Podcast #128: Saxon

40 plus years and not ONE split end. That's a damn fine head o' hair, my friends.What's better than seeing Saxon live in the states?  Meeting Biff Byford, of course.  And that's just what Genghis & Ragman recently did for An Evening With...Biff Byford.  Join the boys as they discuss Saxon's recent stop in H-Town, as well as their latest record, Call to Arms, following it up with a live interview with His Biffness.  Biff and the band rolled out the welcome mat at Stereo Live to discuss the Saxon's first tour on U.S. soil in years, as well as what keeps them motivated after 40 years of rocking.  Horns up, indeed.

Beer of the Show:  Magic Hat - Howl (Beer Rating: 3.5)

Featured Tracks: Saxon - Broken Heroes, Power and the Glory, Princess of the Night, Susie Hold On, Crusader; Borealis - Finest Hour; Saxon - Red Star Falling, The Eagle Has Landed, Call to Arms, When Doomsday Comes, Hammer of the Gods, and Battalions of Steel

- Ragman still can't believe he interviewed a living metal legend...

Podcast #128: Saxon

Podcast #129: Back

Our talk with Jeremy Edge, of Candlelight Red, is well worth a listen, if you can get past the shame of Chaz and Elmo. We apologize in advance.Where ya been? Well, it's been a while but the boys are back.  So join Genghis & Ragman as they catch up and discuss some of the latest goings on in hard rock and heavy metal from Yes to Crossfade. Next, the boys round up Candlelight Red guitarist Jeremy Edge for a one on one, as he discusses the band’s debut CD, The Wreckage, as well as what it's like being a new band trying to make it in the new millennium.

Beer of the Show: Boulevard Brewing Co. Smokestack Series: Chocolate Ale (Beer Rating: 4)

DVD of the Show: Yes - Union Live

Guest Sound Men: Chaz and Elmo

Featured Tracks: Red - Faceless; Billy Idol - Body Snatcher; Yes - Love Will Find A Way; Black Stone Cherry - Like I Roll; Trevor Rabin - Can’t Look Away; Crossfade - Killing Me Inside; Papa Roach - Burn; Candlelight Red - The Dirt, Closer, Medicated, Gone Forever & In Your Hands

Classic of the Show: Saints and Sinners - Walk That Walk

Genghis' Pick of the Week: Dream Theater - On the Backs of Angels

Ragman's Pick of the Week: Pagan’s Mind - Revelation to the End

- Ragman was disturbed after listening to this show...

Podcast #129: Back

Tracy G is Back!!!!!

From the PRESS RELEASE:

Former DIO guitarist Tracy G Grijalva has just currently released a new CD with his group The Tracy G Group called Controlled Chaos available on his own Spooky G Records. Tracy is joined by Johnny B on Drums and vocals and Eddie Frisco on bass.

He is also working on a book that will chronicle his time while in DIO from 1993 through 1999. The book will talk about everything from his initial try out for the band, how he got that chance and also the end of the line for him in DIO. G will talk about the writing process, the touring, his feelings on the band and also his own private thoughts about working with Ronnie James Dio during this time.

For the first time since his departure in 1999 Tracy is putting it all out there for the fans to live through him the experience of being in a band with the biggest influential singer of modern history. He will go through the process of writing, getting ready for the tours and also only things he would know about that time.

Tracy has been busy since he left DIO in 1999 be a part of 23 releases in that time.

The new CD was just recently released through his own web site www.tracyg.com and will be in stores in just weeks as well and on itunes and all the normal digital sites. You can also get some of his past releases like Goaded "To Die Is Gain" (2008) featuring Larry Dennison on Bass (DIO) Ray Luzier on Drums (Korn) and Jason Witte on Vocals to an incredible Latin release Grijalva (2007)  and A Frsoty G Christmas in 2009.

Tracy has been mixing all styles since leaving DIO but it is always the heavy creative side that makes him the monster he is that is still as evident today as it was in 1993.

Go visit him at www.tracyg.com and and stay tuned for information on the upcoming book as well.

- Ragman wants everyone to check out our boy Tracy G's stuff PRONTO!

Sebastian Bach - Kicking and Screaming

With what's probably the best release of his career, Sebastian Bach need no longer be called "former Skid Row frontman".It's gotta be hard trying to reinvent yourself if you're a rocker from back in the day.  Many bands that had success in the 80s/early 90s are still trying to get back in the spotlight again, but it seems they've lost something along the way; the songwrtiting ideas have become stale and it seems like many of these bands just end up going through the motions.  Whether it be for the love of money or the music remains to be seen. 

Sebastian Bach, if you haven't been following his career since the heyday of Skid Row, has been developing himself as a working vocalist in the truest sense. With a stint on Broadway in Phantom of the Opera and on TV in Gilmore Girls, he has proven that he is more than just a one trick pony trying to live off the glory of Skid Row's success from decades ago.  Since his departure from the Skids, Bas has released a few solo efforts that really haven't gone anywhere - until now.  Sebastian's latest, Kicking and Screaming, could be the strongest thing he's released since Slave to the Grind.

Kicking and Screaming shows Bach at the top of his game; he hasn't sounded this strong in years.  Along with Sebastian is his new hotshot guitarist Nick Sterling.  Don't let Sterling's young appearance fool you, because this kid can rip.  The CD starts out by pummeling you with the title track, a mid-tempo rocker driven by one sick-ass riff.  You can tell from the first note that this is going to be a heavy record.  And while the vibe of the record is satisfyingly edgy, it maintains a solid melody throughout.  The whole record isn't all heavy though.  Bach and company have included some stellar ballads like I'm Alive and Dream Forever, making for a very well rounded CD with some good variety with well-written songs that stick with you. 

Bottom Line: The best thing that Sebastian Bach has done in years.  Bach finally leaves the shadow of his former band and has established himself as a solid solo artist.  This is the first of hopefully many more to come.  Easily the best thing to come from Bach - or the Skids - since Slave to the Grind. 

Standout Tracks: Kicking and Screaming, Tunnelvision, I'm Alive and Dream Forever

- Ragman was blown away by how good this one was.  It lived up to the hype.

Dream Theater - Live at Budokan (BluRay)

Dream Theater is one of those bands that is solid every time you see them.  Whether it be live or on video, you know you're going to get your moneys worth.  Over the years the band has issued some great live DVD's which capture them in their element and bring them into your living room.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has just released the band's DVD, Live in Budokan on BluRay.  This show was previously only available on standard DVD, but is now coming at you in HD (BluRay).  The show was from the band's 2003/2004 tour, supporting the Train of Thought album. 

The show was shot in HD, and in the BluRay format, looks more amazing than it's previous standard release.  The quality of the picture is amazing and gives you a sense of being in the first row.  The camera work on this video, is right where you want it at the most critical moments, for example: a Petrucci solo or a Rudess wank fest.  I have to say this is one of my favorite DT videos.  The set list is spot on and the performances kill.  Even if you have the standard release of this video, I highly recommend getting this on BluRay, because it far exceeds the original release in sound and video.

Bottom Line: A great video that got even better.  The Bluray upgrade of this classic show is worth the price of admission.  DT firing on all cylinders and putting on a stellar performance.

-Ragman loves the way this video looks.