Plasmatics - Live (Rod Swenson's Lost Tapes 1978-81)

Rarely, do the Plasmatics get the credit they deserve for their influence on Punk and Heavy Metal.  Yeah, there were bands that were pushing the envelope, back in the day, but not like the Plasmatics.  Imagine a punk version of Alice Cooper with a female vocalist, and you'd be pretty close.  Wendy O Williams, pushed the genre further than any other female vocalist before her.  That said, MVD Visual has recently released Plasmatics Live! (Rod Swenson's Lost Tapes 1978-81), so you can witness it for yourself. 

This release is from Rod Swenson's archive, which had thought to be lost.  If you're unaware, Swenson was the visionary behind the Plasmatics shows as well as their manager.  Apparently, Swenson filmed many of their shows, back in the day, and now we, the fans, get to enjoy the archived footage.  The DVD is made up of 5 different shows spanning from 1978 through 1981.  The footage in most of these shows looks good, but the audio suffers in parts.  The footage looks like it was restored off old video tapes, but who cares, because this is some rare shit.

If you are not sure who the Plasmatics are, or if you didn't get them back in the day, then this is something you should check out.  This band was innovative and really pushed the bar, when it came to live performances.  A cool aspect of the video is seeing how the band changes their look from tour to tour, as well as their stage show.  This one's a keeper.

Bottom Line: A DVD that shows a band pushing the limits live.  They may not be the most talented musicians, but they sure could put on a show.  If you ever wondered if there was a female Alice Cooper, then look no further and check out this DVD.

-Ragman is thinking it is time to finally pick up Coup D'Etat. 

Brain Damage

Well Arrow Films has done it again.  They have brought another lost horror classic back to life, with the BluRay treatment.  The latest movie to get a facelift, is the somewhat horror classic, Brain Dead.  Unfortunately, I never caught this one back in the day, but if you remember, in the mid to late 80's horror flicks were coming out in an abundance, so films like this got lost in the shuffle.  Brain Dead is about a guy named Brian that becomes obsessed with a parasite, named Elmer, that gets him high.  Well that sort of sums it up.  Haha....  No really, this parasite injects a fluid in the back of Brian's head, which sends him on some sort of LSD trip.  The only thing that Brian has to do to keep the rush going is give the parasite brains.

In theory, your thinking cheese, and you would be right, but this one brings alot to the table.  There is some nice special effects, especially for this one being produced in the 80's.  The clay-mation of the parasite, could use a little work, but still comes off fun.  That is the thing with this movie, it mixes in some comedy with the horror.  Again, the special effects are done well, and for those with weak stomachs, you might get a little queezy.  All in all a very fun watch, so grab a 12 pack and a bucket of popcorn.

Bottom Line: A lost gem, that stands the test if time.  The restoration on this film looks amazing.  This one is fun and freaky all at the same time.  If you're looking to be scared, then you don't have the right movie, but if you're looking for a laugh and some good gore, then you got it.

-Ragman is trying to erase the memory of the club scene out of mind.  Yikes!

Podcast Interview - Marcie Free

The boys recently caught up with Marcie Free to discuss the new Unruly Child album Can't Go Home.  Marcie discussed how the album came together, as well as some of the meanings behind the lyrics.  She also gave a state of the union on Unruly Child as well as the possibility of some live shows.  Lastly, Marcie takes us down memory lane with her thoughts on her previous bands King Kobra and Signal.

And if you dig Unruly Child's music as much as we do, show the band some love by purchasing their latest album, Can't Go Home, from your favorite online store, won't you? HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Unruly Child - Who Cries Now, Point of View, The Only Ones, Ice Cold Sunshine, When World's Collide.

-Ragman wants to see this band live, or at least on BluRay.

Podcast Interview - Marcie Free

Michael Schenker Fest "Live" Tokyo

I have to say, I've seen quite a few Michael Schenker live DVD's over the past several years, and each one is better than the last, and his latest Michael Schenker "Live" Tokyo is no exception.  This latest DVD was filmed in Tokyo on 8/24/16 at Tokyo's International Forum.  This was a very special concert for Michael and his band, because he gathered up some very special guest to help him perform certain periods from his career.  Guests included:  Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, all which have worked with Schenker in the past.  This new DVD comes in many formats, from CD to Blu-ray to digital.

This latest release from Schenker, may be his best yet.  It is so cool to see Schenker perform with Bonnet, Barden and McAuley all in one sitting.  Each vocalist gave a stellar performance, and kept the crowd/viewer wanting more.  As with the last several DVD's that Schenker has released, he is always spot on and delivers a solid performance.  The DVD looks really nice and the audio on the CD sounds awesome as well.   Schenker and company give a stellar performance and have delivered, once again, a solid live package. 

Bottom Line:  Schenker once again delivering the goods.  Even thought this guy is getting older, he has not skipped a beat, since he cleaned up his act.  This DVD will ensure that he will play to packed houses, where ever he goes.

-Ragman can't believe he's never seen Schenker live.  He's deeply ashamed of himself.

Judas Priest - Turbo 30 (Remastered 30th Anniversary Edition)

It's hard to believe that Turbo, by Judas Priest, came out 30 years ago.  Damn I'm getting old.  As many of you know, this album came as a shock to many long time listeners.  Following the success of it's predecessor Defenders of the Faith, the Priest decided to switch things up and alter their sound, by infusing synthesized guitars.  Their sound transformed from a metal band that your parents hated, to a more commercial and accepting band.  Don't get me wrong, this album still had punch, but it also was more appealing to the masses, due a more commercial sound.  That said, this album has recently been restored, and sounds better than ever.

Ok, I might have been a little harsh, but this album was so different from anything that the band had ever done before, that it was hard to accept back in the day.  Now, I have to say that I'm really getting into the record.  There are your staples like Turbo Lover and Locked In, but there are also some gems like Private Property and Out in the Cold, that really make this album soar.  If that ain't enough, then the new packaging will knock your sock off.  The new package comes with 2 lives discs, recorded on the Fuel for Life tour. I have to say these live discs sound amazing.  Crank these babies up and you'll feel like your in the front row. 

Bottom Line:  Well the Priest have done it again, with another stellar remastered album, with awesome bonus material. Even though you might have this one in your collection, it is worth the rebuy, due to the improvement in audio quality as well as the live discs.

-Ragman wants to see Priest again.  Come back to Texas damn it!