came to believe the guy was out of the band 'cause it was difficult to find his keys or piano but it seems the guy is alive and kicking.
All cuts are writen by the guys with some help by Billy Falcon and Desmond Child and the album is produced by Jon, Richie and John Shanks.
In summary, an album that follows new tendencies with vocals by Jon Bon Jovi in good shape, guitars with few distortion and keys coming back to life. Probably this album will reach the top 5 in the US but i do believe that in less than 10 weeks the album will be out the Top 100 albums... another deception by Bon Jovi.

Best Tracks (in order of preference)

Pictures Of You
Amen
Because We Can
Room At The End Of The World

Sound Bites:








Because We Can (Official video)


FUCK VEVO!!

LIONVILLE - II (Release: Nov, 30 - Avenue Of Allies)

As i said a year and a half ago i keep believing that The World Without Your Love was the best melodic rock song from 2011, actually, the whole debut album by these guys is real good so expectation for their new release were too high... and Lionville has succeeded, II is a real good AOR effort.

Stefano Lionetti shows that he's got the touch, the guy has the ability of writing good and catchy tunes while Lars Safsund shines, Pierpaolo Monti grows as drummer doing an elaborate work and Alessandro DelVecchio reaffirms as an excellent keyboardist. But there's a darkest side to this album... sound and guitar work. With a crappy and hilarious budget it's difficult to reach some quality standards, the band achieves it but sometimes deficiences in sound are notable... it would be great to listen to DelVecchio playing an acoustic piano in some tracks or finding some orchestral arrengements. The second negative point is guitar work. As in their debut album, guitar work should be more complex. Guitars sound empty, no catchy riffs, no passionate solos, no anything... actually guitars from song number one could work on song number two, three, six or whatever.
Among others Bruce Gaistch, Peter Friestedt, Robert Sall and Tamara and Bill Champlin are featured in this album. Actually Bill Champlin shares vocals with Safsund in Higher and he is completely burried by Lionsville's singer. This cut sounds more of Pride Of Lions than Lionville and with no doubt is the weakest track in the album despite Safsund vocals are great and an interesting work by DelVecchio reminding of David Paich from Toto.
We have to mention the cover of Waiting For A Star To Fall. Well, not a bad cover but can't reach the brightness of the original by Boy Meets Girl.
The rest of the album is real good with special attention to Another Day, Next to Me, One in a Million and No Turning Back, a monster ballad introducing some beautiful spanish guitar.
Awesome are backing vocals all over the album... 10 out of 10.
Another good album by a band that have just become a benchmark in the european melodic rock scene.

And now instead of blah blah blah about every song take a listen to some sounds:







Links
http://www.lionville.it/site/
http://www.facebook.com/LIONVILLEofficial?ref=ts&fref=ts

ROCK THE NIGHTS is proud to present SHE KING

Anyone following Rock The Nights knows this blog is about Rock music, i've never wrote about or interviewed an act from any other genre but it's time to make an exception. Rarely i get impressed by a newcomer but that's what happened to me when i first listened to She King. Actually, Shawnee, the spirit of She King, is not a newcomer, she has been related to music since she was a child, lately she has been touring with Glass Tiger also was featured in the Then Now Next album by the guys and now she is working hard to make her music reach a wider audience. If there's any common sense in music business big labels will be soon fighting for this woman instead of hiring all that crappy stuff.
In a world where everything sounds the same She King is a breath of fresh air... so spread the word, the name is SHE KING.

I'm Not OK (debut single)




INTERVIEW

Hi Shawnee and thank you for sharing your time with Rock The Nights...

RTN - When you started singing?
SK - I started singing when I was about 4 years my parents recall, I would stand up on picnic tables demand the attention of family and sing out loud.

RTN - Do you remember the frist album you owned?
SK - I think the first album i owned was Jewel but i listen to Melissa Etheridge since i can remember

RTN - If you could choose a song of your life, which one would it be?
SK - Song of my life would be my own song Mirror Me, you would have to listen to understand where im coming from

RTN - What are your roots and main influences?
SK - I started singing as a Shania Twain impersonator that was first job. I then joined a rock band singing Led Zepp and AC/DC cover songs in every rock bar i grew up around. My influences are Melissa Etheridge and P!nk is super hot on stage

RTN - Tell us about your feelings with the release of you first single I'm not Ok...
SK -  I'm Not Ok for me is about embracing that time in your life that everyone goes through where you feel like the whole world is coming down around you. But the trick is to embrace where you stand be strong and believe in a better day.

RTN - Now you are recording vocals for your new song...
SK - Im always recording and writing but yes i have my second single picked out and your are going to love it as much as i do, I cant wait to share it.

RTN - When a full lenght album?
SK - Right now im concentrating on my EP, Ill only show you a little at a time lol

RTN - The main problem with music industry is that most acts sounds the same. First time i listened to you i was impressed by your vocals, your voice has personality... are you free to make the music you like with She King?
SK - For me, i'm not going to lie, there is a bit of a comprising act. But the good thing is that i love all music and i wouldn't release or do anything i was not truly passionate about or else there would be no sense in my doing it. My main focus is my lyrics, I really want people to feel inspired when they listen to what i create and release, thats all i really want.

RTN - What are you thoughts about music bussiness?
SK - Depends on the day. ... lol like everything theres a balance but im happy and thankful to be apart of it.

RTN - Is what you expected?
SK - Im not sure what i expected, I kind of never really thought about it. I just have always worked hard did what i have to do and roll with the punches … so to speak

RTN - How did you and Glass Tiger decided to join forces?
SK - Alan Frew happened to be in the same studio i recorded in and heard one of my songs, he asked who i was, got into contact with me and the rest was history.

RTN - How is working with the guys?
SK - The tour was a great experience I got to meet some really great fans and learn the true art in the touring world

RTN - And how about touring with Roxette and Glass Tiger?
SK - Touring is my favourite part about what i do so for me it was awesome and Roxette puts on such a great show

RTN - Future plans for She King...
SK - 2013 is packed and I cant wait to share all the details you can keep posted on shekingmusic.com I am on my radio promo tour here in Canada promoting my debut single I'm Not Ok I am co-writing for other aritst while im still working on my EP and I will be doing shows as well as some other secret excitement i'll share soon. 







Mirror Me (sneak peak)

                                                                                                                                                                       

Links to She King music:

http://shekingmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Shekingpage/info
http://instagram.com/shekingofficial
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/im-not-ok/id563048996?i=563049004