STACK #186 Apr 2020

MUSIC REVIEWS

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Adam Brand Speed Of Life

Robert Cray That's What I Heard

Adam Brand’s 15th studio album appears to be aimed at the US market. “16 wants to be 21,” he sings in the title track, “because 21 gets to hit the bars.” Brand – who started out in Geelong – is hitting a musical peak at 50, with Speed Of Life his strongest release yet. It celebrates classic country themes – family, mates, God, the weekend and our troops – but the quality of the songwriting and Brand’s singing sees these songs shine. He’s had six nominations for Best Country Album at the ARIAs, but has so far gone home empty-handed. Speed Of Life deserves to change that. “You only get so many trips around that setting sun,” he notes. “Got to make the most of each and every one.” (ABC Music) Jeff Jenkins

Guitarist/singer-songwriter Robert Cray – one of the most successful purveyors of American roots, blues, soul and R&B, with five Grammy wins and 20 acclaimed studio albums on his CV – chose to collaborate with drummer/producer Steve Jordan (Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock) for his latest release. In addition to four newly written songs, Cray celebrates the music of Bobby 'Blue' Bland, Curtis Mayfield and the gospel group The Sensational Nightingales with Burying Ground a sacred song he heard on the family radio growing up. Guest musicians include guitarist Ray Parker Jr. and former Journey singer Steve Perry who adds his distinctive vocals to The Fabulous Thunderbirds' song Promises You Can't Keep . (Warner) Jeff Jenkins

Adam Lambert Velvet

Shivering with disco pomp, it’s no surprise that Adam Lambert used his starpower to lure The Hitmaker onto this record. But even besides Nile Rodgers’ immediately recognisable appearance on single Roses , the first half of Velvet is non-stop disco

with a funky groove. The energy only breaks for the first time on ballad Closer To You , but starting with the moody NewWave of Overglow , side B takes a turn towards Lambert’s favourite wheelhouse, diving for the decidedly anthemic. It’s hard to believe this is only his fourth album - but then Lambert has done more in his last decade than most in a lifetime. (Inertia) Jake Cleland

Dio: Reissues

Angry Machines (1996) Angry Machines is often looked at by fans as Ronnie James Dio’s weakest album. Much of this criticism lies in the record’s stylistic shift from traditional themes, and guitarist Tracy G’s modern approach. The remaster smooths out the harsh tones found on the original, making it more palatable for fans, while the bonus 12-track live recording from the 1997 Angry Machines Tour should be enough incentive to entice those still on the fence. If you missed Angry Machines the first time around, this is as good a time as any to check out Dio’s most ignored studio album. (BMG) Simon Lukic

Magica (2000) Magica remains one of the most powerful albums of Dio’s illustrious career. Created as part one of an intended two-album concept, the plan was never completed due to the Heaven & Hell (AKA Black Sabbath) reunion, and Ronnie’s untimely death in 2010. Magica itself is a brooding, almost monolithic experience that really highlights Dio’s vocal prowess. The songs are heavy and adopt a doom-laden quality that focuses on power rather than pace. The story itself is fantastic, and the bonus tracks make for a great package. Remastered, the album’s strengths come to the fore and make an excellent record even better. (BMG) Simon Lukic

Killing The Dragon (2002) Killing The Dragon is a definite fan favourite. After the detour that was Angry Machines and Magica , a more traditional Dio album was in order. New guitarist Doug Aldrich answered the call, and he helped Dio write an impressive collection of tunes. Killing The Dragon offers no real surprises, but hits the mark with quality songwriting, rock-solid hooks, and Dio’s one-of-a-kind voice. Fans who swear by Holy Diver and Last In Line should check out Killing The Dragon , as it follows a similar template. The reissue sounds great, and with six bonus live tracks, it should not be missed. (BMG) Simon Lukic

Master Of The Moon (2004) The final Dio studio album Master Of The Moon is, in my humble opinion, one of the best. It’s also the blueprint for what was to become Dio’s reunion album with his Black Sabbath cohorts under the Heaven & Hell banner (their 2009 release The Devil You Know is essentially a follow-up to Master Of The Moon , highlighting how important an album the latter is). This fresh remaster complements the original sound, giving it greater depth and clarity. Five bonus live tracks and the studio bonus track Prisoner Of Paradise accompany the original album and should be enough to reconnect fans with one of the late Ronnie James Dio’s most underrated albums. (BMG) Simon Lukic

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APRIL 2020

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