The Best Of 2014

Well the year is coming to an end quite quickly, so I decided to throw my own best of 2014 list into the frey of digital crap we flood the internet with. As with all the other lists you will read out there this is solely the opinion of the writer. Though to speak on his behalf: I believe that he has a better grasp on the music that he has heard this year than anyone else. Well, here we go...

The Best Rock and Roll of 2014

The Best Rock and Roll Artist of 2014 is Will Black. Just on the power of his live set alone this singer deserves the title. What he can do with just a mic and an acoustic guitar is truly amazing.

Will Black is the whole rock package bound up in one generous and personable package. This past year he began touring across North America and the UK. Each stop on his tours he has been adding to his fans, Black Ops. 

At present he has two albums available: Dangerously Close; and Dancing With The Dead. Both albums are worth picking up and listening to. 

 The Best Rock and Roll Band and Album of 2014 is Saint Jezebel and their release True Believer. Our dear Saint Jezebel has a great hard rock sound that beautifully mixes some hardcore influences. The album is full of great rock tunes that can stand up with the best. 

The Best Punk Rock Band of 2014 is Rat Neck. These Dublin boys have been putting the rock back in Punk all throughout the past year. Bass heavy and right in your face Punk is what Rat Neck is all about.

I just wish I could get across the pond to see these guys live.  

The Best Rock and Roll Track of 2014 is Return For Refund - "The Fields." This band from Toronto has released an excellent first EP and the first track off of that release is the cream of the crop. 

"The Fields" has a great groove that does not let up and pushes this tune well ahead of its competitors. The guitar work is top notch and Drew's grunge worthy voice is inspired. It all pulls together to make what I would call the best rock track of 2014.

The Best Rock Video for 2014 as stated before on our blog is Five Finger Death Punch - "Wrong Side Of Heaven." It is a great video with a very important message. Hell, it is another Five Finger Death Punch grand slam hit!

The Best Metal of 2014

The Best Metal Band and Album of 2014 is Tempting Fate and their release Illusions. It is a great mix of hardcore and electronica that hits hard and keeps on punching. 

This LA band is proving that great metal can still be found scratching its way out of the city of angels. Not content to become a sound alike clone of another band, Tempting Fate's sound is their own. So, if you want to hear some metal for the new generation begin Tempting Fate.

The Best Metal Track of 2014 is Any Given Day's "The Beginning of The End." It is an excellent tune, both heavy and poignant. 

The first time I heard these guys was this year and it was their, far better than the original, cover of the song Diamonds. Ever since then I have been looking to hear whatever I can find from this manic metal monstrosity from Germany.

The Best Metal Video of 2014 is Hellyeah - "Moth." This video is shot really well and manages to completely grasp the dynamics of the excellent song that rings out throughout it.

What Do You Listen To Most?

What Do You Listen To Most?

The 5 albums I listened to the most during this past year

Recently I decided to make note of what full albums I listen to regularly. These had to be five CD's that I play in their entirety not just for one or two songs. I had to like all the tracks enough that I would not skip any, or felt the compulsion to listen to all the songs as soon as I played the first one.

Since I wanted a true selection I would dismiss any of my favorites that I listened  to occasionally; they had to be albums that I put on more than just once a month. This would eliminate several of my all time favorite bands such as King's X, KISS, Megadeth, Venom, and Motörhead. Even though I listen to songs by these bands daily I wanted to see what albums I regularly turn to in order to set the soundtrack for my daily life.

So, here it goes and in no particular order here they are:

   

Buckcherry - 15

This 2005/06 album is the third one for the Californian rock band Buckcherry.

This is one of those CD's I did not initially want to like. I had only heard "Lit It Up" and really liked it but for some reason was not interested in hearing anything else from this group. What changed my mind was a good friend of mine saying how much he liked Buckcherry.

 Much in the stylistic vision of the Metal/Hard rock pioneers Mötley Crüe this is a straight forward rock offering with catchy riffs from tracks such as "Crazy Bitch" and "Brooklyn" along with the occasional  ballad. We are talking distortion turned up full of piss and vinegar - and oh I love you too honey put in just for all those girls.

Theory of A Deadman - Scars & Souvenirs

This is a 2008 release by the Canadian Rock Band Theory of a Deadman. It may be due to their popular power cord rock style, or since they were the first group to sign onto Chad Kroeger's 604 Records, their critics have accused them of being a Nickelback clone. Either way it doesn't mean much to me.

It is a guitar heavy arena style rock album that is full of angry anthems and ballads. Just like the previous album on this list Scars and Souvenirs gained a good deal of commercial success and radio play.

Scars & Souvenirs somehow managed to slip into my listening repertoire and never left. Like a comfortable pair of jeans or that old T-shirt you always find yourself putting on, this album has claimed its place on my turntable. 

Live - Throwing Copper

This 1994 release by the American alternative rock band Live was very well received. It includes many of their hits such as: "Lightning Crashes"; "Selling The Drama", and "Iris."

I really like the sonic atmosphere of this album, because it moves easily from more experimental tracks to commercial hits. It has enough growl and kick to keep it relevant and make you want to play it loud.

My favorite songs on this album are the lesser known tracks such as "Stage" and "Shit Towne."

Breaking Benjamin - Phobia

This 2006 album was the third album by the American alternative metal group Breaking Benjamin. Commercially it did very well: selling out quickly on its initial release.

My son was the one to introduce me to this group and they have become one of my favorites. As you can see due to being on this list one I listen to very regularly.

This is one of the first albums I reach for when I am in a bad mood. It seems to capture all the pent up frustration and rage that wells up from within, while still hinting at the sadness it leads to.

Disturbed - The Lost Children

This 2011 album is a B-sides compilation from the Metal band Disturbed. Really, for such an exceptional release to be made of what many would view as throw away songs shows just how great a band Disturbed is.  

They have been dominating the metal stage ever since their first critically acclaimed album, and have never looked back. Unfortunately after the release of this CD the band has gone on hiatus. 

I find they have the knack for perfectly expressing the hopelessness and angst that is so pervasive in this life. Maybe that is why I instinctively placed this last on my list - leaving the best for last. 

Strangely enough none of these albums are on my normally stated favorites list, yet they are the five albums that I listened to most throughout the last year. Does that mean I should reexamine my favorite album list?

Thanks for reading

Kevin Sweeney 

The Best Music Video of 2014!

The Best Music Video Of 2014!

Video

Five Finger Death Punch - Wrong Side Of Heaven

No other video produced in 2014 can match "Wrong Side Of Heaven" by Five Finger Death Punch. It not only addresses an immense problem in our society today in North America, but it cuts right to the bone. Take it from a Veteran of the Afghanistan war, they hit the nail right on the head. 

We are no heroes and we keep finding ourselves on the wrong side of Heaven and on the righteous side of Hell!

Even if you do not read any more of this blog please watch this video! There are too many of us dealing with the secrets that can never be told. There are too many of us feeling like we are in a living hell!

Veterans have followed through on the oath they swore to fight.

Should not our governments follow through on their oath to take care of them?

Call, twitter, or mail your government officials to tell them they need to follow through on their promises to our veterans. Share this video to everyone  you know, so word gets around. This is not a interesting news paper article or simple flash in the pan music video, it is important! I do not want to lose another brother in arms to suicide. We can accept the loss of our lives in war because we know it is part of the job, but we can not accept the loss of our own at home where we should be safe. 

For my fallen brothers from 171st Banshee and Charlie I'll see you all in Fiddler's Green.

Thank you for reading.

                                                                                  MCpl Kevin Sweeney

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A Rockin' Review of Good Times!

A Rockin' Review of Good Times!

It is not often that I get to open my Christmas presents early but thanks to the urging of one Mr. Mark Bradac I got to do just that today.

I finally got my hands on a copy of Mark Bradac's Good Times album, and the title goes well with the tunes. It is essentially a party in a CD. It is some good old blues oriented Rock and Roll peppered with great guitar solos. 

With guitar ringing like a bell and tongue firmly in cheek songs such as "Break My Guitar" and the opening track "Pawnman Boogie" let the listener know the Pawnman is here just to have fun. 

As far as the axe work: I have not heard straight forward rock picking this good since a little known Winnipeg band named Airfoil. The songs on this album are great barn burning fodder for an amazingly fun live show.

"Now all we need is the live show! Do you hear me Pawnman? Pawnman you the King! Pawnman don't sell my shit Pawnman. Told yah, don't sell my shit. I'll be back. I'll be back to get you to sign this great CD Pawnman."

A Video From The New King Of Prog!

A Video From The New King Of Prog!

There is no disputing it Alek Darson is well on his way to conquer the title of New King Of Prog. Anyone who has heard his amazing CD Panopticon is in awe of the skill he brings to the table. This man could easily step in and bring more depth and emotion with one solo than any track that is being produced today. We are witnessing the origins of a guitar god who could easily play side by side with the greats gone by, or the axe deities that roam our meager world at present.

Alek is no noob to the video obsessed culture that we endure today. He regularly releases both clips from live performances and he constant reworkings of his own soon to be classics. What makes this video different is that it is an artistic amalgamation of his amazing guitar work and the talents of prominent Emerson Grad students. So wait no longer and be amazed by the future sonic King of Prog...

Proof that Canada Still Rocks... Return For Refund

Proof that Canada Still Rocks... Return For Refund

The Toronto rock group Return For Refund just recently released a video for their track "The Feilds." The song alone is a really good rocking song with catchy riffs. You can hear the blues influence in frontman Drew Clementino's voice as he belts out the single. It is also the video for the first track on their self titled EP which can be found on iTunes.

Drew Clementino in class

The video is very well done and mirrors the driving rhythm of the song. The News/Media website Live in Limbo has picked it up and is featuring it.  Not bad for the first video for this local Toronto band. 

I have known Drew for a while. We met during basic training for the Canadian Forces. Ever since the first day I met him I could tell that he had something special about him. He was exceptionally smart and very well read. 

Drew at Mill St.

I can still remember seeing him sitting on the steps of our barracks in Kingston strumming away on his acoustic guitar. 

It is great to see that he is doing what he wants to do with his life. You see, the military is very structured and does not bend to the concerns of those within it very easily. Many times more than not it can strangle a creative soul. 

The pictures that I see of Drew now on his band Facebook page portray a much happier man than I knew before. You can easily see in Return For Refund's live sets that he is finally at home on stage expressing himself through music.

The Self-titled EP

If you ever get the chance to catch them playing in and around Toronto, or hopefully during a Canada wide tour do it. Their music is great and their spirit infectious. 

I have linked several videos below including the featured one for "The Fields" below. Check them out and if you want to hear more the Return For Refund self-titled EP is available on Itunes.

Oh, and you could go check out the website and Facebook sites also.

I am looking forward to hearing more from Return For Refund and trying to do what I can to get the word out that they are just one of the examples that Canada still rocks!

Just In Time For Christmas!

Just In Time For Christmas!

Are you still looking for stocking stuffers for Christmas? Well look no further! That wild and crazy rocker from Pawnathon Canada has finally released his Good Times CD.

Mark Pawnman Bradac's highly anticipated album is available at his website markpawnmanbradac.com
You can use Paypal or a credit card to purchase it.

If you still have not seen the video for the single "Good Times" I have linked it below.

So, get online and buy the new CD from that 80's Canadian Rock Star Mark Pawnman Bradac and have a Pawnman Christmas.

Will Black Live at the Mansion

Live Show Review

Will Black brought his Canadian Tour 2014 to Kingston, Ontario on the 26 Nov 14. It is the first step toward a full year of touring starting in January 2015.

For you who missed it Will engaged a crowd of hard core fans, known as Will Black OPS, to a intimate and interactive three hours of great music.

I have been to shows both big and small all over Canada, and many of them have been exceptionally good. The best of which have been small gigs such as the legendary Phil Keaggy live and acoustic.




Last night Will Black firmly etched his name on that list of exceptional performances.

Everyone was impressed by his talent to effortlessly belt out rock anthems and ballads.
Armed only with his trusty acoustic guitars he entertained us with songs from both of his albums along with fan favorite covers of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and even The Tragically Hip.






There is no denying that Will has the look and talent to go far in the music industry. His voice and flawless guitar work made everyone believe that we were witnessing a truly
international talent. In fact, his UK leg of his 
2015 tour is quickly selling out.
To enhance the evening Will invited local musician David Currie to accompany him on the harmonica for several tunes. The two of them rocked the house, getting the whole audience up and dancing.






All of those who witnessed last nights show commented on not only how good he sounded live but also how down to earth and genuine he was with all of his fans.

I highly recommend that if you have the chance to see Will Black do it, you will not be disappointed. Oh, and he has got some really cool merch!

Thanks for reading and check out the videos I linked below from his performance last night.

Our Favorite Axemen and Woman

Alek Darson is one hell of a guitarist! He has been busy uploading live videos of his work on twitter, along with advertising his excellent cd Panopicon. If you like progressive metal you should check Alek's album out.                                                                                                                             I have to say that from the videos I have seen of this guy he is no one trick pony; meaning he can play any damn style you want to hear. Not too long ago I watched a YouTube release of him playing blues and it was sweet. Most recently he posted on twitter a video of him playing Steve Vai's Building The Church, and it is nothing less than majestic.                                                                                                                                                                   On his facebook Alek mentioned he is working on his next release, which will have some "truly amazing guests" on it. I am very much looking forward to this cd. See, I originally got a free copy of Panopicon from Alek. He only asked that I give it a listen and tell me what I thought of it. Well, after I listened to it not only was I hooked but I went right on itunes and bought it. Why, you might ask; because it was so good that I felt I wanted to give back to the artist that made this piece of art.  

Well, while we are all waiting for Alek Darson's next masterpiece check out the videos of his playing below. I am sure you will agree with me that he is definitely a guitarist who is worth watching for, and listening to...

                                                                                                  

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Not only is Silvia Cernicchairo one of the hottest women to swing an axe, with one hell of a great rock voice, we love her because she plays the bass. Lately her band Supervega has been playing gigs all around the beautiful French city of Cannes. 

Supervega is one hard rocking and hard partying band. Silvia and her crew have been gathering acclaim and fans since their first Xxmiglia (Italy) band contest in 2011. Ever since then they have been getting better and better at what they do; and that is rock!

They have built a repertoire of their own music and covers that have made them quite popular in their home of Nice, France. 

Recently they have been seen painted up at the Morrison's Irish Pub in Cannes for the Halloween Bash there, as well as the Palais Nikaia in Nice. 

You can find several of their songs on soundcloud, and they regularly update their facebook page with photos and videos. So check out Supervega's sites, and if you are lucky enough to be in Cannes this time of year go and see them at Morrison's Irish Pub on the 29th of November. 

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Next up is our favorite Finn Elmo Karjalainen. He has been busy with his new album The Free Guitar Album and the new Seagrave cd. Both releases are now being mastered and will be out soon; crossing fingers. 

On the 10th of this month he shared on twitter a video of the song "Instrumental" from his new album. It is a great look at Elmo in his studio working out some of the kinks of a solo, complete with ad lib. He is great for videos like this, and always gives you a good look at the techniques and equipment he uses to build his songs. If you got the time check out his youtube channel and see just how good he really is.

If you want to know more about Elmo Karjalainen you should check out his web site and the two links below:
 Elmo was the featured guitarist on the Two Handed Player international showcase; and  highlighted on  Fretboard Fury for a lesson on bends. 

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That is it for now. Thank you again for reading and keep on rocking.

Kevin Sweeney

More Great Acts!

Rock

Mark "Pawnman" Bradac, known from the Pawnathon TV series, is releasing a CD. If you have watched the show you would know he has a love for guitars and rock and roll music. What might surprise many people who only know him from the show is that he is a good singer and even better guitarist. If you have any doubt about these claims just watch the music video for his single "Good Times" below. 

His sound is an excellent complement to the whole idea of remembering good times. There is a wonderful sense of memorabilia in the cords and his smooth singing voice, not to mention his outgoing and friendly demeanor.

His musical story actually began in Windsor, Ontario. Bradac, a long haired guitarist joined up with three other lads and created the Hair Metal band Teaze. 

In 1978 after their second album the group toured Japan and found immense success with the Japanese youth. They found themselves selling out stadiums and being mobbed at airports. The tour resulted in the release of a live album titled "Japan Tour." Unfortunately the quartet did not achieve the sales and overwhelming numbers of fans that they found overseas. Despite the talent and hard work of the band their later releases never gained the amount of radio play needed for cracking the North American market. The story brings to mind another great band that seemed destined for more than they were ultimately given; ever heard of the Canadian Metal pioneers Anvil? 

As much as I love to bitch about the unfairness in the music industry in Canada and the States that has left incredible bands out to dry due to poor coverage, I must refrain. Still, if you are a fan of the old Hair Metal age look up Teaze. You can find some of their music videos on YouTube.                                                                                                                                                                               So this all brings us around to the one time young rocker who is now known as Mark "Pawnman" Bradac. His album is due to be released this coming December. Maybe this time us fans can make enough noise and requests to the radio stations that his rightful due will not be lost at the airport with the luggage. In the meantime check out both the Teaze and Pawnman videos linked below.                                                                                     

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Are you a true believer? Well, Saint Jezebel gives you some damn good reasons to become one. They hail from Music City Nashville, and are proving that there is more than country resonating from Tennessee. With a combination of good songwriting and a hard rocking band our dear Saint is living proof that Rock is not Dead! With several tracks heavier than many of the metal bands out there, these guys definitely kick ass. They even have their logo on #66 Whitney Clifton “Black Betty” NASCAR race car. 

These guys would be great touring with Ozzy, or Zakk Wylde. If you are looking to pick up some good Hard Rock than you can not go wrong with getting Saint Jezebel's True Believer; hell it might just make you a believer too.

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Metal

If you like good old Heavy Metal you got to hear Huntress, they are a great metal band from out of Highland Park California. Huntress combines smoking hot guitar riffs with  amazingly strong female lead vocals. Their music is both heavy and melodic, combining influences of Classic Heavy Metal, Thrash, and Black Metal. 

Since their debut in 2012 they have been hell bent on delivering a compendium worthwhile of the annals of The Book Of Heavy Metal. As Jill Janus, lead vocals, states their present journey and process of creating albums is a “spiritual journey for myself and band mates, representing the three phases of the Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone.” 

As part of the "War Eternal American Tour" they have been rocking the hell out of Canada recently, with their most recent show in Winnipeg Manitoba. With tour dates across much of North America they are joined by such metal goliaths as Arch Enemy and Kreator in spreading their message of metal. If anything can be said of reactions from fans, Huntress is well on their way to not only establishing their place in Metal history but also rising like a rocket to those honored heights.

So Check em out, Eh.

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That is it for now. Thank you for reading and keep on rocking.

Kevin Sweeney

And Now For Something Completely Different...

The Forces Comedy Tour was created by Canadian funny man and soldier Shawn Lawrence. Its motto is "giving back to those who serve," and what better way than raising awareness and funds for PTSD affected troops than through comedy. 

Last night, 18th Oct, JAKK Tuesdays in Kingston Ontario opened it's doors to four Canadian comedians as part of the Forces Comedy Tour. It was a night of good food and great laughs. Hell, my wife had to take off her glasses during the last bit that Shawn Lawrence did due to how hard she was laughing.

It has been several years since I have sat in a bar and had nachos and a drink, let alone for a show. I have to say that I enjoyed the night. Shawn played the part of the master of ceremonies for the event with his usual hilarious flair. He even told his famously funny story of learning how to fire a Carl Gustav. 

In realizing that the whole night was set up and developed by this local Kingston soldier, you really have to give Shawn a lot of praise for his effort in taking his dream of making people laugh and grabbing it by the horns.

 Montreal comedian Hunter Collins was a surprise addition to the night, and a very pleasant one at that. His act was so perfectly Canadian that you had no choice but to not only laugh but nod your head to the priceless examples of laughable eccentricities we call culture.

Collins' delivery was excellent and on stage personality was charismatic which really set the crowd at ease. Not to mention his approach-ability to any fans that desired to talk to him after the gig.

Award winning Canadian comedian Tyler Morrison, who I started to follow on twitter just because of his humorous posts was even funnier in person. 

His condescending style is great live: mixing his witty bits on hunting in Walmart; being armed and hammered; and dysfunctional family dynamics. It was great to finally meet him in person last night as well as see his show.
        
You can catch several of his best bits from Cottage Comedy on youtube. 

The final act of the night was Rob Pue, seen on MTV's Punked and Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.

His brand of shock comedy could have you laughing at situations that you would not normally even consider. My favorite stuff of the night from him was his self depreciating and often completely bizarre reflections about his own life; especially how he ended the night with an excellent bit about his car accident and intensive recovery.

In conclusion if you are in need of a good laugh keep your eyes open for the next Forces Comedy Tour heading your way.