Various Artists - An Apple a Day - The second in the now five volume series of Apple records demos and highlights from RPM records is my favorite in the series. Terrific entries from Gallagher & Lyle; The Iveys (Badfinger); Turquoise (one of my favorite bands); and the previously unknown The U (Don't) Know Who among more. I didn't realize when I ordered it that The Cups "Good as Gold" is on this one. Great song! Tons of highlights here. Highlights include "Black & White Rainbows (Iveys)" and "Woodstock (Turquoise)". Rating 4/5
Blue Oyster Cult - Agents of Fortune - Their fourth album is another solid entry into the band`s discography. "Sinful Love" is a good song, it's interesting as it brings together an influence of Bob Dylan with hints of disco around the edges. "Tattoo Vampire" was the rockingest thing they'd done in years. And of course their big song. Highlights include "[Don't Fear] The Reaper" and "The Revenge of Vera Gemini". Rating 4/5
Chains - Of Death - Drone metal from Slovenia, this is one of Chad Davis' (Hour of 13) many bands. This was a special edition limited to 10 copies (jaw drops). I got the last one. It also came with the two track blood-painted demo CD that was also limited to 10 copies. Not the kind of thing to listen to before bed while reading about sleep paralysis. Highlights include "Anticosmic Void" and "Necromantic Force". Rating 4.5/5
Lord 13 - 2013 - This was one of the best stoner rock albums of 2011, and though no music collection is ever truly complete, certainly no stoner rock collection is complete without this one. A solid album with a few surprises including the appearance of Ben Ward on "Wicked Thing" and a flute-driven campfire acoustic number in album closer "Walking in Sin". Highlights include "Grind It" and "Fire". Rating 4.5/5the Lord 13 CD came in from Ozium Records and came with the CD below completely free and unannounced. I didn't want it, I didn't ask for it, but hot damn if I ain't happy they gave it to me!
The Brimstone Days - On a Monday Too Early To Tell - This was a complete surprise. With their roots firmly planted in the late 60s this band works through 14 tracks of Hendrix or BOC style rock & roll boogie in the vein of Lord Fowl or Captain Crimson. Phenomenal! This is truly the Golden Age of Swedish rock and roll. Highlights include "Same Old Story" and "I Need Soul". Rating 4.5/5
The Quartet of Woah! - Ultrabomb - This recently reviewed album just came in the mail and it's a package worthy of the epic music found therein. This is really quite a different album with many surprising moments due to each member's unique set of skills and sensibilities. There is enough variation and highlight material to draw the listener back for a long time to come. Highlights include "U Turn" and "The Ultrabomb". Rating 4/5
Thin Lizzy - Vagabonds of the Western World - This is the best of the first three albums. It's definitely the most consistently rocking effort of their early career. The fast songs carry the seeds of "Jailbreak" within them and theslow songs aren't very slow at all. Every song is excellent and Phil Lynott was beginning to come into his own as a visionary songwriter. Highlights include "The Rocker" and "The Hero and the Madman". Rating 5/5
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