Corduroy - Honky

Women always tell me wearing corduroy just isn't attractive. Uhhh...The retro thing still lingers in hard rock and heavy metal music, but that's not necessarily a bad thing any more than hearing a neo-classical band. As long as the band has the goods and isn't cashing in, it's a genuine pleasure to listen to that kind of groove when the mood strikes. And so it is with Corduroy, which features JD Pinkus, Bobby Ed Landgraf and drummer Trinidad Leal, and it's album Honky.

This is some serious Southern groove metal replete with tasty riffs, cotton candy fuzz, and boogie-woogie beats galore - I mean the third song on the album has a fucking horn section! And this shit works, man. Pull this album out at a your next party, get your mind right, and fucking jam, baby. There's a sweet ZZ Top vibe beneath the layers of meaty distortion that keeps things light and loose from a rhythym angle, and while this album ain't breaking any rule books (though there's some tasty shreddage lurking amongst the double-stops), it's some damn fine groovin' hard rock, ya savvy?

The Bottom Line: Remember the roots of modern metal and hard rock are found in the kind of music Corduroy's putting out, with a healthy dose of shuffling and grooving, with tongue in cheek, that owes much to the blues. Check these boys out if you're looking for a good Southern-style party album.

- Genghis is in the mood for some barbecue and beer...

Podcast #209: Razors

Mr. Vapor does a little one on one with Ragman, and gets his mind right,Before our annual Halloween show, we thought we'd sit down for a chat with Mikey Vapor of Chains Over Razors, the hard rock band that's sweepin' the land (hey, I'm a poet!) to discuss what's new with them (i.e. their new album, Crown The Villain) and what sort of touring plans are in the works as the fall finally starts to kick in. so, pour yourself a tall cold one and sit deep in your comfy chair by the fireplace for An Evening With...!

Featured Tracks: Damnation, Promises of War, Monster, Subtle Words, and Devil's Eyes

- Ragman is hoping a new Halloween show will get us back on track...

Podcast #209: Razors

Journey - Live in Manila

I have to admit, that since Jeff Scott Soto was asked to leave Journey, I have not followed the band as closely as I had.  I felt betrayed, by the band, because of the way that Soto was dismissed.  The only thing that would have kept me cheering, would have been the return of long time front man Steve Perry.  I dug the Steve Augerie (ex-Tall Stories) era, and was pumped when they announced that Soto would be fronting the band.  Being an established fan of both of these vocalists, it was a no brainer, that I would stay on board, but when they replaced Jeff with a guy on Youtube, I was pissed and checked out.  Well it wasn't a total check out, I still bought what they put out, but it still bugged me that they basically had a Steve Perry, sound alike, fronting the band.

My opinion of the band has not really changed over the past 9 years, since Arnel Pineda joined the band, until their latest live release Live in Manila.  This concert was filmed in 4K resolution and looks amazing.  Not only does it look amazing, but the band is firing on all cylinders.  Schon and company rip through their greatest hits, as well as a few new tunes.  The band look like their having fun and have a nice dynamic with now ex-drummer Deen Castronovo handling some of the vocals.  I have to admit, that I enjoyed Pineda's performance, even though he seemed little too giddy to be a rock star.  He comes off a little goofy, but who wouldn't if you were fronting one of the greatest rock bands of all time.  This one was thoroughly entertaining and is a must for Journey fans.  If you are skeptical like I was, then give this one a shot, and I would bet your opinion would change.

Bottom Line:  A well shot DVD that gives you a great live experience, from your couch.  The band shows that they can still rock hard after 40+ years.

-Ragman is ready for the reunion with Steve Perry, that will probably never happen.

Podcast Interview: Titus Hjelm

Ragman chats with Titus Hjelm of Thunderstone who clearly needs to replace some light bulbs at home.Ragman chews the fat with Mr. Titus Hjelm of Thunderstone who discusses the band's latest album and tour plans this fall with Stratovarius. It's some good stuff with some great music as well, so check it out.

And if you dig their music as much as we do, show the band some love by purchasing their lastest album, Apocalypse Again, from your favorite online store, won't you? HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Thunderstone - Ghosts of Youth, Fire and Ice, Through the Pain, The Path, and Holding on My Pain

Titus Hjelm Interview

Podcast Interview: Harry Hess

Ragman chats with Harry Hess of Harem Scarem and First Signal for the four-peat!!Ragman welcomes back the one and only Harry Hess (Harem Scarem, First Signal) for a little one on one with his fourth chat with The Right To Rock. Will he get a prize? Maybe a beavertail? How about a beavertail?

In any case, be sure to check out First Signal's latest album, One Step Over The Line, available now in all the usual places. HORNS UP!

Featured Tracks: Harem Scarem - Karma Cleansing; First Signal - Broken, One Step Over the Line, and Love Run Free; Harem Scarem - Voice of Reason

Harry Hess Interview