The Death of Andy Kaufman (DVD)

Say what you will about the man, but few people have never heard of Kaufman's antics.Andy Kaufman was one the better comics of all time.  His avante-garde style of comedy intrigued some and disgusted others.  Unfortunately, Andy died in his prime at the early age of 35.  Many have questioned the way he passed and whether or not it was a hoax; there are many conspiracies theories that surround his death, just like many of the iconic figures of our time.  Recently, MVD Visual released a documentary, that dives into this mystery and tries to uncover all of the unexplained theories surrounding Andy's death, called The Death of Any Kaufman.

The DVD begins with a back-ground on Kaufman, and then sets out to find out, whether he is still alive or if he is truly dead.  Was Kaufman crazy or a genius?  Well the jury is still out on that one, but if he faked his death, he pulled a fast one on all of us.  From what the film tells us, Andy was always infatuated with faking his own death, hence all of the speculation.  The documentary itself is okay, but drags on at times.  The documenter really never comes up with any concrete evidence to prove that Kaufman is alive.  Once they give up on the whole premise of the movie they switch gears to try to find out what Andy was like behind the scenes.  Not sure why they would do this in this order.

The film contains some rare archived footage that was transferred from video tape, and it's too bad they weren't able to get their hands on some more pro-quality footage. Another downfall with this one is the poor audio mix.  It gets hard to hear the dialog at several times during the film.  Aside from that, the movie is okay, it just never goes anywhere.  The filmmaker interviews many unknowns which really didn't help their credibility.  While it's not necessarily a bad movie (it actually makes you think), unfortunately there isn't enough substance to keep the viewer interested.

Bottom Line: If you're a conspiracy theorist, then this is for you.  Is Andy Kaufman dead? Who knows?  And at this point who really cares (with the exception of his family)?  With a little more budget this one may have come off a little better, but unfortunately it came up a little short.

- Ragman has never thought of faking his own death...

Crashdiet - Generation Wild

The Scandinavian metal scene is one of the richest sources of good heavy music, and Crashdiet proves it with Generation Wild.The Scandinavian hard rock scene seems to get stronger each year.  This scene has produced some solid bands over the years, but it seems to be overflowing with talent these days.  The latest band to break out is Crashdiet.  The band are not that new to the scene, they have been around just over 10 years, but it looks like they're about to break out.  The band has had to overcome some adversity, since its inception, but have been stable for the last couple of years. Crashdiet have just released their 3rd album Generation Wild, which could be the one that sends them over the edge. 

Generation Wild starts off with the track Armageddon, which has a cool Kiss - Creatures of the Night, feel to it.  It is a mid-tempo rocker driven by a cool heavy riff.  The cool thing about this group, is that they have a nice mix of 80's hard rock mixed with the more commercial side of metal.  Imagine 80's era Kiss mixed with Skid Row and you would be pretty close.  The songs are well written and are catchy as hell.  I really like how these guys turn it up a notch with the attitude, while still keeping a catchy melody.  The track Native Nature, is a great example of this, because of the cool Skid Row feel about it.  It is a midtempo romper that has that cool sleazy rock vibe to it ala Youth Gone Wild.  A solid effort from start to finish.

Bottom Line: Great 80's styled hard rock with a some attiude thrown in.  All of what you loved in the 80's/early 90's and more.  Great songs that will stick with you and leave you craving more.

Standout Tracks: Armageddon, So Alive, Generation Wild and Native Nature

- Ragman is thinking there's a resurgence coming - and he likes it...

The Poodles - Performocracy

I know, I know, just ignore the name and listen to some of the best melodic hard rock around. These dudes kick ass.The Poodles are one of those bands that seem to get stronger with each release.  Starting out as a glam band, the group has developed into a solid melodic hard rock machine.  The Poodles are entering into their 5th year of existence, and have just release their 4th studio record Performocracy.  The first couple of CD's, by this band, were a little sketchy, but over time the band has honed their sound and now they are a force to be reckoned with.

As you can imagine, The Poodles are a product of the 80's hard rock sound.  The band leans towards the pop metal sound that ruled the airwaves, back in the day, but without sounding dated.  The songs on this new release are melodic, catchy and full of great hooks.  The band does not pigeon hold themselves by sounding like a replication of an 80's band, because they do offer some modern elements, like on the track I Want it All.  It is a mid-tempo modern rocker, with a catchy chorus.  The following track, Until Our Kingdom Falls, truly sets the mood of the CD and prepares the listener for a hard rock feast.  I believe that this could be the heaviest record the band has done so far.  It is apparent on the track I Believe in You, which has one nasty ass groove to it.  This CD has it all rockers and ballads.  A solid effort from the lads.

Bottom Line: Solid hard rock by a band that gets better with each release.  This one will definitely be one of the top melodic hard rock releases of 2011. If you're looking for solid hard rock with some ripping guitar, then you have found your group.  Check this one out.

Standout Tracks: Until Our Kingdom Falls, Bring Back the Night, I Believe In You and Vampire's Call

- Ragman thinks it's refreshing that a band with so much potential has made a turn for the better...

ZZ Top - Live In Germany (1980)

Classic ZZ Top before they hit it big and started to get more commercial (read: lame)What is there not to love about ZZ Top?  With exception of a few albums in the 80's, not much.  This band has been rocking us for over 40 years and don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.  The southern blues rockers from Texas are nationwide and global.  The band slowly built a following crossing over into Europe in the early 80's.  One of the band's first gigs was in Essen, Germany for the Rockpalast TV show.  Rockaplast was like Dick Clark (American Bandstand) with balls.  There were several great acts to perform on this show, and ZZ Top were one of them.  The first time this show surfaced in some 30 years, was last November with its release on DVD.  A mere 6 months later we now have the audio. 

Live in Germany is a historical record of the band before they broke through.  As seen and now heard on this release; you get a hungry band firing on all cylinders, on the brink of stardom.  The CD is good, but I believe the DVD was more entertaining.  The live show is raw and doesn't appear to be touched up in the slightest bit.  The bands sounds well, but their are times when the vocals are a little off key, but that is a live show for ya.  I don't think it was as noticeable on the DVD, as it is on the CD.  Also, the mix on the CD seems a little muddy, making it hard to hear the guitars at times.  Don't get me wrong, the CD is good, but I think the mix could have been better.  The CD includes a 16 song set of classics mixed with a few surprises.  Not a bad CD, but not a great one either.  The more recent live releases stand up a bit better than this one for me.

Bottom Line: ZZ Top in their prime before hitting it big.  This is a raw recording that will be essential for any ZZ Top fanatic.  The casual fan may be better suited with a more recent recording of the band, like the Live From Texas CD, from a few years back.

Standout Tracks: Jesus Just Left Chicago, Tush, Waitin for the Bus and Cheap Sunglasses.

- Ragman is thinking about growing out his beard...

Night Ranger - Somewhere in California

After over two decades, Night Ranger is back with a vengeance. One of their best albums in years.Night Ranger is back and sounding better than ever.  Who says bands don't get better with age?  It is really encouraging, when a band that has been out for 30 years can still put out relevant music.  Night Ranger has just released their 10th studio album Somewhere in California, and it could be their best in more than 20 years.  The band has gone back to basics, which made their first two records so strong, and just made a solid hard rock record.  The band had been a little off track over the last 10 years, with the more modern releases of Seven and Hole in the Sun, but the new CD brings them back to glory.

The CD starts off strong with up-tempo, anthemic Growin' up in California, which is a hard rocker that brings back the harmony guitars and the chunky rhythms reminiscent of (You Can Still) Rock in America.  It has a great chorus and an infectious melody.  The next track to catch my ear, was the track Bye Bye Baby, which is Night Ranger at their best.  It is another killer uptempo rocker with a chorus that will stick in your head for days.  The CD is classic Night Ranger.  It is like these guys turned back the clock and it is 1984 again.  Don't get me wrong, the CD doesn't sound dated, but it sounds as though the music could have been written 20+ years ago.  The songs are fresh and just plain rock.  And for all you ballad freaks, the band has penned their next potential big hit with the track Time of our Life.  It is a classic ballad that will sit nicely beside Sister Christian.  Night Ranger shedding the modern sound and going back to their roots, it don't get much better than this.

Bottom Line:  A solid return to form for a band that lost their way for a while.  This is the most consistent release from the band in 20+ years.  Solid hard rock with amazing solos; guitarists Brad Gillis and Joel Hoekstra prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Standout Tracks:  Growin' Up in California, Bye, Bye, Baby (Not Tonight), End of the Day and Time of Our Life

- Ragman is proud to say that Night Ranger is back with a vengeance...