Album Review: AC/DC - Black Ice

OK, so it's been a while since I did a review so I hope people are still reading this blog. Got this CD for Christmas. I had heard all the hype, "It is vintage AC/DC", "It sounds just like the old stuff". Well, while digital technology and the evolving mindset of an artist, makes 30 years of music sound very different, I was pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of it. Straight forward rhythm driven rock with simple lyrics. Much like the old stuff. I know some fans like the old stuff and refuse to even listen to new stuff because they are stuck in the past. Or they are so afraid of getting old, if they never hear new stuff it's like it never happened. Bad news for you, Black Ice just happened. And you're getting old! Who cares, old means something. It means you made it. You survived a lot of crap that was thrown at you and you now have some scars as reminders, but you lived it. Brian Johnson, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd understand that. They just want you to come to the party and enjoy it.

So 15 songs. I'd say 7 really good ones, 5 decent ones and a couple I'll probably skip over. I think you'll agree, but if you can't spare the price of 2 movie tickets to own 13 good rock songs, then you weren't a fan to begin with. Just speaking in the attitude of rock. Oh yeah I almost forgot 4/5 stars.

Thanks.

Re-Review: Bruce Springsteen - Magic

Well, if you have read my reviews you know, I really came down hard on The Boss' new album "Magic". Well, since I am finally going to get to see him live in Aug. I decided to dig out the new stuff and get real familiure with it. I want to be able to follow all the songs he does. So after listening to this album again about 3 times, I have to re-rate it.

If you listen to rock radio, you have probably already heard "Radio Nowhere". Like that song, many of the others had to grow on me first. That is unusual for a Springsteen album. However, it is refreshing that he isn't afraid to try something new. He doesn't just release the same music with different names and places referenced. The good thing is this is still an E. Street Band record as well. I am just as much a fan of the band as I am of Bruce. Anyway, so if you like the Born in the USA album and if you liked new stuff like The Rising, you should go get Magic. However don't judge it on just 1 spin. Remember, let it grow on you. I now give this album 3.5/5 Stars.

Bruce Springsteen - Magic

I am a huge Springsteen fan. However, If you like 70's - 80's Springsteen, I wouldn't recommend this one to you. It gets a little too political for a guy who says "I will never be in politics". There are a couple songs that I would listen to more than once. Other than that, I was very disappointed. If you want some newer sounding music from the Boss that lives up the the old stuff, I would suggest The Rising. I give The Rising 4/5 stars. On the other hand Magic would have to be 2.5/5 stars.

Eagles - Long Road Out of Eden

This is a 2 disc set that includes 20 all new songs. Some of the songs have the traditional Eagles sound such as "How Long". Some have a purely Don Henley feel and some have the Joe Walsh sound all over them. Now this being 2008 and not 1974, corporate execs have their hands in on this now. And you can hear it on some tracks. "What do I do with my Heart" has a early 80's Chicago feel to it, but almost sounds boy band from the Eagles. Still a good track though. So if you are an Eagles/Henley/Walsh fan, this is a good pick for you. 4/5 stars. $12 @ Wal-Mart.