They Do Make Them Like They Used To!

Everyday Demons - The Answer

Let's not beat about the bush - if this album had been released thirty odd years ago then these guys would be the biggest band on the planet.This is the meatiest hunk of 70's rock released since... well the 70's and better than most of the stuff that was on offer then as well. The Answer have taken their time putting this second major-label album together and it shows. Each song is beautifully constructed, wonderfully played, expertly paced and unashamedly crowd-pleasing - there are more hooks on here than at an angler's convention. Good grief... we even have exciting guitar solos!


All that sets The Answer head and shoulders above almost all the 'young' bands out there at the moment, but what really seals the deal is singer Cormac Neeson quite simply the best rock singer on the planet at the moment... and by a long way.

In an ideal world Everyday Demo would establish The Answer as a world-class act making millionaires out of the young Ulstermen in the process. Unfortunately though this is 2009 rather than 1979 and popular tastes have moved on. Regrettably it will probably only be ageing rockers like myself who will give this album its due. Remember one thing though, fashions are temporary whilst class is permanent - and this album is sheer class.

Rating: Essential

A Great Cup Of Joe!

The Ballad of John Henry - Joe Bonamassa

From the Zeppelinesque stomp of the title track to the deep-fried southern funk of closer As The Crow Flies Bonamassa's seventh studio album oozes class and quality. The production is superb, the mix is crystal clear, the musicianship is often breathtaking, the original songs are amongst the best he's ever written and the five cover versions are simply exquisite. Album by album young Joe (well... 31 is still pretty young for a blues belter!) keeps getting better - this is a great album.

Rating: Superior