heavyharmonies

CD arrived today, in flawless gem condition. I didn't realize it, but the OBI is one of the ones that adhered to the jewel case rather than just being a slip of paper, so finding one fully intact and mint after 24 years is even more amazing.

Ok, I just got this from the band: So by my math it looks like the actual CDs will contain about 270-300 songs. I've ordered one for HH. I'll post pictures once I receive it (I'm only 2 hours south of Chicago, so it should get here pretty quick).

First listens: Disturbed - same as the last disc, but not as attention-grabbing. What's odd is that while I loved Invincible, this one doesn't hold my attention at all. Nothing memorable (yet). The U2 cover is ok, but not spectacular. Heart - nice, but too "mature" and laid back. It's very polished and sounds good, but I don't hear this one getting a lot of replay from me. Papa Roach - Not all that much new here, but heck it was $7.99. The sound quality on the live tracks is pretty decent. 10 Years - Good stuff! Some heavier elements and some melodic elements; good for the modern rock fan. We Are the Fallen - The surprise of the bunch. If you like female-fronted melodic rock, give it a listen. It's not as dark or heavy as the artwork suggests.

Ehh? That doesn't compute. There's no way the number of songs they claim are in the set would fit on only 15 CDs. And what happened to all the various options they said were going to be available? I'm holding off for now until we get more information. -Dan

Saw this at Best Buy yesterday and thought I'd gamble on it. Carly Smithson from American Idol with a bunch of ex-Evanescence members. In the vein of Evanescence, Delain, etc., but lighter. Not sure it's even as heavy as Halestorm, despite the imagery. Definitely melodic stuff though. I'm digging it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ENTMG8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?tag=heavyharmonies

Looks to be a good Tuesday with new releases from Heart, Papa Roach, 10 Years, and Disturbed.

http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Rule-25th-Anniversary-Blu-ray/dp/B003V2IHBI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1282876090&sr=8-1

Nope. I still have the original laserdisc release, which in the ending credits, refers to a soundtrack being available, but it was never released on any medium in any country. I've never found any trace of a soundtrack release, even bootlegged. The problem is that any soundtrack would have to come from the studio, because virtually all the songs in the movie have dialogue or sound effects over them; there's no clean source of JUST the music. I have the DVD, and will most likely buy the Blu-Ray when it comes out on September 28 (even though the age of the animation will most likely not benefit all that much from an HD release). It's a cheesy movie, but I'm just a sucker for it.

Then of course there's the never released "Rich Girl" soundtrack with Jeff Scott Soto on lead vocals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A96lxVBSX04

Here is a link to the trailer actually, haven't looked forever for it but found it in a few minutes. http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1684538649/ Common soundtrack: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140440256556 Never heard of the band though - .45 Grave. I'll have to pick up that soundtrack. The sequel soundtrack, featuring Leatherwolf and Anthrax, is much tougher: http://cdsniper.com/soundtracks/returnlivingdead2.html

Another great movie whose soundtrack never got released due to licensing disagreements: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kPP45npLaQ&feature=related The Debbie Harry - Robin Zander duets were never released on any album that I'm aware of.

Some things I'm not too persnickety about, but my soundtrack collection is one are where I will not knowingly buy a boot, even to fill a hole. I just ordered the Breakin' soundtrack from Roger, which is a semi-tough title, and also one that is heavily bootlegged. He also has a copy of the very tough "Two of a Kind" soundtrack (Olivia Newton-John, Journey). His price is very reasonable, especially with the 10% off code. This one usually sells north of $100.

That one I've got. Picked it up a few years back. Also extensively bootlegged. Any of these rare 80s soundtracks that you see on eBay that are "remastered" with see-through tray cards are all bootlegs. *sigh*

I actually haven't been doing any major CD buying for quite some time, although I still keep an eye out for tough discs from a few artists and for my movie soundtrack collection. I spotted this one that I'd been seeking for several years, and figured that instead of spending $50+ for one of the bootlegs that seem to be floating around, I'd spend a bit more and get a real one. yeah, it's stupid money, but finally having a real one gives me warm fuzzies. Still en route. Next up: can someone hook me up with a real original Japanese pressing of the Fright Night soundtrack? What other AOR-, hard rock-, and melodic metal soundtrack rarities am I missing?

Well I hear Fair Warning is touring...

BG has been fantasy/middle-earth focused on their themes since I can remember. Regardless, Nightfall is a phenomenal CD. "Time Stands Still at the Iron Hill" is pure masterpiece. -Dan

And a big thanks to Mike for his tireless work as of late! He's been doing far more of the submissions work than I have (dang real-world distractions!) -Dan

http://heavyharmonies.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=25189 I posted one of the songs in its entirety. Get the 2-CD version.

BG, ya either love 'em or hate 'em. Epic, fantasy, epic, middle earth, epic, Tolkein, epic, heavily orchestrated, and yes... epic. After a 4-year hiatus, Hansi and crew return with a vengeance. Nothing groundbreaking stylistically, which isn't a bad thing, IMO. BG's style is one that works, and is sonically immersive. It comes in 1CD, 2CD, or 4LP versions. For a taste, here's all almost 9 minutes of Wheel of Time (based on the Robert Jordan series. On the bonus CD there is a completely instrumental version of this track that is also way cool. CD1 01 – Sacred Worlds 09:19 02 – Tanelorn (Into The Void) 05:59 03 – Road Of No Release 06:31 04 – Ride Into Obsession 04:48 05 – Curse My Name 05:50 06 – Valkyries 06:34 07 – Control The Divine 05:25 08 – War Of The Thrones 04:55 09 – A Voice In The Dark 05:41 10 – Wheel Of Time 08:56 CD2 Bonus 01 – Sacred Worlds (Pre-Production Version) 06:49 02 – Wheel Of Time (Orchestral Version) 08:55 03 – You’re The Voice (Radio Edit) 03:36 04 – Tanelorn (Into The Void) – Demo 05:59 05 – Curse My Name – Demo 04:42 06 – A Voice In The Dark – Demo 05:40

After a few more listens, my verdict is: boring. Some of the songs just drag on forever, but unlike the lengthy material on the new BG album, they don't go anywhere; they just meander aimlessly. Disappointing.

The next week is going to be chock full o' headbangin'. Picked up the Iron Maiden at BB, and while there picked up the new Ozzy and Godsmack discs (wouldn't normally, but they were each on sale for $7.99, so why the heck not?), along with Skillet - Awake (sorry, but the track "Hero" is catchy as heck... no not metal, but anyway...). Then got home to find that my copy of the new Blind Guardian 2-CD LE arrived. Let the music commence! -Dan

I wonder if there's a correlation between love/hate of Crazy Nights, and whether you're more of a fan of '70s KISS or '80s KISS. Also, which era you're more familiar with or when you were first exposed to KISS. I find '70s KISS to be dull, and much prefer the more-polished '80s material.

Crazy Nights is my favorite KISS album as well, and it has the best power ballad KISS ever did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYaV097NlLs

And if that wasn't enough, there's the limited edition version, which is 3 CDs + 2 DVDs: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=MIZF-70012&ref=myp

Meh. Reminds me of 7th Heaven, but without any vocal harmonies...