‘Redeemer of Souls’ is the first new Priest track since 2008’s Nostradamus! Can you believe it’s been that long? Since then they’ve announced their retirement, parted company with legendary guitarist, K. K. Downing, hired Richie Faulkner to replace him and rebuked the retirement announcement. Us Ireland folks were lucky to catch them back in 2009 when they played an epic show here with Megadeth and Testament providing support. Now, we finally have the Priest back on form.
Redeemer of Souls is the title track from their forthcoming seventeenth studio album. It’s a pretty classic slice of good old fashioned studs ‘n’ leather metal. Halford sounds great, the guys sound great – ALL HAIL PRIEST! Call that a review? Yes I do. Never mind my opinion, give it a listen as see what you think.
It seems there’s a bit of excitement building over Meat Loaf’s semi-official confirmation that he’s coming to Belfast and Dublin later this year, as part of his ‘Last At Bat’ farewell tour. While we all wait for either MCD or Aiken to confirm the shows, let’s see what accessories gig goers will need in order to pay homage to the Loaf one last time.
1: A Jim Steinman – Very popular in the late seventies, remained strong in the early eighties and made a shockingly good come back in the early nineties. Every true Meat Loaf fan will want one for the shows in May or you’ll feel left out. Just try and remain friends at the end of the night.
2: A leather jacket – Classic in every sense. Not only does it make a wonderful rugged accessory for any gig goer, large or small. It’ll also keep the fires of hell at bay as you soar through them towards heaven on your Harley chopper (with yer moth giving ye grief from the back.)
3: A Cher – If you want to have a good duet to ‘Dead Ringer For Love’, make sure you bring your own Cher. Every time someone assumes there’ll be some spare Cher’s knocking about a M.L. gig, they end up being seriously disappointed. Remember though, a Cher is for life, not just for Meat Loaf.
4: (box of) Red handkerchief(s) – Doubtful you’ll manage to hold onto just one for the night. Do an Elvis and make your Cher or Jim Steinman carry spares for you so you can pass them out to fellow Loaf enthusiasts while walking around the venue. May get you a free drink…. or a box to the head. Either way – story sorted.
5: Indian / Harley Davidson Chopper – The ultimate in Meat Loaf styling and accessorising. There might be some bother getting it past security but the sounds of 14,000 engines revving up during ‘Bat Out of Hell’ will make it all worthwhile.
6: Frilly Tuxedo shirt – Although the Loaf keeps his own fashion up to date, there’s no reason his fans should change. A frilly tux shirt is just the job for this gig and nothing else would look right under the leathers, sat on chopper with Cher and Jim Steinman at your side.
Finally, 7: Willpower. You need to be in a position where you can honestly say ‘I will not do that’ no matter what – especially if it’s something you’d normally do anything for. With all this you’ll be ripe and primed for the Meat Loaf experience to end all experiences. Oh, and the reason there’s only seven is because B.O.Of H. only has seven tracks – ya see, smart. ….no fun in that now that it’s written.
The legendary singer hits European shores in two months. TT would advise paying your respects one last time,
Two songs in and things are still on the up and up. With the surprising awesomeness of their debut single, ‘One That You Hated’, it seems ADLER are not destined to be a one hit wonder. Their new song, ‘Good To Be Bad’ is heavier, crunchier and still retains that pounding sing along swagger that caught our attention last time. This time they’ve brought in the distinctive John 5 (Marilyn Manson / Rob Zombie) to add a little electro-horror flavour into the guitars.
Although Steven Adler is one of the infamous founding members of Guns N’ Roses, listeners may not be confronted with the sound they’re expecting. Rather than re-hash the classic LA hair metal style that 25 years ago made Guns the most famous band in the world, ADLER have chosen a more contemporary sound and just carry over the style of song (yup, that means solos, catchy chorus and a sprinkle of sleaze – no NU-METAL).
Their album, Back From The Dead, hits shelves next month. Pre-Orders are available now through the bands official website – Adlerrocks@Blogspot. You can download ‘Good To Be Bad’ NOW from iTunes.
I think it’s fair to say that Tickets There has not been the most prolific writer of 2011! Well 2012 will see a change to that and *gob smacked horror* we’re gonna start writing again AND! It’ll be the best of metal / rock and the odd other from about this fine green land of ours (Holland!)……ok, sorry (*real brackets commence*)(EIREbaby!). Before all that, we’re going to take one final attempt at basking in what feel is easily the most impressive, memorable, kick ass, slow bruiser of a 2011 tune. If we’d put the title in the subject line you’d be home by now! Don’t be afraid to try new things, variety is the problem child of life –some things you just can’t reach…a love for, Reckless Love is not one of those things.
Song of 2011, sad to say we haven’t listened to a lot of new stuff this year, but we couldn’t escape Reckless Love ‘Animal Attraction’! When we first heard it, Tickets There was not happy. Copious amounts of coffee, staff meetings, dialogs, ‘Live Reviews – this is an active link….to the post below’ back and forth, firings, hiring’s, dialog, ass holes, bleach, Guinness, Amber Leaf, the lovelies, Jägermeister redbull, vodka, coke-a, Jack Daniels (ish), Def Leppard, Alice, Cooper, Steel Panther, ASH, Thin Lizzy. Motley Crue and mother-f**king love for all things rock ‘n’ roll – Reckless have won out. TLC b*tch of a song. Merry Christmas, Santa came early. Reckless Love, Animal Attraction is the tune, stones engraved, sermon delivered; now rock the hell out and get down with this bad son of a loving she devil!
What ever your taste in music, there’s little to no chance you haven’t come across and enjoyed the mighty Jape over the past few years. Ever since the release of their second album, The Monkeys in the Zoo have More Fun Than Me in 2004, Jape’s appeal and presence on the Irish scene has been growing at a rapid rate. In 2009 the band won the Choice Music Prize for their third album, Ritual and now they’re back to do it all over again. Titled Ocean of Frequency, the group’s fourth album is due to come out in September but you don’t have to wait for new music as the band has just released the album’s first double A-side single.
Hands of Fire is a welcoming boost of energy from the band that does it better than anyone else. No first single from Richie Egan is going to have anything less than an upbeat, catchy as sin chorus, a perfect, striking bass line and an appealing ‘we should go raving’ quality. Lying on a Deathbed comes from the opposite end of the Jape spectrum. Gentle, busy but dreamlike and placid. Fine home grown lyrics with the occasional eye raising naughty thrown in from time to time. Overall, a perfect complement to Hands of Fire.
No denying it now, the return of Jape has begun. Prepare for show announcements and get ready for an album that’s promising to be one of the best we’ll hear this year. Listen to Hands of Fire / Lying on a Deathbed now @ Jape’s Official Soundcloud
Def Leppard has released the track listing for their first ever live album which is due out in June (or May, depending on where you live). Titled Mirrorball, the album is coming as 2 CD’s showcasing Leppard’s long and illustrious career as kings of Arena Rock both in Europe and the States. There’s also a DVD with on and off stage footage ‘AND’ three brand spanking new tracks from their next studio album which is currently due out next year (it’s Leppard, only God knows when their new albums surface).
Lead singer Joe Elliott took to the airwaves this morning to introduce the first of those new songs to the public masses. The track is titled ‘Undefeated’ and forgoing the feeling of over reaching in the songs composition; it’s not a bad wee number. The band has brought the riffs back and there’s a bit of lead here and there, but Tickets There doesn’t believe it’s lived up to it’s “Queen-type vocal thing” that Joe promised us. It’s definitely a continued step in the right direction after the band returned to their heavier sound on Songs From The Sparkle Lounge but still lacking that deadly lick that made earlier Leppard so passionate and fun. The vocals are also a little more stripped back for a Leppard song which will disappoint some fans (us) who were hoping Joe would bring that raw energy he displayed on the Down ‘N’ Outz record over to Leppard.
On saying all that, the song has its moments and it kicks the shit out of Nine Lives (fecking Country and western, come on lads! You’re not f**king Bon Jovi!). It’ll make a welcome addition to the bands set-list this summer and if the other two tracks match it then we have an exciting new Leppard release on our hands. Below is the track listing for the live album.
Disc 1: 01. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) 02. Rocket 03. Animal 04. C’Mon C’Mon 05. Make Love Like A Man 06. Too Late For Love 07. Foolin’ 08. Nine Lives 09. Love Bites 10. Rock On
Disc 2: 01. Two Steps Behind 02. Bringin’ On The Heartbreak 03. Switch 625 04. Hysteria 05. Armageddon It 06. Photograph 07. Pour Some Sugar On Me 08. Rock Of Ages 09. Let’s Get Rocked 10. Action 11. Bad Actress 12. Undefeated (new studio track) 13. Kings Of The World (new studio track) 14. It’s All About Believin’ (new studio track)
The Riptide Movement are back with a new single from their forthcoming debut album….(no title yet, excuse the lack of press J). Keep On, Keepin’ On follows their highly successful debut single, Hot Tramp that stormed the airwaves late last year.
Keeping their standard blue grass feel, the band has produced another tobacco chewing, spittoon of Cajun rock. This time the cut throat rock feel has been toned down but the feeling of Americana is still there and the band’s sound can be heard expanding with each note.
An excellent number that deserves as much attention as you can give it. The album is finished and coming out this year so keep an eye on Tickets There for updates because this is one you don’t want to miss.
If you want to get a taste of the new record, make sure you head down to see the lads live in The Academy 2 this weekend.
There’s two shows so whether you’re a young folks who can’t shave yet @ 14:00 (under 14’s) with special guests The Boxing Plot & The Competition followed by a late show (with drinkies for all you over the hill, drunken silly folk….myself included) @ 20:00 with special guests Leaving Las Vegas & Powderhorse.
Tickets are priced E10 for both shows and there’ll be free CD’s on the day!
It’s excellent, no fooling! Laim Gallagher’s post-Oasis band Beady Eye have released their debut single, Bring The Light and it’s a perfect mix of classic guitar pop, sexy sixties dance vigor and that never-say-die rock n roll attitude we all secretly love about Liam.
Rather than the expected Beatles / Oasis rip off we all thought he was going to churn out, Liam has released a genuinely fun, thundering Piano / guitar driven masterpiece of song writing. It’s simple, it’s short and it’ll rock the ‘expletive’ socks off you. If we still had vinyl juke boxes in our diners, Bring The Light would be the song Danny Zuko would stick on. Now, let’s see what further treats their album has in store!
The Riptide Movement have a new single out entitled, Hot Tramp and trust us when we tell you it’s a song you have to hear. To find out more, read out review over @ Drop-D.ie.
Jez, just when we thought we’d heard all the A-Z series has to offer, Ash go and and blow you away! Their new single, Embers is just savage. Guitars flaring, Ricks drums being beat to shit and what’s that? I believe that’s a very, very catchy chorus in an Ash song.
I know what you’re thinking, why would Irish legends Ash have a catchy chorus, well it seems toe boys have been given a gift for writing 26 songs for one release that put most bands to shame, a point we’ve exhausted over these reviews.
Don’t waste time here reading about it folks (nice advertisement for the site lads!!! – Ed), head on over to Ash-Official.com and hear it for yourself.
If there’s one song in the second part of Ash’sA-Z series that’s well and truly worth getting excited about it’s their new single, Carnal Love. Here they are, five tracks from the end and they come out with one the best songs of the whole series.
The verse is nice, stripped back, non-invasive and full of highly suggestive sexual references and all round warped in love, fantasy and naughtiness. The chorus notches things up with guitars a go go, harmonies and vocal changes to immerse you in all things Ash.
As always it’s catchy, it’s perfect in structure and overly appealing to the ears. Check the video out below (still not sure if we like it) and hear it for yourself. Official comes out Monday.
Taking Lives is the second single from Dublin’s Zombie Cops is a complete change in tact from the excellent debut Win Some Loose Some. The song builds slowly from a progish “Down On The Upside” era Soundgarden guitar intro underlayed by a “On a Rope” type rhythm figure.
The call and response vocals of Kevin Fagan and Jamie Hughes work well throughout the entire song. Its back to more familiar musical territory for the verse and choruses as Jimmy Eat World, Open Hand, and Incubus influences are once again apparent. With a touch of Editors guitar trickery the song slows before ending on a flourish with a recap of the main riff.
Zombie Cops launch Taking Lives in Whelan’s of Wexford St. Dublin on Friday 6th of August and are also appearing at Danny Byrnes Garden of Music Festival in Mullingar on Sunday 8th of August.
Zombie Cops are worth the admission fee alone for their excellent version of Don’t You Want Me Baby.
Another two weeks have passed and this time Tickets There guarantees you it’s been worth the wait because Summer Snow, Ash’s latest single from their A-Z series is a wonderful piece of music.
They’re sticking with the more simplistic style of writing that’s dominated the second part of the series but they’ve brought the guitars and bass right to the front for a thundering chorus that seems to conquer the rest of the song. Intro kicks off with a back n forth guitars, some background keyboards and Tim’s voice right at the forefront and sounding good n strong. Short, perfectly written and involving,everything you could want from an Ash track.
I think we’re tapped out with the words for Ash. Unlike them, we can’t produce fresh material every two weeks and that’s why we’re a lowly viewed poxy little blog and they’re the kick ass heroes of Irish pop rock. I certainly hope ye all caught their set at Oxegen and you’ve started your ‘come back to Dublin soon’ letters to their official site. We’ll see you in two weeks for the fifth last review of the series. Until then, enjoy Summer Snow.
The Murder Clues are back with their third single. Any Other Way might be one of their older tracks but some studio time has revamped this tune to new heights giving it a brilliant new lease of life.
Barley stopping for a moment, the track bounces around with charismatic singer Brian’s vocals really starting to tale more and more shape as the years go on backed by some chunky bass snippets, pumped guitars and some furious drumming that really gives the song an adrenaline filled backbone.
The Murder Clues really are going in the right direction and we think it’s time you went and checked them out. Stand by for another post in 5,4,3,2…
In the mean time, you can download Any Other Way from the bands Soundcloud for free! Just Click right HERE. Any Other Way by murderclues
Ladies and gentlemen, The Aftermath are back. Longford /Mullingar & Leed’s favorite pop rock band have returned with a fantastic summery, upbeat and irresistibly catchy single from their up and coming second album.
Filled with the Cronin brother’s hooks, changes, choppy structures and full on beat attacks, Lost Possession is a worthy contender for one of the best tunes the lads have released. Tickets There have been playing this tune for roughly four hours now and we still can’t get enough. If we thought The Wall’s new single defined the summer, Lost Possession will drive it home.
For the last year, the lads have been huddled into studios across Ireland and England including London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios with Ger McDonnell and Karl Odlum recording tracks for the next album and today’s first single is a great sign of things to come.
Another fantastically sunny Sunday here in Dublin and what better way to celebrate than by closing the curtains, straining the tired eyes and listening to the latest single from Ash. Tickets There only managed to reach bed around eight am this morning so we’re relying on the Co. Down boys to wake us up more than coffee ever could with a happy, jumpy, summery feel good hit. It may take longer than we’d like, but they get us there.
Instinct is the latest single in the A-Z series and it’s worthy of the title. Took a wee while to get into this one as it’s not as engrossing as quality Ash material and not a massive departure in styles from many previous A-Z tracks. It does manage to grow quickly though but will doubtfully ever become one of the more memorable numbers from the bands career.
Saying that, the song boasts some great dance pop beats, a brilliant beefy bass and a savage guitar solo so there’s plenty to make it worth your while giving this one a few spins. Tim’s voice also has some sternness to the tone which gives the track a backbone and stops it from becoming one of their few ‘avoid’ numbers.
See ya’ll in two weeks for Single U, one of the last releases in the series (sob, what’ll we do without our regular Ash reviews?? You TELL ME????)
Hop over to Ash-Official.com now, to hear Instinct for yourself.
It’s Fathers day and what better gift could any father ask for than a brand spanking new tune from Ireland’s leading pop rock trio, Ash. Single S, Spheres is officially available for streaming today and given a few goes, it’s proven to be one of the best from the second half of the A-Z Series.
Rather than going for the simple three chords, catchy build Ash are famous for, Sphere’s is a little more complex, deep and darker. There’s an eerie piano melody laid down over the verse with a slow, brooding drum and bass hammering along with only slight guitars in he distance, before everything thunders together for a restrained chorus.
The whole thing breaks down towards the end culminating in a funky, dance styled closure that never really explodes but, that would have been the obvious ending.
All in all, a tasty little number as usual from the Down boys. Head on over to Ash-Official to hear the track for yourself. Hurry up, only two weeks till Single T is out.
Little later than we’ve liked. If Ash have the decency to be on time, you think we’d manage it. Fortunately it’s given us a few extra days to absorb the latest release in the A-Z series and this is always a good think when your love for the music increases.
Physical World is a real easy going, poppy punkish kind of track, like Ash’s earlier material. There’s the obligatory catchy chorus, the heavy guitar driven killer riff / solo and less lyrics than Baldrick’s ‘Magnum octopus’. In short, the track sends a message about returning to basics of society rather than living in the on-line world (say, spending your spare time blogging rather than living – Ed). It’s got everything you need, it’s full of beams and it’s damn right tasty. Definitely a high point of A-Z Part II.
If you’re going to start a band in Ireland there are several bench marks of comparison. Do you aim for the hard rock hero status of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy? Or go a traditional direction and aspire to bands like The Dubliners and Planxty. Maybe, since this a recession and we’re all broke and the dreams of five star hotels, a house on the Vico Road and a stage set bigger than your national stadium appeal leaving the U2 option open. There are many choices depending on the style you want but one fundamental stone needs to be put in place first, the fine art of writing a good song.
Ireland is crammed with bands, so many that unless you’re working full time in the industry you’d be hard pushed to know them all and even then it would be a struggle. Unfortunately, a lot of our national bands expire before they ever truly get going and this is down to one simple reason, style over substance. Too many bands focus on the cult status elements of their heroes and forget that behind every Joy Division there’s a Love Will Tear Us Apart Again. Bands need to re-learn the simple art of writing songs that appeal to the masses or they have almost no chance of surviving long. To learn this art, there’s no better instructors than the legendary brothers, Steve and Joe Wall.
In their time, The Stunning were the biggest act in the country and to this day they’re remembered more fondly than almost any other rock band we’ve ever produced. In cities, tows and villages all across the country you’re always guaranteed to find Brewing Up A Storm playing somewhere every night. Unfortunately The Stunning eventually split under the pressure of international acclaim eluding them but their music has lived on a lot longer than anyone could have anticipated and each time they reform for a few shows, they pack the venues out.
Since the demise of The Stunning, Steve and Joe have been working on another musical project together, The Wall’s and hit another high point with 2002’s To The Bright And Shinning Sun. Working more as an experimentation model than The Stunning used to, The Wall’s have released two massively acclaimed albums in their 12 years together and this year looks set to see their third finally hit Irish and international shelves.
In the build up to the release, the band have put up some previews of the new material and we can happily inform you that Carrying the Fire continues the lads long tradition of writing poppy, simplistic and catchy as hell tunes. The whole track flows so nicely and it’s instantly catchy. Nothing to flaw here and an easy contender for this summer’s feel good hit.
The B-Side, Phantom Power is equally enticing. Described by the band as the song The Walls, MGMT and Flaming Lips would come up with if they were stuck in a room together. Another feel good, upbeat hit put across in The Wall’s defining stripped back coolness. It’s gentle, it’s non-invasive and it’ll stick in your head like superglue.
We’re not going overboard on the descriptions because there’s a full album to come but judging by these two tracks, the lads have something very special up their sleeves and Tickets There for three cannot wait to hear it. Young bands of the country, time to sit up and take notice. This is how it’s done.
Carrying the Fire will be available to download from thewalls.ie from 1st June.
Both tracks will be available to download from i-Tunes and most other digital store in late June. Click Here to hear both tracks on the bands official Facebook Page.
Getting closer to the end of the series and the success machine that is Ash’sA-Z rolls on. Their latest track, Binary is a little slice of dance/pop heaven. Lighter than TT’s preferred Ash sound, the song still retains the perfect pop sensibilities, catchy changes and flat our perfectionism we love about the group.
Any fans of Return of White Rabbit and Space Shot are sure to love this wee one. We miss the guitars but change is always good and let’s face it, Ash always handle change well.
Check out the track @ Ash-Official.com. See ye all in two weeks!
JUDAS PRIEST ARE BACK!
'Ticket's There' - Irish and International Music Blog 