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Described as 'A collection of the very best from Europe's number one in
hard rock' this compilation's unofficial title should be 'Z's essential
guide to hard rock'.
No less than 34 tracks on this compilation, each and everyone a classic
cut from some of the musically more superior bands around today.
If you prefer you rock to have a good melody to it and words you can hear
and enjoy for the sheer class and quality then this latest offering is a
must.
The best thing about an album like this is that it not only gives you the
chance to catch up on the latest tracks from the bands you do know, but it
also gives you a taste of some new ones that you might not have heard
before.
The thrill of discovering another new band to add to your collection never
goes away does it?
So who might you have heard of already? Well the first CD, (yes there are
two!), opens with the mighty Von Groove. Already well established in the
scene you'll get a chance to hear their ever-popular 'Lily', taken from
the album The Seventh Day. A smashing little dance track that I've heard
played more than once some of the better rock clubs.
Next up we have 'Stone Cold And Crazy' from Burning Rain. Anyone who went
to the Z Festival (part 1) earlier this year will be more than familiar
with the wealth of talent this band have. Right from it's well timed intro
through to the mighty vocals of Keith St John who takes the bands hard
rock sound back to the classic years when Deep Purple and Hendrix were
alive.
If you enjoyed that one then look on the second disc for another taster
from the band.
Carrying on through the first CD you'll discover a band that even the
youngest of rock fans should be familiar with, the wonderful flower power
rockers Enuff ZNuff.
Taken from their extremely popular album Ten we have 'There Goes My
Heart'. A song that is an absolute delight to hear and one, which goes
down a storm at all their gigs.
If ever a song reflected the true spirit of a band then this one hits the
spot for these guys. You can almost visualize Donny and Chip singing this
one in their tie-dye attire. A real feel good song if ever there was one.
One band that particularly caught my eye (and ears) was the legendary
Tygers Of Pan Tang. Not just because they were local lads, but also more
because they were one of my favourite bands in the mid 80's.
A time when I was underage but managed to sneak into quite a few of their
gigs in and around the Newcastle area. Memories of standing outside The
Strawberry (pub) hoping the catch a glimpse or an autograph from the lads
come flooding back.
Right now the band are preparing to make a magnificent comeback by
headlining the Z Festival (part 2) next month.
Will this signal the start of the phrase NWOBHM being seen once more in
the music media at large? Well we'll have to see. They led the way the
first time around, who's to say they won't do it again this time?
Z have truly spoilt us with not just one but two tracks from the band,
both sounding very impressive and if these don't wet you appetite to see
the band live in action nothing will!
I for one can't wait to hear the new album 'Mystical' when it comes out
later in the year.
A band you may not be as familiar with are Dreamhunter. Again we have 2
tracks by them and having recently purchased both their albums I can
confirm that these songs give a realistic indication of what to expect
from this band.
They sound great on CD, but live they are phenomenal.
Any Dokken fans out there will adore the band Seven Wishes and their song
'Take My Heart'. Yet another great Scandinavian band that deserve a lot
more exposure than they current get.
Flying the flag for Great Britain is Contagious. If you haven't already
heard their Red, White & Slightly Blue EP then you're missing a treat.
Other highlights include a demo version of Danny Danzi's 'Eternity', one
that's sure to go down well when it is finally released.
Sons of Angels was one of the bands I hadn't heard of before, but after
hearing 'Love You To Much', I'm sure this won't be the case for long.
24K track 'Black & Blue' sounded like a cross between Aerosmith and Enuff
ZNuff's so they will definitely be on my 'to seek out and obtain' list.
All in all a total bargain to add to your collection. Where else would you
get so many great bands and such wonderful tracks all on one CD? Pop into
the Z Records website and see how to get your copy now!
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