An ungodly start time of 6.50pm meant that Black Stone Cherry hammered out an impressive set to a virtually empty arena – a situation not helped by ludicrous security arrangements that delayed entry for up to an hour in some cases. Nevertheless, the young Kentuckians displayed no lack of enthusiasm in delivering their southern-tinged heavy-riffing that has just enough melody in the mix to broaden their fan base beyond the average metal-fan. Expect Black Stone Cherry to be headlining somewhere near you soon.
Whitesnake hit the stage after a surprisingly low-key build-up but immediately hit their stride with a barnstorming Best Years – the first of four tracks from new album Good To Be Bad all of which fitted seamlessly within a set list rich in gems mined from the band’s 30 year history. It quickly became clear that this is incarnation of Whitesnake is not so much a band as a vehicle for the David Coverdale show. The largely anonymous supporting players were allowed only the briefest of excursions onto the projecting stage platform which was almost exclusively the domain of King David. Not that anyone was complaining though – the voice may not be what it once was but there can be very few frontmen alive that can match him for sheer stage presence. Personally I think there is something just plain ‘wrong’ with a 50+ man who thinks his microphone is a dick, but the number of ladies’ undergarments that made it into the stage indicates that not everyone feels that way. DC controlled that stage and the Belfast crowd with practiced aplomb; savouring every minute of it like it could be the last – and if that turns out to be the case then he could leave us no sweeter memories.
Whilst Def Leppard were billed as co-headliners with the mighty ‘Snake, we were left in no doubt as to who the main attraction was. Their sound was both louder and of better quality than that permitted to Whitesnake and they made full use of the rear projection screen - running videos during their performance with Whitesnake having to make do with a couple of static album covers. I for one found this a little difficult to stomach given Coverdale’s richly deserved pre-eminence in the history of rock, but despite this, and a slight existing antagonism towards the band, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Leppard’s set. Yes, they lack the quality of song and depth of emotion to provide a truly fulfilling experience but this was all about sing-along, join-in-the-chorus crowd-pleasing and they worked hard to deliver it. A Belfast crowd already whipped into a frenzy by Whitesnake almost exploded in response as hit after hit rolled off the production line. I can recall no stronger a crowd reaction from a Belfast crowd since the drought of live bands ended post-troubles – and it was richly deserved.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Album Reviews - May 2008
A trio of new releases from bands producing their best work since the 1980's.
Whitesnake – Good To Be Bad
The Mighty ‘Snake return (perhaps for the last time if Coverdale is to be believed) with a monster of an album that storms through the whole canon of cock-rock, from Zeppelin to Lizzy and almost every shade in between. This album demands your attention with unapologetic sturm and drang; no stone or volume knob has been left unturned to ensure that every last ounce of power has been squeezed out of a fine selection of songs.
Although never quite reaching the heights of the mega-selling 1987 this is a more consistent collection that merges the both the blues-rock and hair-metal eras of Whitesnake to great effect with plenty for fans of either era to get their dentures into.
Amongst all the pyrotechnics on display it’s ironic that album closer 'Til the End of Time is the stand-out track. A slower number mixing and matching from Purple Mk III’s Soldier of Fortune, Zeppelin’s Bron-Y-Aur Stomp & Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead Or Alive, there could be no finer finale if it is indeed to be goodbye from Redcar’s finest son.
Good To Be Bad is far from perfect - the over-the-top production can sometimes get in the way and DC’s lyrics often stray uncomfortably close to ‘Moon in June’ territory; but this is a triumph of an album that probably comes as close to recreating the glory days as we’re ever likely to get.
Rating: Essential
Def Leppard – Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
I’ve never been the world’s greatest Leppard fan. I found them too calculating, too contrived and mostly just too bland for my taste. That’s not to say that I haven’t found myself tapping along to them over the years – it’s just that I don’t find them terribly inspiring.
Although Songs From The Sparkle Lounge is undoubtedly their best collection since Hysteria it remains more of a light snack than a 3 course meal - enjoyable enough at the time but instantly forgotten. Having said that, the execrable faux-Queen layered harmonies of Love would be best forgotten but leaves such a nasty aftertaste that it threatens to overwhelm the remaining tracks.
Love aside this is a competent collection of radio-friendly rock that doesn’t disappoint.
Rating: Good
Rush – Snakes & Arrows Live
If this double disc collection proves one thing it’s that you can’t get too much of a good thing. This is Rush’s third live offering in 5 years yet it sounds as fresh and as powerful as anything from their 30 year plus career.
Old favourites are dusted off and given new lease of life whilst more recent tracks from Snakes & Arrows take on a new dimension in the live arena. This is a band caught in the act of finding a new drive and enthusiasm - long may it continue.
Rating: Essential
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
