New Release Reviews

Released on August 10, 2004

Sammy Hagar – The Essential Red Collection (2004 Hip-O Records)
RedRocker.com

1. Bad Motor Scooter
2. Thinking Of You (pre-Capitol demo)
3. Call My Name (pre-Capitol demo)
4. Red
5. I've Done Everything For You (studio version B-side)
6. Heavy Metal
7. I'll Fall In Love Again
8. There's Only One Way To Rock
9. Fast Times At Ridgemont High (from Fast Times At Ridgemont High soundtrack)
10. Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy
11. Two Sides Of Love
12. I Can't Drive 55
13. The Girl Gets Around (from Footloose soundtrack)
14. Winner Takes It All (from Over The Top soundtrack)
15. Give To Live
16. Eagles Fly
17. High Hopes
18. Little White Lie
19. Marching To Mars
20. Mas Tequila

Derek's Review
Sammy Hagar has had two other compilation albums released in the past, 1992's The Best Of Sammy Hagar, which covered only his Capitol Years, and 1994's Unboxed, which covered his much more popular Geffen years. Now this new compilation, for the first time, covers songs from both labels (though heavily favoring the Geffen years), and also goes back to his first band, Montrose. There are two other very important reasons that this compilation has been released. First, Sammy Hagar has rejoined Van Halen, and their new compilation, The Best Of Both Worlds, has just been released. The second reason this should be released is that Sammy Hagar has put out an additional four albums since his last compilation album.

I will sum up some of the highlights for you. Since this is a compilation album from a very successful artist, going through most of the tracks that are familiar to casual rock fans is quite pointless. However, there are a few tracks that should be mentioned.

First off, it's great to hear "Bad Motor Scooter" from Montrose. Fans of Sammy Hagar that have no idea who Montrose is need to go buy their first album, because it is a killer record.

"Thinking Of You" sounds exactly like his Capitol-era material. The song has a driving groove with some good guitar work. The sound is quite excellent, considering it's a demo. "Call My Name" sounds the more commercial out of the two songs. Both of these songs are certainly good and above demo quality. Nothing exceptional, but a nice addition.

The next song I want to talk about is "Red." Though Hagar shies away from the color a bit now, everyone knows that Hagar is the "Red" Rocker for good reason. This song was rightfully included. "I've Done Everything For You" is extremely underrated. This song was a B-side on his "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of A Bay" single, and has since been covered by Rick Springfield on his popular Working Class Dog album. This is a great song, and I'm glad it was included.

It's great that Hagar decided to include his songs from soundtracks, because they are certainly fine songs.

Hagar's Geffen material is covered well. I knew that they would not cover all his hits and best songs, especially on a single disc that is sharing space with his Capitol-era material. They do a decent job here.

From Hagar's four albums after departing Van Halen, they have chosen three tracks. "Mas Tequila" and "Little White Lie" are a must, because they were considerable hits for Sammy. The next track they decided to include is "Marching To Mars," which is a song I personally love, yet I don't quite understand why they chose that one, when his latest single did not do poorly (the excellent "Things've Changed"). Nevertheless, it adds a great flavor to this album.

This album really appeals to every type of fan Sammy Hagar has, which is extremely important. It will appeal to the casual listener who does not own all of Sammy Hagar's albums and perhaps likes his recent hit "Mas Tequila." This also appeals to the hardcore Sammy fans by offering them two previously unreleased tracks ("Thinking Of You" and "Call My Name"), as well as three songs from various soundtracks. This will perhaps also appeal to the Van Hagar fan who has never indulged in Sammy's solo career, or the young kid who saw Van Halen for the first time during their most recent tour and is now interested.

This is put together quite nicely and Sammy had input over the song selection, which I think really helped this album out. Though I think Sammy could have had an extremely excellent double disc compilation come out, for a single disc, this is done nicely. The liner notes are a nice touch as well. They decided to make use of 79 minutes on an 80 minute CD. God bless 'em for that.

Derek's Rating:

Comprehensiveness


This covers his entire career and does so accurately for a single disc.

Packaging


Good liner notes that let the listener know where the songs are from, plenty of pictures, and a nice red cover.

New/rare material


Nice inclusion of a B-side, plenty of soundtrack material, and two unreleased songs!

Overall Rating

Released on July 20, 2004

Van Halen - The Best Of Both Worlds (2004 Warner Bros. Records)
Van-Halen.com

Disc 1
1. Eruption 2. It's About Time 3. Up For Breakfast 4. Learning To See 5. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love 6. Finish What Ya Started 7. You Really Got Me 8. Dreams 9. Hot For Teacher 10. Poundcake 11. And The Cradle Will Rock... 12. Black And Blue 13. Jump 14. Top Of The World 15. (Oh) Pretty Woman 16. Love Walks In 17. Beautiful Girls 18. Can't Stop Lovin' You 19. Unchained

Disc 2
1. Panama 2. Best Of Both Worlds 3. Jamie's Cryin' 4. Runaround 5. I'll Wait 6. Why Can't This Be Love 7. Runnin' With The Devil 8. When It's Love 9. Dancing In The Street 10. Not Enough 11. Feels So Good 12. Right Now 13. Everybody Wants Some!! 14. Dance The Night Away 15. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (from Live: Right Here, Right Now) 16. Panama (from Live: Right Here, Right Now) 17. Jump (from Live: Right Here, Right Now)

Mike's Review
Van Halen is one of the greatest bands of all time. They have one of the most influential guitarists in history. They've showcased two of rock's most charismatic frontmen. They've had one of the most successful careers out of any rock band in their 26+ year history (despite confusion and hiatus during recent years). They are heralded by millions around the world. Quite simply, Van Halen are legends. And a legendary band deserves a compilation that lives up to their status. Unfortunately, The Best Of Both Worlds falls slightly short of that goal. However, it is very good, and much better than 1996's insulting 67 minute single disc Best Of Volume 1.

For starters, The Best Of Both Worlds is a two disc set, and each disc is pretty full. The song selection and track listing need some work, however. I was wary of the mingled order at first, and I still would have gone chronologically, but I will admit it fits the theme. Once again, "Eruption" and "You Really Got Me" are cruelly separated, but at least the latter makes an appearance this time, unlike on Best Of Volume 1. Inexplicably, the Roth-era album Fair Warning (a favorite of both fans and Eddie Van Halen himself) is screwed over, represented only by "Unchained." Of course, that is one of the band's best songs ever, but "Mean Street" and/or "So This Is Love?" should have been included as well, certainly at least one of them in favor of the oddly-appearing "Black And Blue" from the Hagar-era album OU812. And so begins the blatant favoritism towards Hagar on this release. Sure, he's now back in the band, but a truly equal compilation would have been nice. In addition to the aforementioned omission, three live cuts of the Hagar-era band performing Roth-era songs (which were already released on their live album Live: Right Here, Right Now, mind you) make an unwanted and unnecessary appearance: "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Panama," and "Jump." The space used for these songs could have and should have been used for either unreleased live material with Roth in the band (none has ever been made available), more Roth-era songs that should have been included to begin with, or at least Hagar-era deep cuts. Moving away from both Roth and Hagar for a moment, it should be noted that no songs with Gary Cherone from Van Halen III are included. In fact, there is no mention of Cherone or that album anywhere. The title The Best Of Both Worlds may represent primarily Roth and Hagar, but an inclusion of at least the decent Cherone-era song "Without You" would have made this package a complete representation of the band. And although these discs were well-packed, I'm sure the tracks could have been arranged to squeeze in the brief "Intruder" and/or "Happy Trails."

Blithely, there are actual song errors present on this relase. "Finish What Ya Started" ends abruptly instead of fading out. The initial explanation was that Ed was responsible for overseeing the tracks and that he had been very busy and missed it. Then a contradicting explanation stated that the band chose to include the original mix sans-fadeout as a joke about the song's title. Personally, I believe the first, since Ed is only human (despite his superhuman skills), but someone at Warner Bros. should have been responsible for checking the final product. The second error is the inclusion of the instrumental "Strung Out" as part of "Not Enough." I suppose here it could be argued that "Strung Out" was intended to be the song's intro, but I rule that out because they originally appeared separately on Balance.

As for the three new songs ("It's About Time," "Up For Breakfast," and "Learning To See"), they aren't instant classics, but they are pretty cool tunes that really grow on you. "It's About Time" would have benefited from ditching its nu-metal intro, but it turns into a pounding rocker about the band finally getting back on track. The beginning of "Up For Breakfast" is the lovechild of "Why Can't This Be Love" and "Fire In The Hole" (yes, the latter is indeed a song from the Cherone-fronted Van Halen III). The song then becomes a funky rock number with hilarious sexual food lyrics. I know many people have complained about these lyrics, but I think it's a refreshing return to Van Halen's humor that has been sorely missing for years. "Learning To See" takes a moment to slow things down, and sounds like something that could have appeared on one of Hagar's recent solo albums, perhaps Ten 13.

This is packaged in a digipak, something I'm rather not fond of. But it isn't the worst digipak I've seen, at least it still includes a proper holding for each disc and a booklet. However, the inside of the packaging is mostly all black and white, and only includes two pictures of the band, both current. The liner notes aren't bad, except for the total lack of any information in between Hagar's departure and return. And, in the discography, Van Halen III is nowhere to be found (as mentioned earlier).

The Best Of Both Worlds makes an excellent gift or introduction to the band, and the new songs are very enjoyable for old and new fans alike. If this is the only Van Halen you own, and you really enjoy it, keep in mind that there's still a substantial amount of quality material that you'd probably be interested in. Overall, this compilation has the right idea, but a little more care and attention would have made a "world" of difference.

Mike's Rating:

Comprehensiveness


Many great songs are included, but omissions, errors, and poor choices leave their mark.

Packaging


A jewel case would have been preferred, a couple more lines in the notes would be nice, and more colors and photos, please.

New/rare material


The new songs are pretty smokin' and are the best part of this bad boy!

Overall Rating

Released on ZO2's website. Also available on KISS' 2004 Rock The Nation tour.

ZO2 - Tuesdays & Thursdays (2004 Splivey Cool Entertainment)
ZO2.com

1. Takin' Me Down
2. Temptation
3. Living Now mp3 clip
4. Dirty Water mp3 clip
5. Radio
6. Fly On Your Wings mp3 clip
7. Breakdown
8. Liar
9. Paper Breakup mp3 clip
10. Wait
11. Head Up
12. Sweet Lover

Mike's Review
I'm not sure what my obsession is with this album, but for some reason it has really pulled me in. Derek and I saw these guys open for KISS on their 2004 Rock The Nation tour and they put on a pretty good show. They weren't amazing, but they had some good tunes and seemed to genuinely enjoy rocking out on stage. Derek and I were interested in their album, but we were reluctant to pay $15 for it. We tried to haggle with just about every vendor at the venue, but no dice. Curiosity got the best of us, and we each bought a copy anyway. Needless to say, I don't regret it at all. It's far from being my favorite album, but I know I would've always wondered what I was missing. ZO2 is a bit more modern than I usually care for, but they still maintain a good sound. The guitars still have crunch, no nu-metal tone. The singer still wails, no senseless roaring. As far as the lyrics are concerned, the band's subject matter varies. Songs like "Living Now" and "Radio" have more of an old school, carefree feeling with lyrics like "Living now on my own!" and "She's in love with the radio." However, other songs are more current and serious. "Fly On Your Wings" deals with religion; "Head Up" is about the need for a father figure. I usually prefer my rock to stay on the lighter side, which is one of the reasons why I'm so surprised by my addiction to this album. But there's still plenty of material on this album to impress an old school rocker like me. "Dirty Water" is a ballad on the tougher side that really sounds like something out of the 70s, and "Paper Breakup" has a catchy, "shout it out" chorus.

One thing I really like is that these guys have potential. I think that if they're going to make it big, they're going to need to lean towards one side or the other (old school or modern), but that's just my opinion.

This album's booklet deserves a special mention. Instead of opening to the side like a book, it opens upward like a calendar (no doubt to fit with the Tuesdays & Thursdays theme). The album has twelve songs, and the lyrics to each one are printed over their respective month of the year. I have never seen a booklet like this before and it's a very cool concept.

Mike's Picks: Living Now, Dirty Water, Fly On Your Wings, Paper Breakup

Mike's Rating

Derek's Review
Man, I don't know what it is about these guys, but this has become my summer album. I have probably spun this disc more than any other this summer, and I'm still not really sure why. "Takin' Me Down" was the first song that ZO2 played live for us at the KISS show, and the song still draws me in every time. I swear, if only I could get rid of the slight modern-ness to their sound, I would be loving this CD completely. I like the fact this band (composed of two brothers, Paulie Z. and David Z.) have two singers. For some reason, hearing various singers balances albums out more for me (maybe it's from my KISS-loving ways). When I look at the lyrics from these guys, I can't understand what a single song is really about, and for some reason I'm really down with that. On "Temptation," one of the brothers sings "'Cause I can take you there," and for some reason they do take me there. This is a rocking album and I can't get the songs out of my head. I keep coming back to this album for more listens. Okay, I admit it, I'm addicted, and yet I'm not even sure what I'm addicted to. There are some really cool guitar moments on "Temptation" where Paulie Z. doesn't solo really fast but just makes some really cool noise. "Living Now" is an upbeat rocker with a tempo-changing chorus. I like the line, "Hey kids with nothing to do/Anything and everything is waiting for you." "Dirty Water" is as close to a ballad as you get, and yet this isn't really a ballad at all. I love the chorus of this song. "Radio" has a great funky beat provided by David Z. I must say this album showcases more bass rhythms than any other in recent memory (check out "Liar"). Like Mike said, "Radio" is a more carefree song and is better because of it. The lead singer shows off some great vocal range on the "Fly On Your Wings" chorus.

I agree with Mike that these guys have potential, and we really dig that. I also love the fact that this is an independent release, and I hope these guys get signed, because they deserve to.

I have to say that this is an excellent booklet, especially for an independent release. I have never seen anything like this, and I love my CD booklets. Great job.

So far this is my favorite CD of 2004. Good job guys. Keep up the good work!

Derek's Picks: Living Now, Dirty Water, Liar, Takin' Me Down

Derek's Rating

Faithful readers, Mike and I are asking you to please support this band, since they are deserving of your love and hospitality. I raise a glass to their future.

Released on June 8, 2004

Gene Simmons – Asshole (2004 Simmons/Sanctuary Records)
GeneSimmons.com

1. Sweet & Dirty Love
2. Firestarter
3. Weapons Of Mass Destruction
4. Waiting For The Morning Light
5. Beautiful
6. Asshole
7. Now That You're Gone
8. Whatever Turns You On
9. Dog
10. Black Tongue
11. Carnival Of Souls
12. If I Had A Gun
13. 1,000 Dreams

14. Everybody Knows (bonus track on Japanese version)
15. You're My Reason For Living (bonus track on Japanese version)

Derek's Review
Mike's cousin once reviewed this album perfectly. He used only one symbol "?" and somehow I cannot do anything but agree with it. This is Gene Simmons' first solo album since his KISS solo album in 1978. His 1978 album was the most diverse of the four solo albums, and this solo album really isn't any different.

"Sweet & Dirty Love" is a great way to start off this album, and sounds like a KISS leftover from the Revenge album. "Firestarter" is a cover of Prodigy. I know some of you are thinking, isn't that the group that did the song "Smack My Bitch Up?" All I can do is just nod my head in affirmation. This song doesn't sound any different really than Prodigy's version, and I don't know where Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction) plays guitar on it, but I definitely don't really hear him. While this song does have a funny video for it, I really can't say I support Gene in this move into this club music genre and only sigh in relief that it didn't wind up on a KISS release. "Weapons Of Mass Destruction" sounds like another Revenge leftover and there's nothing wrong with that. Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer both join Simmons on "Weapons Of Mass Destruction" and "Sweet & Dirty Love," which probably explains the Revenge sound on the album. Perhaps kind of similar in vein to "Unholy." From here the tempo of the album shifts entirely. Next up is a song co-written by Bob Dylan (yes, the same Dylan who is a legend in modern music). "Waiting For The Morning Light" is a soothing, slower number that is actually appealing and I can get into this groove. "Beautiful" starts off with a crazy keyboard intro and then Simmons starts singing with Magical Mystery Tour Beatles-esque melodies. "Asshole" is definitely an upbeat number, almost punkish, however, it is definitely one of my favorites, just a humorous song and I really enjoy it. "Whatever Turns You On" is kind of a one of kind song that really isn't comparable. A few of the Simmons family join him in the chorus on this song. "Black Tongue" is a highlight for me. I love hearing Frank Zappa talking throughout the piece, and the solo in the song (done by Zappa's son Dweezil) is definitely entertaining. I love the chorus of "Black Tongue." It's nice to see "Carnival Of Souls" finally appear on an album, since it has been sitting in the KISS bucket of songs for ten years. "If I Had A Gun" probably has my favorite lyrics from the album, "If I had a gun/I'd have me some fun/I'd shoot everyone who pisses me off today/So don't piss me off today." I know everyone has felt like that at some point. "Everybody Knows" adds another rocking song to the album but is only decent. "You're My Reason For Living" closes off the album on a somber note.

All in all, this is a very mixed up, diverse album. Though I would have preferred Gene perhaps cut a few songs to shorten this album a tad and maybe just pick more rocking songs for the album, this album is what it is, Gene getting this stuff out of his system. Rumor has it that Paul Stanley is working on a solo album due out in early 2005, hopefully that stays true. This album is a mixed bag, won't get Gene any new fans, and KISS fans should perhaps be aware that they are due in for a surprise upon their first listen. Though this album does grow on you after a few listens, I don't know how many fans will give it those few extra.

Derek's Picks: Sweet & Dirty Love, Asshole, Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Beautiful

Derek's Rating

Mike's Review
There are two possibilities for this album:

Either...

1. Asshole is a concept album. Here's the premise: one of the most creative, talented, and successful rock stars of all time decides to be an "asshole" by teasing his loyal fans with the prospect of a new solo album and leaking samples of the album's best songs. He then pulls a complete switch by releasing the album's single, which is the worst song of his entire career (even if it is a cover). The following album, aside from the songs that were leaked, is the last thing anyone expected to hear from him, and is overall his weakest effort to date. All of this would make Asshole the most brilliant and sneaky concept album ever recorded.

OR...

2. Asshole really just is the jumbled, haphazard collection of songs from every genre that it appears to be.

Well, it's probably the second possibility.

So that leads us to the next question, why would Gene do something like this? My honest opinion: because he can.

Let's take a look at the absolute WORST possible scenario after releasing Asshole:

Everyone who bought the album vows never to purchase anything from Gene Simmons again, and they all tell everyone else and all of those people make the same vow. This includes anything by Gene Simmons or KISS, and not just albums, but concert tickets, merchandise, and anything Gene Simmons ever has a part of in the future. Essentially, Gene is forced into complete retirement. But for him, what does it matter? He's already co-founded and been a lifetime member of the greatest band of all time, with whom he has received countless awards and recognitions. And let's not forget his worth of half a billion dollars. So, with all of this said, I think Gene was just pushing the limits, since there's really no risk involved.

Now here's the review of the album that merited ALL THAT for an introduction:

"Sweet & Dirty Love" is a sweet and dirty rocker. It's very much a Revenge-style song, even featuring Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer, and I swear that sounds like Paul Stanley on "much too good!" but he's not credited in the liner notes. "Firestarter" would be more appropriately titled "Fireshitter," because hearing it is as bad as shitting fire. Fortunately, our beloved Gene didn't actually write this monstrosity; it's a Prodigy cover. But the employee at Sanctuary Records who suggested that Gene use the song has earned his eternal damnation in rock and roll hell. This version is barely different from the techno original, and is only better by default. Gene contacted Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro to add a little guitar to the track, but why bother? The whole point of guest musicians is to pick ones with valuable contributions, and Navarro doesn't meet that criteria. "Weapons Of Mass Destruction" and the later-appearing "Carnival Of Souls" are intense rock songs that would fit on KISS' album Carnival Of Souls (the latter song is actually an outtake from that album). The soft, soulful "Waiting For The Morning Light" (co-written with Bob Dylan years ago) is an unlikely gem. In fact, it's one of Gene's best songs in years. "Beautiful" and "Asshole" are two songs in a row written by outsiders, and are two of the album's better tracks. "Beautiful" combines synth pop with a Paul McCartney-esque sound. "Asshole" is a pop punk rocker with stupidly funny lyrics. Gene taps the backing vocal abilities of his daughter Sophie on "Now That You're Gone" and of Shannon Tweed and friends on "Whatever Turns You On." "Dog" was written by Gene's sidekick for this album, the mysterious "Bag." Aside from some clever lyrics, it doesn't leave me interested in Bag's upcoming solo album (yes, there's actually supposed to be one). "Black Tongue" is an unfinished Frank Zappa song that Gene resurrected. It is another standout on the album, and even features clips of Frank talking and guitar from his son Dweezil. Musically, "If I Had A Gun" isn't very entertaining, but it does contain some humorous lyrics. The intro to "1,000 Dreams" recalls Gene's 1978 cover of "When You Wish Upon A Star," as well as the high note he hits at the very end.

"Everybody Knows" and "You're My Reason For Living" appear on the Japanese version of Asshole, but are both better than a number of songs on the regular version. And they DEFINITELY should've replaced "Firestarter." "Everybody Knows" is a rock song that rotates between slow and mid-tempo. "You're My Reason For Living" is an enjoyable ballad that remains lite for the first half and then begins to pick up.

Even though the first possibility I mentioned didn't turn out to be the reality, what I said in it was true; this is overall Gene's weakest release to date. But he did throw us a bone by including some really cool songs, and hopefully he enjoyed himself. I think the legendary Paul Stanley summed up this album the best in a recent interview: "Let's just say, I hope it's what he wanted to do. He reaps the benefits or takes the...criticism. If this is the album he chose to make, then he deserves what he gets, either way."

Gene, Gene, Gene, you crazy bastard. We love ya anyway.

Mike's Picks: Sweet & Dirty Love, Waiting For The Morning Light, Asshole, Black Tongue

Mike's Rating

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND STRONGLY ENCOURAGE THAT EVERYONE WHO OWNS THIS ALBUM MAKE THEIR OWN COPY WITH "FIRESTARTER" REMOVED! THE ALBUM IS MUCH BETTER THAT WAY!