OK, this release is obviously gonna piss off a lot of Styx fans ... and, at the same time make some nod in agreement that it is an interesting outting. You see, and oddly enough, the best remakes on this 'Regeneration: Volumes 1+2' CD are those done by DeYoung replacement Lawrence Gowan! The track 'Queen of Spades' clearly the best song on this compilation, in my humble opinion, of course.

Tommy's regenerated songs (especially 'Too Much Time on My Hands') just aren't very good, sorry. The overall recording quality is thin and sounds amateur compared to current CD's out there. The production quality is second rate seemingly too. I just don't know why though, unless it was all recorded at home, in the basement, devoid of any and all true recording studIo elements?

Anyway, and aside from that, we do get the Styx music to behold re: soaring vocals, harmonies, power guitar riffs, and solid, catchy rhythms; all produced by someone who knows how to make it sound right - well, for the most part on a good day!

Which makes this latest 'regeneration' of greatest hits just, well, confusing ... and goes a long way to show that, if you'll pardon the HUGE upcoming pun, that they collectively had "too much time on their hands"! I mean, come on now, there are even two Damn Yankees songs on here! Why though?! And they don't compare to the originals, as you'd guess. Sorry guys, but as much as you've always been one of my favorite bands, this just isn't good enough, my friends.

I was pretty hardcore into the trance/house scene from 2001-2003 when I was wrapping up college. Back then deep progressive house reigned supreme with guys like John Digweed, Satoshi Tomiie, Danny Howells, Steve Lawler and many others. Back then I loved Tiesto's Magik and ISOS albums but the two times I saw him live were very underwhelming. After a 7 year lay-off I got back into the dance scene in 2010 only to see how dramatically the landscape has shifted.

When my friends and I heard Tiesto established a monthly residency at the Hard Rock in Vegas, I had to give him one last shot to hear him live. I'm so glad I gave him another chance as not only did he not disappoint but it may have been the best live performance I've seen in the last year topping even Armin and Markus Schulz! What I loved most about his set was that he know longer spun his usual trancy tracks but evolved into a whole new style of uplifting and beaty house.

This album does well in capturing the magic and energy I felt that night I saw him in Vegas. Much like his live set he mixes it up a bit with the happy vocal house tracks along with the some entertaining beat driving progressive tunes that set and sustain your mood throughout the evening. One thing I've noticed since returning to dance is the copious number of songs with uplifting and melodic piano and guitar riffs.

Indeed, this album has plenty of tracks that feature many insatiable piano melodies melded together with well produced electronic beats. I would highlight some of my favorite tracks but I would say overall it's just a magnificent mix.

While I truly appreciate dj's that go out on a limb and like to produce experimental mixes when they release cd's but what I enjoy above anything else is a album that brings me back to how it felt to hear and see that dj perform live. The tone, energy and overal quality of this album is exactly what you should expect when you see him live. Listening to this over and over just excites me to see him at EDC and hopefully one or two more trips to the Hard Rock before the year ends! [JC]

OK, let's get this straight ... and for the record, by NO means is this a piece of classical music which will become iconic! But it certainly is one which displays Paul McCartney's many talents. 'Ocean's Kingdom' can best be described as oceans beauty and tranquility.

The music is subtle yet powerful. The best parallel I can make to it is John William's 'Saving Private Ryan' score where it did not want to become too powerful so it would not take away from its purpose. The same is true for Paul's work here. Paul is making sure that this commissioned work for the New York City Ballet reflects the dance but does not take away from the dance or what the dancers are trying to represent.

Indeed, McCartney uses his tricks of the trade well. It starts out with a sufficiently watery-sounding opening that vaguely recalls the atmosphere of the underwater opening of Wagner's "Rheingold". Dramatic sequences use the percussion section well - tympanis and xylophones beat out rhythmically driving, somehow corporate-sounding themes representing the bad guys in the storyline of the ballet.

But, that all said, I (think I) would need to see this work on stage with the dancers in order to give it two thumbs up as this piece obviously is one which works in an almost ensemble-like way. And, of course, on CD you just cannot experience this. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this work, but it did not take my breath away. However, this is a wonderful piece which anyone would be proud to have in its collection.

Benjamin Scott "Ben" Folds is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and television personality ('The Sing-Off'). A man of many hats, from 1995-2000, Folds was the frontman and pianist of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. But, since the group disbanded, Folds has performed as a solo artist and has toured all over the world.

Having collaborated with musicians from so many genres, from so many continents, now he has sat down and brought us a 3-disc retrospective - one culled together by Folds, and Folds alone ... which is refreshing.

Disc One (aka the entire album if you're just buying the standard set) is a "best of" rather than a "greatest hits," which explains why fan favorites like 'Army' didn't make the cut. The album doesn't suffer from this at all, as it allows the disc to represent Ben's finest work as opposed to his most well known. Not to worry though, as all the "hits" missing here are represented in some shape or form on Discs 2 and 3!

Disc Two is a live disc. The songs and performances are all good choices to be included here, as they capture Ben Folds (Five) at his (their) most energetic,interesting, and most quirky. Lots of good stuff to listen to here.

Disc Three is a disc of rarities, most of which haven't seen the light of day until now. Here you'll find alternate versions of songs, demos, unreleased material, and rare tracks. It's hard to review a disc of material that essentially wasn't meant to be released. A casual fan will probably find this disc unsatisfying, while a veteran fan (such as myself) will find themselves listening for hours and marveling at these recordings.

Demos and unreleased songs reveal aspects of the creative process from the artist that can only truly be appreciated by knowledgeable fans. Die-hards, this disc is for you, and boy does it satisfy. New fans, listen to the first two discs, digest the material, and come back to this later when you're ready. [DR]

On his new disc, Eric Sardinas does one heck of a great job. Covering the full emotion of each and every tune he undertakes, from Delta to full-out hot blues, this rates right up there with Devil's Train as one of my personal favorites.

'Sticks And Stones' (on Mascot Records) allows Sardinas and his trusty, self-modified electric Resonator Guitar to ride alongside his always-cowboy booted feet as the guitarist and Big Motor bring one massive tidal wave of rocked up blues through into your living room, car or personal play house!

His stunning guitar work and bourbon soaked voice are chock full of total rock attitude. Combining with him to bring these blues/rock tunes to life, are bassist Levell Price and drummer Chris Frazier. Both bring a mighty crash to the huge grooves and a hefty amount of deep blues to the gritty riffs.

And yes, for those seeking a more virtuoso guitar performance from Sardinas, there's a few times that the charismatic and uber-skilled six-stringer gets to play with boundless solo enthusiasm. None more so than the full steam ahead instrumental, 'Behind The 8.' A song which not only lets Sardinas burn up his fretboard, but is also a hugely infectious stand-out blues/rock track on this incredible new album.

Well-renowned musician, Popa Chubby is back with a brand new CD. His follow-up to The Fight Is On, Back to New York City is Popa's first North American release (on the Mascot/Provogue label).

If you didn't know, Popa Chubby (yes, yes, I get it, trust me!) actually has a wickedly interesting back story. The death of his father at the age of 7 left him largely to fend for himself. At 18 years-old, he wound up in New York with a debilitating heroin habit. He was left out on the streets in his early twenties while working as a backing for punk-rock poet, Richard Hell!

Now, and after a massive life spent (and survived) inbetween, and at 51 years-old, after coming up through the ashes of the New York blues scene of the early 90's�Mr. Chubby (see, not so funny when introduced that way, is it?!) is still bringing us his trailblazing Blues Rock brand of kick-ass!

From the Hendrix inflected wailings of 'Back To New York City', to the Stevie Ray on steroids texas boogie of 'She Loves Everybody But Me', to the broken-hearted dirge of 'Pound Of Flesh' to the classical melodic strains of urban woe in 'A Love That Will Not Die,' Popa Chubby is back in New York City - and we love him for being so!

The Fairchilds is a band led by French singing/songwriter, Cyril Niccolai. But more than that, the band's classic rock look and sound reveals the influence of some truly great legends of rock music. Sure they have found a cozy home in the belly of that genesis, but at least it's one less conventional than one would expect.

Cyril, a young medical student, allowed himself to accept the beckoning call of the music siren, choosing to ditch the medical profession and opt instead for a rock life - small clubs, small paychecks and, at times, small love given back.

His band�s first album, Our Revolution, is a 12-song powerhouse derived from over 200 songs that Cyril had written. The influences of his aformentioned idols are all over this recording though. Names such as Elvis, U2, Bon Jovi, Guns N� Roses, the Goo Goo Dolls, Muse and many others are so evident there are times when you think it might well be a cover album!

In truth, I have been waiting for quite some time for Mountain, or Leslie West, to reinvent themselves after the departure of Felix Pappalardi/Gail Collins. And, thankfully for all us fans, ... the time is NOW!

In fact, it turned uut all Leslie needed was a little help from his friends! This new CD, 'Unusual Suspects,' while influenced by the blues is much, oh so much more. Leslie, somewhat recently, released two blues albums which captured his blues roots. And were quite good. But there was something missing, in my opinion, of course.

This new CD showcases some new, moody, so-called power ballads (ie: 'My Gravity' and 'Legend') that were missing from any recent Mountain or Leslie solo work. It has some great bluesy tunes in the remake of 'Third Degree' (WBL fans will smile at the end), 'One More Drink,' 'Mud Flap Momma,' 'Higher Ground,' etc.

Was I hoping for more after listening to this new CD ... nope, this CD delivers everything and a little bit more! [JB]

Recorded in the B-52s� hometown of Athens, Georgia this past February - at a show that commemorated the band�s 34th anniversary of their first-ever live show on Valentine�s Day 1977 -wig-wearing, boa-draped, glitter-covered fans came from near and far to celebrate this historic event!

As soon as the intro to 'Pump' starts, and the lead guitar powerfully kicks in you know you're in for a listening party of the highest order! The fist-pumping song, that showcases all the group as singers, is a great way to start this live CD, and is followed by one of their classics, 'Private Idaho.' "Hello, Athens, Georgia," Fred bursts out, before the band light up again for 'Mesopotamia.'

"Many people like to search, journey all over the world and some people like to search within for their G-spot! And that is what this song is about," Fred informs us as they then go into 'Ultraviolet.' Kate then leads us into the frantic 'Give Me Back My Man,' before Fred talks to us again. "Well, in these troubling times there's a place that a lot of us go, especially on Sunday. Sometimes several days a week. Just to find a little peace and quiet. To do a little thinking ... and shopping! This about the shopping mall. This is 'Funplex'."

Up next we get 'Whammy Kiss' and the always-brilliant to hear 'Roam,' which is in turn followed by the lesser-known ("This goes out to Jeremy") Kate-sung '52 Girls.' "OK, Athens, Georgia, let's party on! OK, you know that every party is not complete without a crasher. So, who could that crasher be?" Kate asks. The surprise is that the 'crasher' is Fred, acting drunk for 'Party Out Of Bounds.'

Then comes 'Love In The Year 3000,' which is followed by the bouncy fun of 'Cosmic Thing.' "Here's a song about us and Athens, G.A.," Kate announces, as they sing 'Hot corner.' "There are so many things that I�d like to say, but I've forgotten all of them! So, I'd like to introduce the band," Fred says, which he then goes on to do. He then leads them into the barnstorming 'Love Shack,' complete with audience participation, as expected, before the uber-fun 'Wig' is brought forth.

The album is rounded out by both 'Planet Claire,' a pounding, bass-brilliant catch of a song if ever there was, and then the fun party time of 'Rock Lobster' brings it all to a close.

The Young & The Restless

Drive A is a four piece punk rock band that came out of LA. This year the band came out with their second CD The World In Shambles. The CD starts off with an 18 second intro talking about the band being missing and there being no leads. This intro is the first chapter out of 14. After the intro the CD goes to the song �Revolt!� which starts with a siren, then is followed by a fast guitar, a drum beat just as fast, a heavy bass line to keep it all together, and heavily grunge influenced vocals.

�Young C*nts� comes after in the story. The song has a very strong intro that is followed up with Bruno Mascolo�s famous yelling singing that is used in most of the tracks. �Let�s Have A Wreck� is one of the bands more popular songs. You are able to hear Bruno�s very young singing voice along with his very heavy screaming. The bass stands out right with the guitar while the drumming gives the whole rhythm to the song. The new CD is only a half hour long but is more than enough time for the band to say what�s on their minds.

Bruno�s singing changes from clean vocalization to fast screaming/yelling grunge vocalization throughout the CD. Jason Nott has a very noticeable style in regards to playing the guitar. The band goes from playing with a grunge style then mixing 90�s punk in with it. Their bassist Taylor Knowles really holds the songs together throughout the CD.

Lastly in June of �09 the band got their newest drummer Cody Roots who has been nothing but good with them. The World In Shambles is defiantly worth the sit and listen.

Review by: Brandon Asaro

The Death Of Greeley Estates is Greeley Estates' 6th studio album and isn�t anything like what they have done in the past. This CD goes back to the roots of the band and has more clean vocals done by the lead singer Ryan Zimmerman like their first CD (Outside Of This). At the same time it has the heavy drumming, low bass chords, and very heavy vocals.

Ryan�s words in each song are like hearing one story after another. Singing or screaming, he gets his words across. The new CD is under Tragic Hero Records, which the band had joined in 2010 after leaving Science Records.

Their song 'Friendly Neighborhood Visit' talks about the abuse that too many ladies take from their men. They�re screaming about the time to stand up, not to be pushed around. The song starts off with a very catchy rhythm and is then followed by Ryan�s heavy vocals. Then you have the song 'The Medic' that kicks things off with very fast drumming done by their drummer Chris Julian. Screaming comes after the drumming for a few seconds before Ryan starts to sing.

This new album is a mix of their first CD and their fourth and fifth. The new CD sounds like their first CD, which came out in 2004, because of the large amount of clean vocals by Ryan. It�s like Go East Young Man, Let The Evil Go West and No Rain, No Rainbows, which came out in 2008 and 2010. Due to the deep growls, heavy rifts, fast drumming, and creepy effects to give it a little Greeley feel.

The band has really stepped everything up on this new CD. The Death Of Greeley Estates is really the rebirth of Greeley�s sound.

Review by: Brandon Asaro

Nevermind, Never Forgotten.

The record label Geffen put out Nirvana�s Nevermind as a two-disc edition. This is the record that made Nirvana who they are. Nevermind showed the world what this band could do. The CD has the original 12 tracks plus 26 other sounds that were live, or just never used on the CD along with 14 unheard tracks. Being able to have Kurt�s work back on the shelf with the new CDs was a very wonderful sight.

The CD has the classics like 'Smells Like Teen Spirt,' 'Polly,' 'On A Plane,' along with all the other loved ones followed by more. After you get done playing the original songs, the rest of the first disc is B-Sides and live recordings. One is able to hear Kurt�s voice at all points. Demo, live, recorded in the studio. All of this is found on disc one.

When you hear an earlier version of, let's say 'Teen Spirt,' you can get a feel for how they really played. It�s not just recorded and edit and sold. It is raw. You are able to hear Kurt mess up here and there. David missing a beat here and there. It shows how young they were. It really shows how new they where, and that�s something that people tend to forget to see; as Kurt Cobain is an icon in many ways.

Disc two is filled with 18 tracks of demos and unreleased rehearsals. Out of the 18 tracks, 14 of them are previously unreleased. The disc really shows the roots of the favorite songs like 'Breed,' 'Polly,' and 'Drain You.' You know how people say it�s the little things that matter, well that is what this CD is. There are so many little changes here and there and then some. It shows the songs in a new way. A way that hasn�t been shown to the Nirvana fans. You are shown how raw the music is.

The second disc starts with studio sessions, then goes to rehearsal tracks, and ends with two sessions done by the band. One is able to hear how they first sounded when the band wrote the songs. One is able to have fun and be there with them 20 years ago. Now if you are a die hard fan, and need to hear EVERYHTING, then the four disc might be the way to go. The 3rd disc is all mixes and demos then followed up with disc four which is a live DVD.

Review by: Brandon Asaro

One of the most beloved cultural milestones of the �60s generation and every generation since, Sgt. Pepper�s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles gets creatively interpreted and re-imagined in this all-instrumental rendition by the Andy Timmons Band.

A guitarist whose lifelong love of this material has resulted in an album that transcends all musical boundaries, Sgt Pepper was two years in the making - and its creative juices show that within each and every (give or take) song!

Kicking off with the title track, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' we bleed into 'With A Little Help From My Friends' seamlessly soon thereafter. Timmons' guitar work, all done from memory on the day of recording is sublime; truly. Sure you find yourself singing along, forgetting words along the way, sometimes wishing there were lyrics to catch a ride on, but this is not what this record is about.

The haunting 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' is next and showcases Timmons' concentrated guitar work to a tee. Including a lot of distorted guitar, I'm not sure it works as well as he had wished; or us, but it certainly fits perfectly on the album. Album track 'Getting Better' follows, and then comes another filler (on whichever album you choose to apply that statement to), 'Fixing A Hole.'

The more impressively-played 'She's Leaving Home' is next. A track that Timmons' veritably brings to life, it is a slow burner, but definitely one of the delights on the new album. 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!' strolls along next, with long track 'Within You, Without You' backing it up. The bouncy, fun quickness of 'When I'm Sixty-Four' is next and as much as Timmons and his boys do it some true credit, it does seem they have transformed it (at times) into a country hoedown version!

Moving on and 'Lovely Rita' shows us the rhythmic heart and soul of the band, before the full speed ahead sound of 'Good Morning, Good Morning' comes a knocking. A quick 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)' is next, with the album being rounded out by a simply stunning version of 'A Day In The Life' and a bonus track (which was actually meant to be included on the original album), 'Strawberry Fields Forever.'

The latest Paul Simon audio release, Songwriter is a selection of songs chosen strictly by the man himself, and culled from the best of his five decades-long creative musical output.

Included on this 2-disc set are well-known hits, but also some more obscure works. All of which ooze the creative genius of Simon, but some of which you may never actually have heard before.

The distinctly lyrical, always melodic, and rhythmic signature of the great man springs to the fore immediately on the opener, the beautiful, truly stunning 'The Sound of Silence.' But this isn't just any version of his classic song for this is a live cut recorded 06/06/11 at New York's Webster Hall and thus far previously-unreleased. Simon, together with his acoustic guitar joins musical forces to give us a fresh version of an old classic. Then we flashback to Simon & Garfunkel '91 and the Live At Central Park cut, 'The Boxer.'

Next up is the Aretha Franklin-sung 1970 Gospel version of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' which I bet many have never heard. Wow, what an incredible studio take of the song she preaches forth. Then comes the reggae funk-bounce of 'Mother And Child Reunion,' from his 1972 self-titled album, before the slowness of 'Tenderness' and 'Peace Like A River' (songs taken from 1973's There Goes Rhymin' Simon and Paul Simon respectively).

Then we get a very rueful 'American Tune,' before the bouncy vibe gets back under Simon's musical wheels on 'Kodachrome.' Both from the aforementioned There Goes Rhymin' Simon album, we add one more from that release when we slow down for the lush 'Something So Right' - a song that was produced by not only Simon, but Phil Ramone too (as a fair few seemingly were).

From his One Trick Pony album (1980) we get the frantic 'Late In The Evening,' with the soulful 'Train In The Distance' next, which in turn is followed by the relationship-storytelling of 'Hearts And Bones.'

From the album of the same name comes the always-brilliant to hear 'Still Crazy After All These Years' - which is always a treat to hear. Complete with a lovely Michael Brecker saxophone solo, it is followed by the oddly-named 'Rene And Georgette Magritta With Their Dog After The War.' Another track from the '82 Hearts And Bones album, it is followed by a trio of Graceland singles: 'Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes,' which features the emphatic voice of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the guitar playing of Chikapa 'Ray' Phiri; 'The Boy In The Bubble,' which features Forere Mothoeloa on accordion and Bakithi Kumalo and Vusi Kumalo on bass and drums respectively; and 'Graceland' itself, which brings them all together - inclusive of The Everly Brothers on vocals too!

The second disc opens with the drums of Grupo Cultural Olodum and therefore begins with 'The Obvious Child' from his The Rhythm Of The Saints album from 1990. It then moves on with three other tracks from that very same album in the form of the sweeping 'Further To Fly' - that also features Ringo Starr on guitar; the subtle 'The Cool, Cool River,' complete with Ya Yo de la Nelson on caheire and Nana Vasconcelos on berimbau and gourd; before we get the tribal-sounding 'Spirit Voices' thereafter.

The storytelling of 'Born In Puerto Rico,' from his 1997 album Songs From The Capeman is next, and features trumpet solos from both David Rodriguez and then Ray Vega, with the doo-wop of 'Quality' (featuring falsetto vocals from Frank Negron and duo vocals from both Teana Rodriguez and Myrna Gomila) following along next from the same album. And then, and all from his 2000 album You're The One, come: the beautiful, albeit sad 'Darling Lorraine,' ("your breathing is like an echo of our love"); the search for love in 'Look At That'; and the lyrical wisdom of 'Senorita With A Necklace Of Tears.'

Next is the industrial-sounding 'That's Me,' and also from his Surprise album of 2006 comes the Brian Eno-electronic guidance on 'Another Galaxy.' We then get the trippy 'Father And Daughter' from The Wild Thornberrys Movie soundtrack. Featuring his son Adrian (the first child of Paul and Edie Brickell) on additional vocals it is followed by a trio of songs from his brand new album, So Beautiful Or So What: 'Rewrite,' which comes complete with some astonishing-delicate glass harp from Steve Shehan; the religious 'Love And Hard Times,' with Mick Rossi on piano; and the collection rounds out with the title track itself.

And, adding to the overall package are extensive liner notes by music journalist Tom Moon, who notes that the collection "... features commercial landmarks alongside ambitious and often criminally under-appreciated compositions." I couldn't have said it better myself, Tom, I just couldn't.