Crazysam

I don't know.  From what I've seen there are a handful of studies released over the last 5 months showing that natural immunity is as good or better than the vaccines.  I believe the study in Israel included the Delta variant.  And keep in mind the original vaccines were made prior to the variants.  With that said the boosters may change things.  But I for one haven't seen any studies showing large numbers of people who had covid previously getting it a second time.  And I especially haven't heard of someone having a severe case when contracting the virus a second time.  I'm not saying it doesn't happen but that data would better support the argument for the vaccines and boosters for those who have already had confirmed cases.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/09/15/natural-immunity-vaccine-mandate/

I enjoy some of the tunes off their last two albums.  Anton can write some great melodies and the singer has a great range.  New track is solid.  The synths are a bit more pronounced than in past.  Not saying that's a bad thing just an observation.  I think they may get less attention on the forum just due to the mix of styles (Eurobeat, metal, symphonic rock) leading to more of a niche audience.  

I'm fully vaccinated as well.  I had been puzzled with the fact he hadn't held a press conference much sooner during this latest surge.  But rather than the speech being inspiring it had an angry, condemning and authoritarian tone.  “If you break the rules, be prepared to pay — and by the way, show some respect...”   There were also the typical half truths and false statements that politicians tell us to justify their actions.  Like not reiterating the key fact that vaccinated people can still get and spread the virus.  And falsely claiming it was the increased number of vaccinations during the last few weeks that is behind some states seeing a decline in cases and hospitalizations now.   

“If you ever speak like that to me again you better be wearing a cup."  Eddie Van Halen, 1996

54 minutes ago, Glen said:

not sure about Sam Fox but its a good ballad 

I was thinking the same about Ms. Fox, bit of an odd choice to collaborate with, she sounds ok though and it's a good tune

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  My dad ran a local night club for a few years, so I was fortunate to see a lot of bands before I was of legal drinking age.  Not many of those bands gained fame outside of the Midwest region of the U.S.  But a few of the acts may be recognizable to some forum members.  

• Moxy Roxx - (featured Brooke Lynne (St. James) of Tyketto and Hector (Jackie) Ramos of Hericane Alice, Bangalore Choir and Bad Moon Rising)
• Warp Drive - band leader Mark Woerpel was in an earlier version of Moxy Roxx
• Bad Boy - featured Steve Grimm on vocals/guitar who later had a solo band as well
• Problem Child
• Fortress - changed their name to Eliot when they relocated to California

1 hour ago, Glen said:

all free here in UK. 

only 'asked' to wear on public  transport but tbh its not enforced in any way.

but mate what do expect in the US. that can hardly be described as a vaccinated country - half of them are refusing it 😉

the vaccination rate is a big part of it. as here in the U.S. we are still unfortunately seeing a large number of hospitalizations and deaths, with that said the two states mentioned (Washington & Oregon) actually have about 60% of the population fully vaccinated, which probably equates to about 70% of the eligible (12 and over) residents, I may be mistaken but I don't believe those numbers are that much different than the UK's

I agree with you guys on that Fury album, that's a must have in my opinion

new song is pretty good, but as was mentioned sounds almost like a demo as far as the production

I've got that Road Ratt cd, thought it was OK.  That track is probably the best on the album.  I like the 1RKO album and the Washed demos.  But only have those on digital format.

Not too far removed from their early material as far as style, but unfortunately the song doesn't really grab me.

I am disappointed to read in the write up that Sall isn't involved this time around.  But the first track is a good one.

New track is solid, but the band sounds a little restrained on both of the promo tracks.

On 8/17/2021 at 7:39 AM, tts42572 said:

New album officially out on all streaming services today.

Thanks for the heads up.  I gave it a spin yesterday and enjoyed it.  The style is similar to the debut, with that early 90's melodic rock vibe, but as Geoff pointed out the sound is slightly heavier.  A few fillers but I thought the song quality was a bit more consistent compared with the debut.  My initial favorites are "Good and the Bad", which reminds me a bit of Danger Danger, "Pieces of Your Love", "In Those Eyes", "Nightmare Games" and the title track.

1 minute ago, AlphaMale said:

I'm not sure if this would be any good without Kelly Hansen. 

I was thinking the same thing.  While it's great that Sarzo and Cavazo are a part of the reunion, knowing that Kelly isn't involved loses a lot of the initial appeal for me.

10 hours ago, lettard said:

Mine arrived today...sounding really good...some tracks are better quality sound than others thus the title I suppose.

First couple "Alone Tonight" & " I'm Still Standing(v1) sound great ,sound drops for "Sandy" & "Take Some Time" but the tracks themselves are excellent.

Next up "Grind The Axe" is also excellent nice heavier track(as heavy as Valentine go) then the above track "Heart Of The City",followed by "On My Way Back Home" a ballady track,Hugo sounds as great as usual.

"Luv Honey" has a decent sound if a little throwaway/filler type is followed by Big Ballad "Never Gonna Let You Go" but this is what it is..a demo cleaned up,"All Rise" is ok,and I love the riff of "See No Evil" really good rocker.

"Calling" is another ballad and another good track..."All Night" has that keyboard fazed start and sounds like it shoulda been on a movie soundtrack from way back then,a great track...disc ends with another keyboard opener track in "The Light Shines Through" another ballady type sort of short and sweet fillery.

Interesting that in the liner notes it says that Ritchie Zito wanted them to explore fresh ideas after signing to RCA and changing to Open Skyz so these tracks were left on the shelf,for me even though I don't dislke Open Skyz this material shits all over it(and Soul Salvation) and it would be great if they re-recorded all this stuff as a Valentine album because for me its right up my street style wise.

Really pleased that I took a punt on this,but even though its brand new release my back tray has limited edition 20th century music 2019!! written on it..interesting  

Glad to know this release is available and being shipped now.  I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the sound/style of the tracks.  I was a little uncertain about purchasing, but based on what you mentioned I think I'll pull the trigger.

10 hours ago, tts42572 said:

First single has dropped from a new band featuring members of Midnite City and Vega.

Tune is called 3D.  Kind of sounding like a harder hitting version of Midnite City to my ears....Interesting and think I'm digging this tune...

https://fb.watch/7eVM8Nnfy0/

From their FB page:

 

It is when you are least expecting it that some of the world’s greatest moments appear from nowhere. From a year of adversity rises a collective of known musicians with a very definite end goal.

 

LIFE OF A HERO Consists of current members of Midnite City & Vega and boasts the unique vocal talents of Russ Grimmett (Son of world-renowned frontman for Lionsheart & Grim reaper, Steve Grimmett). The band showcases a selection of up to date Powerful, Melodic Rock on their debut album LETTING GO.

Mixed and produced by Pete Newdeck of PN PRODUCTIONS and mastered by Harry Hess, who also features as a guest vocalist on the single “In My Dreams”, it is an album that will stand out from most. With a full album, 3 video singles and professional images already on standby, LIFE OF A HERO comes to you via Battlegod Productions.

With a unique band name, specifically chosen to acknowledge the number of heroes throughout the years, up to these unprecedented times, and further, LIFE OF A HERO invite you to become part of their future…

 

 

I wasn't aware of this project, thanks for posting.  That first single sounds good to me.

8 minutes ago, AlphaMale said:

Haven't heard the media mention this Lambda variant yet. So far it's only in Peru and South America. But you know it will spread everywhere just like the alpha version of covid-19.

I haven't seen much about it either, outside of a recent story about someone in Texas having it.  I believe they said it was the first confirmed case in the U.S.  That story you shared about it possibly being more resistant to vaccines is a bit concerning.  

9 hours ago, lettard said:

Anyone else get this gem yet? For me its great stuff...interested to hear other opinions?

Its definitely my suprise of the year so far...music wise  

Really like what I've heard with those promo tracks.  As you pointed out, Soto's involvement stood out to me right away from the backing vocals to the overall sound  

Thanks for sharing.  I intend to watch it.  That was the album that got me into Leppard.  It would be cool if they included Pete Willis for something like this, so fans could hear some of his recollections of that time period with the band.  

7 hours ago, Dead Planet said:

One issue with this pandemic is that it is the first of the modern age and no one had a clue at the beginning how to properly deal with it because they weren't prepared....messaging was constantly changing as they figured out what was going on and to this day you have different people in the health care community saying different things as there is still no clear strategy except to get vaccinated....we are actually fortunate that they were able to make vaccines that are extremely effective at protecting us from this virus...

People have the right to get or not get vaccinated, I just wish that there was a lot less misinformation floating around social media platforms and from people who know better but selfishly say things to stir people up (Tucker Carlson)....

I hear you, there are too many people out there making things worse by spreading disinformation or crazy conspiracy theories.  I am all for encouraging others to get vaccinated because the data shows it reduces your chances of having severe symptoms.  And as you said it seems to be our best way out of this mess.  I'm just not on board with shaming everyone who has concerns about taking it.  Nor things like requiring people to get vaccinated in order to keep their job or be able to enter a store.

1 hour ago, Geoff said:

Yeah mate, I agree that it's ridiculous trying to blame everything on non-vaccinated people. There is nothing on earth that everyone is vaccinated against and it's silly to think that the covid vaccine will be any different. I get so irritated with the whole narrative. Even something as simple as someone saying "oh, I can't see my dying parent because of covid." Or, "we're going to be locked down even longer now because people protested against lockdowns." 

It's all garbage. The only reason we're locked down is because it is what our government is enforcing. Covid isn't stopping my kids from being educated, or learning how to swim, or playing soccer with their friends, or having birthday parties. The government has banned all that. And people "breaking the rules" don't extend lockdowns. The government does. I just hate that narrative, that it's everyone and everything's fault except the people enforcing it. That's where our hatred should be channelled, and nowhere else. 

What do they say in the movies - I'd rather die on my feet, than live on my knees. 

I would much rather covid brutally murder me as I lived a life worth living, rather than cower inside my house behind a facemask for the rest of my "life," scared shitless of covid. Let people decide for themselves how they spend the few years we get on this planet. 

Sorry, tangent again. I can't help myself. I just think of people who have passed in the last 18 months, unrelated to covid, and how miserable the last moments of their life have been. Again, the numbers are there for everyone to see. The final wash-up on all of this will one day be that the cure was far worse than the disease, but how much longer until this is realised? 

Of course getting to 0 can be done, if we spend the rest of our lives locked inside our homes. You talk about one returning traveller, but don't you have aspirations to travel yourself again one day? I know it may not happen again in our lifetime, but we're just speaking nonsense about 0 cases and return travellers and delta and whatever bullshit we're getting fed each day. 

It couldn't really be more simple - covid isn't going anywhere, nor was it ever going anywhere once it "got out" last year, and we all need to learn to accept that one day or other. 

I agree, many of the extreme restrictions and messaging around this have been harmful and frustrating.  Whether it be lockdowns, effectiveness (or lack thereof) of wearing cloth masks, and what percentage we need to be at to reach herd immunity.  It's understandable as something evolves and knowledge is gained things will change.  But often there is conflicting information or the guidance may have little reasoning or data to support it.  We are told to just accept it because someone in charge says so.  And if we don't then we're part of the problem or we're spreading misinformation.   For example, last year we were constantly told if we got 70% of the population either vaccinated or with natural immunity from recovering then concerns would pretty much be over.  Well, from my understanding we should have been at that point prior to the recent surge.  So they needed to blame something (unvaccinated people) rather than just acknowledging they were wrong.  Now they've moved the goal posts further, again without much explanation, saying it may take 85-90%. 

Those restrictions in Australia sound insane.  As you said Geoff, it's hard to see an end to things if the government continues to have such unrealistic goals.

Here in the U.S. it's all about politics and finger pointing as usual.  On the 4th of July President Biden gave us the impression the worst of the pandemic had passed despite knowing full well the Delta variant was starting to spread.  One would have only needed to look to the difficult situation the UK was dealing with considering they have similar vaccination rates.  By claiming the recent surge is the fault of the unvaccinated oversimplifies things and ignores the actions of the general population and how contagious the Delta variant is.  Over the last few months we seemed to go from zero to 60.  With very few capacity limits for large events and in general very few mitigation guidelines were being followed anymore.  Many people are still under the false impression that the vaccines gives them immunity.  Health officials only recently confirmed what had begun to seem obvious, that vaccinated people could in fact get and spread the virus, albeit at a lower rate than those who are unvaccinated.   However, they didn't bother to share that news through a national press conference.  Instead a few media outlets claimed to obtain a "leaked" internal document last week containing that information.  As I mentioned previously, I am fully vaccinated.  And based on the available data the vaccines seem to greatly reduce the risk of you having severe symptoms.  But I don't understand people mocking and shaming those who are unvaccinated and get sick.  Or implying they should be given lower priority when it comes to health care services.  As if they chose to get the virus or intentionally tried to get others sick.  Maybe we should start shaming anyone who gets sick with the flu but wasn't vaccinated because clearly that means they didn't follow the rules.

That makes the situation even sadder knowing he took his own life.   I don't fully understand the original post from the band though.  Was he taking medicine for a mental illness or physical health problem that didn't help him and he got worse?  Or maybe became addicted to a pain killer?

24 minutes ago, auslander said:

I don't know why you guys are going on about vaccinating kids. The chances of a kid dying from covid is astronomically small. It is starting to disturb me how ferocious the pro vaccine political system is becoming. I think the pro vaccine political movement may need to take a deep breath and step back a little bit. It's not a religion FFS. 

I agree, I don't get the push to try and have a vaccine available for younger kids.  As you said the science to date seems to show that even if kids do get the virus they rarely have severe cases.  I'd be more concerned about the unknowns with possible long term complications from the vaccine with that age group.