NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"CALIFORNICATION"   1999     AROUND THE WORLD - A frenetic start to the album with the usual Rap Funk Rock as is the Chilis well known style.  With the searing guitar riffs, pumping percussion and Anthony Kiedis' variety of vocal styles this is the perfect beginning. PARALLEL UNIVERSE - With its unusual Europop throbbing Electro beat merging into the blasting Hard Rock chorus.  Clever, experimental and top stuff. SCAR TISSUE - One of my favourite Chili's tracks.  A laid back almost Acoustic Blues Rock track with a little Folk style vocals.  Awesome anthemic guitars.     OTHERSIDE - A classy Alternative Rock track, almost Grunge style of the 90s.  This apparently deals with addicts' problems with their previous addictions.  A dark meaning but a great song. GET ON TOP - Classic Chili Peppers simialr to "Give It Away", hard Funk Rock with Rap interludes and exquisite funky bass from Flea. CALIFORNICATION - On

"RING RING" 1973 RING RING - The title track is one of the earlier memorable songs from the Abba catalogue.  A perfect slice of Europop which gave Abba their breakthrough in several European countries at the start of their career.  A simple mid tempo musical backing with one of those classic, memorable, catchy choruses for which the band became famous, made this a great start of this Pop phenomenon.     ANOTHER TOWN, ANOTHER TRAIN - A melancholic, gentle Folk Pop ballad.  Laid back, melodic, easy listening track that lilts along nicely.  Bjorn Ulvaeus takes lead vocals with the usual singing ladies, Agentha Faltskog and Anni-frid Lyngstad backing up on the simplistic chorus. DISILLUSION - The only Abba released song to have a songwriting credit to Agnetha.  She takes lead vocals too on this rather beautiful Pop ballad.  A really nice song giving Agnetha full rein to guide it with her vocals. PEOPLE NEED LOVE - A Folk Pop track with a Euro influence.  The debut single when

"STONEFIELD" 2013 C'MON - This debut album by the female Australian Rock quartet opens with a sassy bluesy style Progressive Rock sound.  It is a blistering opener with powerful vocals and crashing guitars and drums reminiscent of the late 60s, early 70s vibe. LOVE YOU DESERVE - This track has a distinct Classic Rock vibe with a hint of Glam Rock.  Another superb track that is akin to an accomplished band of many years but for this young band its incredible.   PUT YOUR CURSE ON ME - This Led Zeppelin style track packs a punch with some awesome guitars.  Another gem.   OVER AND OVER - A cool, lid back, sleazy backing gives an almost Blues edge to this Classic Rock track.  A favourite of mine. TO THE MOUNTAINS - The first track that has a Pop Rock style and its another slice of mature Rock by the girls.  Its a radio friendly track in the vein of Pat Benatar.  Class. DIGGIN' MY WAY OUT - A genre mix of Goth, Progressive and Psychedelic Rock.  Pounding drums, eerie

"BOSSA510" 2015    BOSSA510 - The debut album from John Vargas' all star multi-talented ensemble kicks off with a funky bass and guitar intro which moves into Jazz Funk seamlessly incorporating some 90s style Hip Hop.  David Vargas (known as D-Varg and John's son) provides the cool, summery rapping while R n' b star Jamillions provides some chilled vocals.  It would almost be the perfect Pop song but the twist of Randy Merril's flugelhorn makes it just that little bit more unique.   COME WITH ME - A delightful Latin Jazz style track that again infuses Rap and the Bossa style.  A lot slower pace than the previous track with some beautiful Soul vocals from Nikki Rey fronting a lisght, laid back backing.  D-Varg again provides the Rap sections while Nikki harmonises in support.  A really nice chilled song.  Actually reminds me a little of LL Cool J tracks from the late 80s.   OCEAN BREEZE - Feeling like you are chilling out on a beach taking in the cool breeze

 "STEEL BLOSSOMS" 2019   YOU'RE THE REASON I DRINK - Sara Zebley and Hayley Prosser are Steel Blossoms bringing the Country back with their self titled album.  The opening track is a jaunty, happy number that belies its pretty harsh lyrics about becoming an alcoholic thanks to a lover! These ladies kick it hard Country style but they aren't afraid of provocative lyrics.  Great opening track of classic old style Country.   REVENGE - Such a beautiful track,  almost a 60s style Progressive Rock track. There is an element of Gothic imagery with the melancholic, moody stance.  The vocals are exquisite with such emotion and its a diverse change from the opening track.  Very cool.   TRAILER NEIGHBOR - This track takes us back to Country and a quirky, humorous description of the gossiping trailer neighbour.  Its funny and a bright song with a sweet chorus and great melodies. COUNTY LINE - Another slower tempo track, and another gorgeously sung song.  It has an almost Blue