Paul Dianno - The Living Dead

60%Al Atikins. Dave Evans. Neil Turbin. Paul Di'Anno. Rod Evans.

If you're a bit of a pop culture nerd, you might recognize the trend in that list: they were all the singers of soon-to-be wildly popular rock bands fired before the bands reached their height.
You may also recognize the outlier: Paul Di'Anno.

As Iron Maiden's first recorded singer, Di'Anno fronted Maiden during their first two albums: "Iron Maiden" and "Killers", both are now considered heavy rock classics (especially "Killers"). The group dumped Paul in favor of the more dramatic Bruce Dickinson, and achieved huge global success. Di'Anno, meanwhile, struggled to achieve any sort of success, either as a solo artist or with a band. He has more or less been reduced to singing for cheap to people wanting an Iron Maiden fix, including singing on Iron Maiden tribute albums (imagine that). But what sets him apart is that those 2 first albums are considered by some to be Maiden's best period, stripped of the bombast which later characterized them and featuring the gritty vocals of Di'Anno.

With his latest release, "The Living Dead", Di'Anno is making another reach at hardcore Maiden fans looking for a dash of nostalgia. The first thing I noticed about this new album is that it's hardly new: while now it's labeled as "The Living Dead" by Paul Dianno (which is not the way he usually spells it, but then again it's not his real name so go figure), it is mostly comprised of the earlier 2000 release of "Nomad" (credited to his namesake band Di'Anno). Odd, isn't it? Though there's new cover art (check the creepy blonde zombie or whatever), most of the rest which isn't on "Nomad" isn't exactly new - it's been released elsewhere or at least recorded a while ago.

The album opens up with a cover of Megadeth's "Symphony of Destruction", which if I'm not mistaken, is culled from "Hangar de Almas", a tribute to Megadeth in which Jeriko contributed this song along with vocals from Di'Anno. It's pretty weird to open up an album with a cover and with a different band that will support the singer through the rest of the album, but I guess that's minor. The major problem with this song is Di'Anno himself: in earlier records his voice strung the balance between handsome and madman, with a gritty but not gruff vocal tone. In this song, that all gets thrown out the window in favor of a much more "hardcore" approach. The results, including some quasi-death metal vocals, are almost embarassing. The band plays the song well enough, if missing a bit of Marty Friedman's fire in the solos. Also they add a nice if unnecessary extended coda to the song.

The next song, the title track, is a power ballad, slowing everything down at first, featuring acoustic guitars and pianos. Thankfully, Di'Anno goes to a much more relaxed and much more pleasent tone. Finally, the song reaches into keyboard-soaked "hard" section and Di'Anno's gritty vocal tone which characterized him hits at full force.

On the more up-tempo songs, however, Di'Anno seems compelled at going for the death metal-ish growls, which just don't work for him. The band plays a thrash-informed NWOBHM style which is competent but far from magnificent. Di'Anno and the rest probably sound best during the slower numbers, and Paul seems more compelled to do what he does good during these songs.

The lyrics are generally not spectacular and sometimes cringe-inducing ("S.A.T.A.N."? Come on.) There is a dearth of good riffs and choruses, which could have saved the album. Di'Anno's singing is both good just because it's good but also good as a nice dose of nostalgia. He takes a few risks (the already discussed growl and some shots at falsetto). While that is commendable and all, the problem is that he doesn't really pull it off. He's talented and versatile, but he's not that talented and versatile. He's not Phil Anselmo. The album hits when it tries for quasi-power ballads or the soft-intro-to-loud-main-part bit that seems to be in every other Maiden song nowdays (ironically this almost never happened when Paul was actually in the band). And maybe part of the problem is how heavy and inaccesible it is, relatively speaking. Iron Maiden is not a really heavy band, but they are sometimes inaccesible because of their prog tendencies. Di'Anno seemed to balanced it out with a more punk-flavored Maiden, but here, none of that is present in favor of tried-and-true metal with nothing the least inventive about it. Sure, it's competently played and sung by one of the more important voices of the NWOBHM, but that's it.

For people who own Nomad, this is pretty much entirely worthless unless you really despereatly need the three or four "new" songs thrown in. But if you see this in the bargain bin and have a rush of nostalgia and curiousity to see what Paul is up to, go ahead, pick it up. Paul makes both a conscious attempt to establish himself apart from "the Beast" and to reach out to their fans, since, let's face it, they are his primary audience. Featuring a few old Maiden cuts live at the end ("Remember Tomorrow", one of his most impressive songs vocally, and "Sanctuary", which with it's almost punk-ish riffing characterized Paul Di'Anno's time in Maiden best as the "unrefined" portion of a band that is for the most part "refined", in a way) and a bonus DVD set in '79 can either be considered a fan service or a desperate grab at money using his past, or perhaps even both. The old Maiden cuts are excellent for the most part, they are classic songs and they are performed and recorded well, although perhaps they underscore the difference in quality songs from the first two Iron Maiden albums and this CD we have here. While it's commendable that Paul is trying to establish his own sound, it is unfortunate that the most glaring flaw of this album is quite simple and related: there is no Steve Harris songwritng, there is no Dave Murray on guitar. This is not Iron Maiden, nor is it near Maiden quality. In particular there is just a general lack of good songwriting and good songs on this album. Di'Anno is a great singer, but he needs the right backing and the right lyrics to establish his potential. Without great songwriting, Di'Anno is just a good singer. With it, he can be a legend. Sadly, it's not here.

-Luis

Michael Franti & Spearhead - Yell Fire!

74%
There's certain music that we all like despite the artist. For me, I was always a big fan of "Black Star" by Yngwie Malmsteen, even though he just happens to be the single biggest asshole in the universe (and I mean that quite literally, it's a proven scientific fact).

A lot of times for Michael Franti, unfortunatly, it's the opposite. He's got such an idealistic message, such an honest genre-mixing attitude, such a serious committment to his ideas and overall, he just seems like such a nice guy that it's hard not to want to like his music. A lot of times, Franti makes it easy by making awesome, soulful and enlighting music - take for example, "Sometimes" on 2001's "Stay Human". Other times, however, he falters.

As Franti returned from a 2004 trip to war-torn regions of Iraq, Israel, and Palestine, he came to the conclusion that people over there didn't want to hear that many more songs about war; instead, they wanted to celebratory music.

As such, the album is suprisingly light for the most part, stepping into balladry now and then, but avoiding any real darkness. Franti gets a crucial assist from the legendary Jamaican rhythm section of Sly & Robbie on most of the songs on the album, their contribution along with his backing band's consistentcy through bass player Carl Young, drummer Manas Itene, and guitarist Dave Shul.

Backed by a Chuck D-inspired booming yet with such a ... brotherly quality to it, Franti's assertions of peace, respect, equality and the legalization of marijuana (just as examples of this highly topical album) seem earnest and convincing (whether they are values to be agreed on is another debate).

The album is at it's best on it's faster moments, including the opener "Time to go Home", the more straightforward reggae of "Hey Now Now". Both Franti and Spearhead probably are at their best when playing reggae with elements of soul, and they still may be one of reggae's most talented acts.

It's weaker moments are when Franti tries to write 80's rock-inflected ballads that sound like second-rate U2. They are decent, but certainly not exciting.

And that last sentence may sum up this album at it's best: good, but just not excitingly so. Franti seems to make music only as a vehicle for his political message, which in of itself is completely open to interpretation and subjectivity. Franti is a good songwriter but he is by no means genius, and his inability to really make a song hit home is what ultimately holds back the album: it's an attempt at a celebration, but it's not inspiring in any way. The overall concept of this record is as likeable as the artist, but you really would have liked for a little better execution.

-Luis

Motörhead - Kiss of Death

77%
Motörhead continues an impressive run, delivering new material after only 2 years. The reason it's so impressive is because they've been on this pace for about 30 years now and lead singer / bassist Lemmy Kilmister is 61 years old. His trademark gruff voice remains in top form, it's quite a miracle he hasn't shredded his throat by now. Their hard living lifestyles haven't slowed Motörhead down, which in of itself is impressive.

Another impressive thing about Motörhead is their unrelenting insistence on the trademark loud and fast rock music they have always adhered to. From the opener, "Sucker", we are treated to a hard song playing at a punk-ish tempo, with Lemmy's voice delivering lines convincingly. Although the "classic" line-up featured Lemmy with the now-retired "Fast" Eddie Clarke on guitar and "Philthy Animal" Taylor on drums, their current line-up may be their second-most important; it features Mikkey Dee on drums and Phil Campbell on guitar. Motörhead has never been the most technicly advanced band in the world, but they never needed to be. Devoid of the over-bombastic stylings of some heavy metal or prog rock, Motörhead's punishing musical attack is best for people who don't like overthinking their rock music.

Most songs are short, and the album as a whole is good, if a little too predictable. Even the kinds of ideas that may have at some point suprised us, like their acoustic song ("Whorehouse Blues") on their last album, aren't suprising anymore (here it's the pseudo-power ballad type of thing on "God Was Never on your Side").

Some songs are a tad bitter darker than average Motörhead, with even gruffer vocals and heavier riffs ("Living in the Past"). For the most part, it's all expertly done Motörhead stuff. The main problem is that it's not particularly outstanding when compared to anything else from their catalog and it's pretty predictable, all in all. However, you'd have to think that this is exactly the way you would want them to be playing - at this stage they cannot suddenly indulge in 8 minute keyboard solos or take stabs at rap-metal - Motörhead has to be Motörhead, and we wouldn't want it other way.

The riffing is furious - for that I give a lot of credit to Campbell, but his solos are pretty meh. There is essentially no filler but hardly anything truly great - it's a pretty well done and cool package, but the fact that it doesn't hit too many high points may make it frustrating for some. Lemmy's lyrics can go along with "sex and drugs and rock n' roll" pretty well for the most part, except for the reflective "God Was Never on Your Side". I've said it before and I'll keep saying it: Lemmy writes the smartest dumb lyrics ever.

Truthfully, there's not too much to say about this album.If you like Motörhead (and if you have any common sense, you do) you'll like this CD. If you don't, you won't. It's as simple as that. Motörhead isn't out to suprise anyone, it's out to please the fans. This means that the few weaklings in this world who still do not like them won't suddenly convert. The rest of us, however, can enjoy another fine ride of good, loud and fast rock music.

-Luis

Ian Gillan - Gillan's Inn

72%
Although it's hard to tell from the inexplicably lame (and almost disturbing) cover, Ian Gillan is the legendary voice behind British hard rock icons Deep Purple (though he was also known for a one year stint with Black Sabbath and the leading role in "Jesus Christ Superstar"). This album follows a recent trend for older rock stars where small side projects are released as a way to keep diehard fans happy, although it seems they are not intended for the main part of their personal canon. Ex-bandmate Richie Blackmore did it earlier this year as Blackmore's Night (where he re-recorded the Deep Purple classic "Child in Time"), and here Ian has made an album completely comprised of re-recorded takes on some classic songs, both from his time in Deep Purple and his solo catalog (a career retrospective, as he calls it).

Gillan has enlisted some famous friends (Satriani, Iommi, Dio) to spice things up and bring a little new life into the old songs. The songs have a really polished feel to them, which may be a disappointment to some, but in a way it also adds more new sound to the old songs. Gillan has lost a step with age, unfortunatly, but he obviously still is an amazing singer. It's hard not to feel a rush of excitement when he really goes for the high stuff. "Bluesy Blue Sea", a song from his solo career now re-recorded with Iron Maiden guitarist Janick Gers, is the first song where he hits higher notes, and is greatly aided by a backing which sounds great and a nice solo from Janick.

Probably the main draw for listeners is the appearance of great guitarists playing the old songs, and thankfully the names don't dissapoint. For example, ex-Scorpions guitarist Uli John Roth adds a lot of new life to "Day Late and a Dollar Short". Although perhaps the most exciting name in the group is Joe Satriani. Best known as an instrumental rock virtuoso, "Satch" also filled in for Ritchie Blackmore during a Deep Purple tour back in the days, though he never recorded with them. Satriani is in 3 songs on here, and it's nice to hear him in a more rock band song context than a guitar virtuoso instrumental rock setting.

Ian also teams up with a few other old bandmates: ex-Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord on "Men of War" and his old Deep Purple rhythm section of Ian Paice and Roger Glover on four songs. Other former, although less "classic", bandmates join Ian, such as the beformentioned Satriani, Tony Iommi (from Ian's stinit in Sabbath), Steve Morse (Deep Purple's new guitarist), and Michael Lee Jackson (from Ian's solo band).

The new take on the Deep Purple classic "Speed King", featuring Satriani, is lackluster (especially since Gillan doesn't recreate his performance well enough). However the new take on the megaclassic, iconic song, "Smoke on the Water" (featuring essentially the rest of the current Deep Purple line-up), feels right and sounds inspired if not especially different than before. Morse's new solo and a new drum part (is that a conga?) sound good in the midst of the legendary riff, and Ian sounds as good as he did originally.

The good thing is the songs are obviously compelling, the musicianship is excellent, and the production beats any 1970's production. The bad thing obviously, is you're just getting a bunch of old songs that do not sound especially different than beforen (and you're most likely to just prefer the originals). As such, it's pretty much either for diehard fans, or perhaps for newcomers to get a taste of Ian Gillan (especially his solo career). A nice addition is the DVD portion of the album, on the flipside of the CD (it's a DualDisc). I think for a lot of people, actually seeing Iommi or Satriani along with Gillan is cooler than just listening to it. Overall, it's non-essential, but it delivers on it's premise.

-Luis