MUSIC DISCOVERY MONDAY – 6/19/17
Music Discovery Monday shines a light on artists that are not getting the radio attention that they deserve, while also showcasing new singles by established bands that are likely to get airplay in the future.
In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Music Discovery Monday can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher/Editor, Hard Rock Daddy)
DEEP PURPLE – “Johnny’s Band”
Since their debut in the late ‘60s, Deep Purple has always had a more serious, bluesy feel, even when they were using double entendre in songs like “Knockin’ At Your Backdoor.” The latest single from the Deep Purple’s 20th studio release (“Johnny’s Band”), has a more lighthearted feel than what we’ve come to expect from the band. Even the video is a bit more playful than usual.
Like Bad Company did over 40 years ago with “Shooting Star,” this song takes you on a nostalgic musical journey about the career of a musician named Johnny. Unlike that Johnny (who died tragically), this one seems to be the personification of every arena musician who is now playing to smaller crowds than they did in their heyday.
Musically, even the upbeat, melodic riff takes you back to the ‘70s, with a sound that is reminiscent of “Free Ride” by Edgar Winter Group. The “x-factor” in the song is Ian Gillan’s vocals, which instantly makes you think of Deep Purple. Otherwise, the diversion from the band’s usual sound might have you questioning who you’re listening to. If you’ve followed the career path of so many legendary musicians, you’ll appreciate the story being told here.
GREAT WHITE – “Big Time”
Just as Deep Purple is known for bluesy hard rock, so too is Great White. Lyrically, this band has always embraced the rock and roll lifestyle in a fun way. Current frontman Terry Ilous has a lot of the same swagger as Jack Russell, and even adds in some of the flair of David Coverdale for good measure.
Great White may not have the history or cache of Deep Purple, but this is a band that has been going strong for over 30 years. On a personal note, this is the first band that I ever saw live without knowing any of their music, and became an instant fan. The day after seeing the band open for Judas Priest at the Nassau Coliseum, I ran out to buy their debut album. I’ve been a fan ever since.
The band’s recent single, “Big Time,” takes me back in time to the arena days. Like Deep Purple’s single featured above, this song explores the origins of the life of a rock star. It could just as well serve as an inspiration for anyone pursuing dreams of passion. There’s a nostalgic feeling to the song for me, because the way that the “Big Time” is defined by up-and-coming bands these days is drastically different than what the phrase meant back in the day. Still, it’s another in a long line of great, bluesy rock songs from a band that has been a part of my life since I was a teenager.
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
REX BROWN – “Train Song”
Most in the metal community know who Rex Brown is, but for those who don’t, he was the bass player for one of the biggest groove metal bands in the world, Pantera. Brown also played in Down, and now plays in Kill Devil Hill. For his solo project, he has picked up the guitar, and is also featured on lead vocals on an impressively composed, bluesy, southern hard rock endeavor. Not quite metal, not quite blues, this under-rated musician channels the sounds and feel of ZZ Top and Aerosmith on his new album, Smoke On This. The released tracks have been a great listen so far. I am looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.
RIVER BLACK – “Low”
Argonauts was a great band when they were around. The band featured members of Dillinger Escape Plan, Burnt by the Sun, Revocation and Municipal Waste. But when the vocalist left, the band continued with ex-Burnt by the Sun’s vocalist, and became River Black. Their new single is everything I thought it would be with this caliber of musicians. It’s heavy, with fat sounding guitars, brutal vocals and a great rhythm section with pounding drums. Brann Dailor from Mastodon even contributed some guest vocals on the album. “Low” – from River Black’s new album, Season of Mist – paints a message of how the world is twisting religion (namely videos of Isis executions), and how there are people in the world that are not horrified by these videos and images.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
ADRENALINE MOB – “Rebel Yell”
Heavy metal supergroup Adrenaline Mob returned earlier this month with their third album, We The People. It’s full of powerful new material, as well as this hard hitting cover of a Billy Idol classic.
WILL SHAW & NOEL PRIORE – “I’ll Never Let You Go”
A great rendition of an old favorite can really bring you back in time. Here, Will Shaw handles some high ranging vocals, and Noel Priore provides the guitar, bass and drums as the team covers a classic Steelheart ballad from 1990.
SUBMISSIONS
To be considered for Music Discovery Monday, please e-mail a link to the song being submitted on YouTube and an artist bio to – submissions@MusicDiscoveryMonday.com
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