CD Review: Boston – Life, Love & Hope

CD Review: Boston – Life, Love & Hope

Frontiers Records

All Access Rating: B+

Boston - Life, Love & Hope 2014

Tom Scholz doesn't like to be rushed. In his never-ending quest for aural perfection, Scholz sure takes his own sweet time making records, holed up in that state-of-the-art studio of his worrying himself to death over every little detail. Remember those eight long years between Don't Look Back and Third Stage?

It's no wonder then that each successive Boston album sounds more pristine than the last, clean almost to the point of being antiseptic. And while he knows how to make those transcendent melodies sparkle, relationships, on the other hand, aren't so easy for him to control.

Life is messy, as evidenced by Brad Delp's suicide and the always-simmering tensions between original members of Boston, including the prodigal Barry Goodreau. The product of months and months of writing and recording, Life, Love & Hope, released via Frontiers Records, is the first studio album from Boston in a decade, and it finds Boston struggling to retain its signature elements and, at the same time, evolve into something new. Even for Scholz, that's a long time between records, but, of course, a lot has happened in that time, starting with the tragic loss of Delp, one of classic-rock's most angelic singers.

Not surprisingly, for all its maturity, production clarity and graceful artistry, Life, Love & Hope is missing some of the pop euphoria of Boston past, although opener "Heaven On Earth," the title track and "Someone (2.0)" are the kind of grand melodic fountains of soaring rock guitar, breezy synthesizer harmonies and vocal weavings that Scholz and company patented so long ago. And they, along with the brilliant burst of silvery power-pop that is "Someday" rescue Life, Live & Hope from adult-contemporary hell, which is where it's headed with mid-tempo schmaltz like "You Gave Up on Love (2.0)" and "The Way You Look Tonight."

Shoved to the front of the mix like never before, even at the expense of Boston's trademark electric guitar hooks, the singing on Life, Love & Hope is spectacular, as Scholz combines his lead vocals with those of bassist Kimberly Dahme, David Victor, new sensation Tommy DeCarlo and Delp, his contributions provided posthumously. A record that is both familiar and unnervingly different, meditating deeply on heartbreak, loss and the belief of better days ahead, Life, Love & Hope at times feels emotionally heavy, especially on exquisitely crafted, if somewhat overwrought, ballads "If You Were in Love" and "Love Got Away" and the elaborately constructed "Didn't Mean to Fall in Love."

Lush strings, rich Spanish acoustic guitar plucking, compressed-air keyboards and found sounds, such as the black helicopters portending a sinister conspiracy in the clunky, lifeless "Sail Away," are integrated seamlessly throughout Life, Love & Hope, as Scholz seeks to broaden Boston's palette to accommodate a more progressive, even contemporary, approach. There is still a place for earnest, big-hearted arena-rock anthems in Boston, though, with Scholz building multilayered sonic orgasms for aging ears. But this is a new Boston, grappling with adult issues while holding onto to the last vestiges of its youthful naivete.
– Peter Lindblad

Kiss, Led Zeppelin to Headline Rock and Roll Summer Classic Auction

September 1, 2013
Houston, Texas

The Rock and Roll Summer Classic Auction

Backstage Auctions is proud to present the annual Classic Rock and Roll Auction featuring over 500 auction lots which - for the most part - will be dominated by an A-list of Classic Rock bands, including KISS, Led Zeppelin, Boston, Styx, Pink Floyd, Beach Boys, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie and The Who. And those are just headliners, there are plenty of classic rock bands and artists that are featured in the complete line up.

Collectors and fans will have access to autographed items, artist worn attire, RIAA record awards, rare concert posters and handbills, collectible vinyl, lots of backstage passes, unique photos, slides and negatives, amazing vintage concert t-shirts, great promotional items, tour programs and so much more.

"Any auction that features collectibles from this list of artists is a celebration of music in itself and we couldn't be more excited about hosting this event" comments Backstage Auctions owner Jacques van Gool. "The diversity in artists, type of collectibles and price range makes this auction accessible and fun for every collector. We pride ourselves in offering exclusive items and this event certainly reflects that. But we also make sure that every collector can participate and with a huge offering of auction lots that start as low as $25.00 we are confident that no one will walk away empty handed".

And when it comes to unique pieces of music history, the auction will feature a John Bonham owned and worn hat, which comes with photos and letter from the Bonham family. And that is just one of over 20 great Led Zeppelin lots.

 
There is a Robert Plant issued RIAA award, an exceedingly rare concert shirt from 1973, amazing collections of promotional CDs, broadcast only shows, ephemera as well as promotional goodies, including a most desirable Led Zeppelin blimp!

Rivaling the attention that Led Zeppelin will receive is the band with fans so loyal and dedicated that they call themselves 'The Army'...or better yet, the Kiss Army! With 210 amazing lots, Kiss certainly dominates this auction in size but then again, it wouldn't be Kiss if it wasn't larger than life. With consignments from a host of reputable inner-circle people, fans and collectors can quench their relentless thirst for top-of-the-line Kiss collectibles that include recording reels, rare vinyl and CDs, autographed items, amazing photo collections, artist worn attire, ephemera and much more. Among the highlights is a stunning acetate featuring an early demo version of the ultimate Kiss anthem 'Rock 'n Roll All Nite'.

Equally impressive are the collections of American arena rockers Styx and Boston, which both contain a wide range of autographed memorabilia, unique vinyl, exclusive promotional and radio broadcast CDs and assorted ephemera.

Collectors who are less band specific and more interest in certain types of collectibles will not be disappointed either.

There's an amazing collection of over 20 original 1968 - 1971 Fillmore East concert programs featuring the likes of The Who, Frank Zappa, Deep Purple, and many others. It even includes the very last program before Bill Graham closed the doors in New York.

The auction will feature great promotional items such as the infamous Led Zeppelin blow-up "Zeppelin", a Pink Floyd blow-up chair and a Alice Cooper toy-gun.

We managed to find great concert shirts and exclusive crew jackets, including Kiss 1977 L.A. Forum, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page 1995 U.S. Tour, Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen tour jackets.

There is a most unique collection of mid 1960s autographed items, photos, transparencies and negatives, which all came from the archives of a fan club agency in Los Angeles. Most of it is concentrated around the Beach Boys and Sonny & Cher but will also include other artists. It even includes a very personal letter from Brian Wilson to a fan.

And speaking of original photos, slides and negatives, collectors will have plenty to feast their eyes on. There are stunning collections with photos from renowned concert photographers Chip Rock, Robert Alford and Julian Baum. Noteworthy are the two lots with color slides from the 1975 Rolling Stones Tour of the  Americas, which include several sensational shots.

Not to be overlooked are the many posters and handbills, including vintage Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top, Kiss, Deep Purple and the immortal Stevie Ray Vaughan.

If you are in the market for record awards, you will be in for a treat; there are RIAA award for Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Beatles and Michael Jackson, as well as Canadian awards for Nickelback and Default.

Autographs remain in high demand and this auction has no shortage of signed mementos, from drumheads to posters and from photos to CDs and records. The list is long - and impressive - and spans 5 decades of Rock and Roll, that includes Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Pete Best, The Monkees, Carl Perkins, Dr. John, Styx, Boston, Kansas, Heart, Cheap Trick, Jethro Tull, Peter Frampton, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top, Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith and many, many others.

If you have the space for it, we once again have some great instruments and gear; from a Prince tambourine to Kiss concert used cabinets, to The Who drum sticks and even a complete Piper drum kit.

One final category that deserves attention is that of concert tickets and passes, of which the auction offers literally thousands, going back to the early 1970s. From small artist specific lots to bigger bulk lots; it's all there. But none bigger and more breath-taking than a book with over 500 backstage passes dated between 1981 and 1983. Hands down one of the most stunning single passes collections we have ever come across!

Because there is so much to see and digest, the auction will start with a preview week, beginning Saturday August 31. The auction will start Saturday,  September 7 and will end Sunday, September 15.

For more information about the auction, please visit Backstage Auctions and register for your free VIP All Access Pass.

Backstage Auctions: The 2013 Rock and Roll Summer Classic Auction



Backstage Auctions is a boutique online auction house specializing in authentic rock memorabilia representing a long list of notable and very talented musicians, producers and managers in the music industry since 2003. Exclusive online auction events have featured the private collections of legendary producer Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin, Kiss) and since then, we have represented Scott Ian & Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Page Hamilton (Helmet), John Tempesta (Exodus, Testament, The Cult), John 5 (Zombie, Marilyn Manson),  Ted Nugent, Howard Kaylan (The Turtles), Ross Valory (Journey) and Michael Shrieve (Santana), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, White Snake), Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz), Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Johny Barbata (Jefferson Starship), Kip Winger (Winger) as well as managers of legendary bands such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, KISS, Journey, Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, Motley Crue, Pantera, White Zombie and more. Backstage Auctions works closely with each of their clients and incorporates their personal stories and memories throughout the online auction event. The end result is a unique, historical and unforgettable journey spanning decades of music history.

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CD Review: Anthrax – Anthems

CD Review: Anthrax – Anthems

Megaforce

All Access Review: B+

Anthrax - Anthems 2013

The usual mosh pit at an Anthrax show is ramping up its cyclonic fury in anticipation of the raging sonic back-alley brawls Scott Ian and company are about to start. Perhaps they’ll launch into “Madhouse” or “Indians” next or any of the other blazing thrash-metal classics they have at their disposal. And then, those crashing bodies in riotous motion come to a sudden and complete halt, the reason being that Anthrax has just launched into a Journey cover of all things.

Quizzical looks are directed at the stage, as Journey’s “Keep on Runnin’” flies out of their Marshall Stacks. Is that Joey Belladonna singing or Steve Perry? It could be either of them; it really could, as Belladonna’s wail climbs to heights few can reach. Those who’ve heard Anthems, the new Megaforce eight-song EP of classic-rock covers and two versions of the epic, slow-burning “Crawl,” off their sensational Worship Music album, would be prepared in case of such an event and not be thrown by it.

Like a raging bull that sees nothing but red, Worship Music bucked and contorted its massive, muscular bulk in such a way as to make it almost impossible to ride. Arguably the best metal album of this century, the last record from New York City’s most aggressive thrash-metal street gang was a relentless attack from beginning to end. The hurricane-like intensity, the dizzying dynamics, the simmering tension and high drama, not to mention the impassioned vocals of the prodigal son Belladonna – all of this nuclear energy was barely contained within the reactor known as Worship Music, until it melted down so spectacularly in 2011.

Considering how powerful and ferocious Worship Music was, and what unexpectedly strong melodies and what bold, high-impact production it had, Anthrax has earned the right to a fun indulgence like Anthems. Unexpectedly, Anthrax plays it straight on Anthems, with vigorous workouts of Rush’s “Anthem,” Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” and a crawling prowl through AC/DC’s “T.N.T” not deviating much from the originals; yet, in typically enthusiastic fashion, they inject each with fresh energy and lively performances. And their playing is more impassioned on “Keep on Runnin’” and Boston’s “Smokin’” – which has a particularly rowdy atmosphere – than on any of the others, as the pulse of both covers absolutely races.

Clearly, they cherish these songs, and they’re so respectful of them that they don’t take any unnecessary chances in their handling of these treasures. It is surprising, though, how they treat these Anthems with kid gloves and avoid giving them a good thrashing. Ultimately, what Anthems proves is that, if they wanted, Anthrax could simply be a great no-frills hard-rock band, especially with Belladonna on the mic. His vocals are astonishingly clear and melodic, fitting the material like a glove. And if Geddy Lee ever chooses to relinquish his singing duties with Rush, Belladonna could step right in and the Canadians would not miss a beat, as evidenced by his piercing treatment of “Anthem” from 2112.

Why Anthrax chose to give the expansive, chugging epic “Crawl,” one of the heaviest songs off Worship Music, a makeover is anyone’s guess. Taking a stab at a remixed version, Anthrax fleshes out “Crawl” with strings, giving it a darker, moodier and more menacing character. Undoubtedly a labor of love for Anthrax, Anthems does no harm to the songs of their heroes, and the thicker, heavier groove they give to “Big Eyes” by Cheap Trick improves the original. Could they have made less obvious choices? Maybe, but then, this is what Anthrax wanted, and had they picked deeper cuts, that pure joy and unabashed eagerness that is so prevalent here might be tempered. And that would be a shame.
–   Peter Lindblad

Philip Kamin – Not Your Average Rock Photographer

Philip Kamin, one of the world’s leading rock photographers, entered the music scene like so many of his peers, because of his passion for the music. It is with this passion that he amassed the largest single fully copyrighted collection of its kind. 

Unlike most of his peers, Kamin kept most of his collection from the public and copyrighted the images. Some of these he provided to the stars he toured with, others went into 35 music titles his publishing company produced. But thousands of amazing rock and roll images stayed archived in his personal collection. 

Kamin picked up his first camera decades ago and his natural talent was readily evident, and in short landed him the coveted gig as tour photographer for the band Genesis. His artistry met instant success, and Kamin became one of the most in-demand music photographers on the United Kingdom’s rock ‘n’ roll circuit. 

Jim Morrison

Over the years, Kamin also has worked with Paul McCartney and Wings, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Bob Dylan, Phil Collins, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Mick Jagger, The Clash, AC/DC, Rush, Queen, King Crimson, Van Halen, Motorhead, Roxy Music, Bill Bruford, Black Sabbath, The Cars, Madonna and John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s Blues Brothers, but who's name dropping here? 

There are over 100 auction lots featuring original classic rock negatives and slides, including 1964 Yardbirds with Eric Clapton, 1965 Yardbirds with Jeff Beck and a stunning 1965 Rolling Stones in Paris. Equally impressive are never before seen images of The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Genesis, Grateful Dead, Boston and Dire Straits, just to name a few. "Kamin's photographs are collectively rare and unique glimpses of days past. It is truly an honor to represent such an amazing collection of photographs, negatives and slides which capture a front row view of rock and roll history," says Jacques van Gool, founder and president of Backstage Auctions.

Jimi Hendrix

But there’s more to the “wow” factor of these iconic images that sets them apart. They’ve never been sold to newspapers, magazines or photo agencies, and both the photos and their original rights have remained in Kamin’s possession for decades. Kamin only sold his photographs to the bands he toured with, the band’s manager, their public relations firms, record companies, or the band’s merchandisers. As a result, these photographs and their original rights have remained in Kamin’s possession for decades. “I have had a lot of time to enjoy these images and I want to make sure they end up in the hands of individuals who will cherish them as much as I have,” said Kamin. “Bringing them to avid collectors seems to make the most sense.”

Kamin's collection, which will be featured in the Rock 'n Pop Summer Auction at Backstage Auctions, is being offered with both images and copyrights. The real value of the images is priceless. Whether purchased as art or an investment – the potential is enormous.

Yardbirds - Jeff Beck

The Rock 'n Pop Summer 2011 auction goes live on June 4^th and will run for one week, coming to a close on June 12^th. To receive your VIP All Access Pass for the auction please register at www.backstageauctions.com.

Philip Kamin:  is one of the world's leading rock photographers .Philip has also published over 90 books, including 40 in music, plus novels, non fiction, trade paperbacks and coffee table books in a variety of subjects.