Similar artists– Bachman-Turner Overdrive, The Guess Who, The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Tommy James and The Shondells
Pieces of April
Reviewer- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
“Three Dog Night” is an uncommon name for many rock fans. Originated in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1967, they have been credited with numerous Billboard Top 40 Hits and interestingly, they helped many songwriters to the contemporary audiences by making their songs famous. Songs like “Joy to the world” (Hoyt Axton), “Pieces of April” (Dave Loggins), “One” (Harry Nilsson), “Mama told me not to come” (Randy Newman) definitely contributed a lot to the songwriters. Taking their name from indigenous Australians meaning the severity of a freezing night requiring to sleep embracing a wild dog, they had numerous line-up changes but their sound have always been well appreciated and time tested too.
Similar artists– Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Motorhead, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Airbourne
Gone shootin’
Reviewer- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
For anyone who is into rock, AC/DC requires no introduction. AC/DC is the most successful band to have emerged from Australia. Formed in 1973 by the Young brothers Malcolm and Angus, they have always proved themselves to be a true hard rock band despite numerous line-up changes. Their hallmark sound, the thundering beat drums, unique vocals of Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, the prototype school uniform worn by Angus and his unique guitar style, all add to their glory. With untimely accidental death of the singer Bon Scott due to heavy alcohol consumption overnight in 1980, the band had almost called it the day. However due to Scott’s parent’s persuasion, they rolled in Brian Johnson as Scott’s replacement and continued. Today, they are considered as one of the most successful and well respected heavy metal acts of all time. They have been ranked fourth by VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock” and seventh by MTV’s “Greatest Heavy Metal Band of All Time”. Still going strong, their fan followers are increasing day by day.
Vol II, Issue 5 – Everybody needs a friend (15 Mar 2017)
Name of song– Everybody needs a friend
Band- Wishbone Ash
Album- Wishbone Four
Writer– Martin Turner
Release year– 1973
Similar artists– Blue Oyster Cult, Grand Funk Railroad, Ten Years After, Hawkwind, Argent
Everybody needs a friend
Reviewer- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
Whenever one recalls “Wishbone Ash’, one is reminded of the trademark harmonious twin lead guitars of Andy Powell and Ted Turner. One of the most influential British rock bands of the mid seventies balancing between hard rock and progressive rock, Wishbone Ash are still going strong despite numerous line-up changes. They have always maintained a cult status among classic rock fans and they have been a source of inspiration for various dual guitar bands including Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden.
Album- Greatest Hits (2000) / Hear in The Now Frontier (Re-issue 2003)
Writers– Scott Rockenfield, Geoff Tate
Release year– Greatest Hits (2000) / Hear in The Now Frontier (Re-issue 2003)
Similar artists– Dokken, Magnum, Dreamtheater
Chasing blue sky
Reviewer- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
For many metal fans, Queensryche may sound a pretty unfamiliar name. However, heavy metal would not be same, had it not been for Queensryche. They are the progressive heavy metal band formed in Washington in 1982. They are famous for their heavy metal concept album “Operation: Mindcrime” released in 1988, which is considered probably one of the greatest heavy metal concept album of all times. With various line up changes, they are still going strong till present and they have many albums to their name till date.
“Chasing blue sky” is one of their trade mark song taken from their compilation album-“Greatest Hits” released in 2000. This song was also released as the bonus track from the re-issue of their sixth studio 1997 album “Hear in the Now Frontier” in 2003. “Silent lucidity” from their second album “Empire” in 1990 is perhaps their most successful and well known song. However, when you have to choose, “Chasing blue sky” is also a very good contender.
The song opens up with the nice drum and rhythm, along with melodious guitar plucking. Geof Tate’s amazingly sweet husky voice then drives us into the frenzy. The song describes about ones’ own desire to be free and flow with time and nature along with your loved one. Although the lyrics is short, it is quite catchy and meaningful. The lead part of the song, which also melts along with the humming organ, is also so pleasant to our ears. The smooth melody, husky voice, soft rhythm, brilliantly built lead with organ, all contribute equally to make this song a wonderful piece of rock music.
Although Queensryche may not be every heavy metal lover’s household name, “Chasing blue sky” might perhaps be the song which every heavy metal connoisseur’s can savor. And never to forget, they do have their own contribution to the rock history.
Shakin’ time, she needs
Taking rides to somewhere
Let’s lose our minds, no hurry
I’m the wakeful night, with dreams or something
Chasing blue sky,
We’re chasing blue sky
Taking time from all this worry
Mesmerized by the waves of your smile
I wish that I could say something
But you’re the rose colored glass I see through
I’ll see you through
Chasing blue sky,
We’re chasing blue sky
Chasing blue sky,
We’re chasing blue sky
Chasing blue sky,
We’re chasing blue sky
Chasing blue sky,
We’re chasing blue sky
Ohho, chasing blue sky,
We’re chasing blue sky
Chasing blue sky,
We’re chasing blue sky
Writers– John Bonham, Deniel Edwards, Jimmy Page, David Edward Sutch
Release year– 1970
Similar artists– Jeff beck, The Yardbirds, Cream, The Seeds
Cause I love you
Reviewer- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
Screaming Lord Sutch (David Edward Sutch) was an English musician with deep influence and involvement in mainstream politics. He had stood for numerous elections (with record of losing more than 40 times in the elections that he stood!) and was also the founder of a political party. As a musician, he had worked with a variety of Guitar Gods including Jeff beck, Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, Ritchie Blackmore etc. Despite his associations with so many musical prodigies, he could never really make it big. However, he was famous for his horror themed stage shows and shock rock antics and numerous albums with his band “Savages”. One of his most famous single was “Jack the Ripper” which was covered by many bands including Link Wray, The White Stripes etc.
