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Dave's Notes are reviews of CD's and Games.  They are solely the view of Dave.

Music

Dream Theater - Live Scenes From New York

Dream Theaters latest live release was available Tuesday Sept. 11th.  The artwork for this CD contains an awful coincidence.  On the cover of the recording there is a picture of an apple on fire depicting New York as the Big Apple.   Inside of the flames we find the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center Towers.  The band immediately pulled the CD off store shelves that day and regret any feelings the public may have about this album cover.  On the bands website, they state the artwork was finalized eight months ago and are re-releasing the CD with new graphics.  Live scenes from New York is the name of the CD and it was already being considered a special edition release,  Unfortunately it is now a reminder of the worst day in the history of America, for the few who actually bought the album

Bruce Dickinson - Best Of

Iron Maiden was not the same when Bruce Dickinson left to sing on his own.  Bruce's solo career was nothing shore of brilliant.  Bruce eventually rejoined Maiden for a new spectacular album called "Brave New World", but he left a legacy of solo material laying around.  On this 2 disc set all the best are represented, and all the rare songs are finally available.

Queensryche - Live Evolution

Queensryche's Live Evolution is the bands first live album which contains two discs spanning their entire career.  The first has songs from the bands early days and goes into Operation Mindcrime.  The second disc finds the band doing material from Empire up to the present day.  The recording was done in July of last year and was finished without overdubs or any studio magic.  Excellent sound throughtout on this testament to progressive matals ultimate rulers.

Slayer

Slayer is a metal band that invented the word heavy.  Never mellow and always contorversial Slayer continues to pust the envelope when it comes to loud in your face guitar and screaming vocals.  Fast and furios throughout, this new Slayer recordings stay true to its roots and never slows down.

Nickelback - Silver Side Up

Nickelback scored huge last year with their debut record State. Silver Side Up picks up where State left off, with punchy guitar driven rock n' roll.   Lead off single "How You Remind Me" is melting the charts and radio stations are lighting up.  Nickelback is hard alternative rock with killer lyrics, and Silver Side Up is destined to be huge.

Testament - Greatest Hits

While waiting for testsments next studio recording, fans can dive into the latest greatest hits package.  All the best tunes on one CD which includes favorites "Practice what you Preach" and " The New Order"   Testaments greatest hits is a must have for those who enjoy heavy metal full of wild guitar solos and catchy lyrics.

System of a Down - Toxicity

System of a Down is a rare breed in the music world.  Hard rock that is so original they will need to invent a new name to classify them.  This second release by System focuses on the guitar riffs and the cartoonish vocal styles while remaining heavy throughout.  Fans of all genres of hard music will appreciate Toxicity.

Mayfield Four - Second Skin

Unlike today's so called "New Metal", Mayfield Four heads towards calmer water.  A little more melodic and a little less aggressive, but always heavy. Mayfield Four sound like a band that could open for Dust For Life or Creed but also share the stage with Bush or STP.  Alternative is making its way back on the charts and Mayfield Four will most likely be on top.

Dry Kill Logic - The Darker Side of Nonsense

(guest review by Tim Donovan Jr.)

The freshmen album from newst of the "New-Metal" family has been released.  You can expect to see these boys soon sitting at the same table as bands like, Korn, Disturbed, Slipknot, etc.  This album shows how to combine, melody with yourself, straight forward hatred, agressive guitar licks, and a touch of the Spice Girls all in one.  The Album strongly resembles Slipknot, just not so evil, but the vulgarity blows Slipknot away, (Not recommended for anyone over 40) This band crams all their intensity into 44 minutes and 11 seconds.  Dry Kill Logic is a must buy for metal fans.

Iced Earth - Horror Show

Power metal album of the year thus far.  Horror Show continues the metal tradition that Iced Earth is spear heading at the moment.  Horror movie themes blend well in this well crafted concept album.  Intricate song arrangements and complicated guitar riffs combine with vocal straight out of hell.  Bonus disc contains a cover of Iron Maiden's Transylvania

Blue Oyster Cult -Curse of the Hidden Mirror

For the last 30 plus years, BOC has been following their own unique path, with over 15 million records sold and thousands of shows played.  Curse is one of their most daring to date.  Their band motto is "On Tour Forever" and it shows in the musical maturity and craftsmanship of Curse.  BOC, like wine, gets better with age.

The Cult - Beyond Good and Evil

The Cult nevers fails to impress me.  Putting out rocking albums one after another.  Beyond sounds mostly like Sonic Temple, the band's third release.  Down tuned and heavy for most of the CD.  The Cult proves they can fit into today's musical atmosphere as easily as they fit into the eighties and nineties.

Dokken - Live at the Sun (DVD)

Dokken once ruled the eighties pop metal charts, but slowly fell off the radar screen as alternative bands took over.  Continuing their long career into the DVD age, Dokken blends together all of the hits and a few new tunes to this live recording.  Excellent camera angles and better than CD audio quality, Live at the Sun is a perfect concert at home.  New guitarist Reb Beach pulls off some of the best solos I've heard in a long time.

Static-X -  Machine

Static-X comes crashing back on to the metals scene with a new CD that defies description.  Not alternative, not thrash or death metal, just futuristic sounding.  A fresh approach to today's music.  Ripping off Powerman and Zombie, Static-X turns it up a notch above those groups and becomes contender for metal band of the year.

Megadeth - The World Needs a Hero

Megadeth has certainly matured on its last few recordings.    The World Needs a Hero takes a few hints from the old school days and beefs up the guitars and drums and picks up the tempo a bit.  This is the best album since Countdown, I believe.  Don't take a risk this time, buy it knowing that is kicks butt...

Tool - Laterlus

Tool is back from a long hiatus to reinvent heavy music once again.   Laterlus takes off from where Aenima left us.  Almost tribal drumming gives way to hypnotic guitar and bass lines, while Pink Floyd like effects undercoat each and every song.  Tool messes with volume throughout Laterlus.  Soft, low volume passages explode into loud jazz-metal tunes.  Maynard sins in different sounding voices and shows the depth of talent Tool really has from the vocals to the musicianship and right up to the production value.  Welcome back, Tool, Take your place back at the top of the metal throne.

Savatage - Poets and Madmen

Savatage have come up with another timeless recording.   Classically influenced arrangements put to heavy metal are these guys trademark.   Original lead vocalist Jon Oliva is back on board singing all ten of Savatages epic tales.  If you like Dream Theater and Queen  you will most likely love this.   The songs are well crafted stories in a concept form not unlike Queensryche or early Pink Floyd.

Halford - Live Insurrection

This double live disc spans Halford's career.  From his days as lead singer for Judas Priest, throughout his days with Fight and right up to present day, Rob Halford has never sounded so good.  Powerful live performances and an excellent sound mix along with some of Priests best classics make this contender for album of the year in my opinion.

Alien Ant Farm - Anthology

Alien Ant Farm are out touring with the mega popular band Orgy.   This tour along with endless radio play and a video on MTV and VH1 are making them a household name.  With the lead off hit single "Movies", Alien Ant Farm tread that fine line between alternative and pop punk.  Always catchy and upbeat AAF are a great party band.  Guitar riffs that get under your skin and songs that won't leave your brain, the Ants are marching...

Monster Magnet - God Says No

Never a big fan of Monster Magnet's style of lowdown riffs and quirky song arrangements, I opened this disc thinking I would hate it.  But contrary to my own belief, I found this quite good.

Metallica Tribute - Metallic Assault

Metallica is by far the biggest metal band on Earth.  So it is no surprise they have influenced some of the biggest names in the genre.  Bands ranging from Blue Oyster Cult to Testament have laid down tracks for this tribute disc.   Only the best songs by the best artists.  Savatage remakes "Nothing Else Matters" so well its hard to distinguish the original form the new cut.  Some long forgotten bands pop up on this tribute like Kyuss, SOD, and KingsX along with heavy weights Anthrax and Fear Factory.  If you are a fan this is an absolute must have, if you don't like tribute records just buy it because of the musicianship contained within.   Any way you slice in, this rules hard!

Gary Moore - Back to the Blues

Gary Moore was best known for his heavy metal guitar playing days.   Never quite a star, Gary became tired with shredding guitar and slowed it down to a more bluesy approach.  Paying homage to the greats, Moore plays his hear out on up tempo blues tones like "Stormy Monday" and "The Prophet".  This is class A Blues.

Sea of Green - Time to Play

Sea of Green have recreated the heavy sounds of the 70's.   Turn on your lava lamp and put on some tie dye clothes because the old sound of Sabbath and Deep Purple is back.  Sea of green also do a smokin' version of Pink Floyd's "Breathe" from Dark Side.  Sea plays down tuned dinosaur guitar riffs, never going over the speed limit but always pounding you with melody.  A Must.

Journey - Arrival

I thought it was hard to picture Journey without the soaring vocals of Steve Perry,  but new singer Steve Auger fills in and takes Journey up a notch.   Sounding like the old singer, but a little more soulful, the new guy still turns out great pop songs.  But what I like is the awesome guitar of Neal Schon.

WASP - Unholy Terror

Like Clockwork, WASP comes back year after year with new material.   Roughly twelve albums to their credit, WASP redefines their own music over and over.  From industrial sounding to 3 chord riffs, they have done it all.  On this, Unholy Terror, the boys decide to strip down their sound to bass, guitars, drums, and vocals. Never sounding better, and much heavier than before, WASP does what Kiss and Alice Cooper have been doing for years, hard rocking with gory makeup and loud anthems.

Buckcherry - Timebomb

Timebomb is Buckcherry's sophomore release.  It is a no holds barred hard rocking party animal.  Using the same musical energy as GNR's "Appetite" album and Aerosmith's "Rocks" record, Buckcherry brings back the bad boy image of Rock N Roll.  With shades of ACDC and Black Crowes, Timebomb goes off in different directions.  10 our of 13 songs will rock you apart with almost punk sound, upbeat and fun to listen to.  If you miss Kix or Rhinobucket, Buckcherry will fill the void.

Roach Powder - Atomic Church

Music Cartel is a music label that records and endorses music that represents fans of darker metal.  Like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, Roach Powder prefer loud, thick sounding guitars and a psychedelic approach to special effects and overall sound.  I like it, it's different.

Eric Clapton - Reptile

Old slowhand is back with fourteen brand new blues tunes and not a lemon in the bunch.  Superior guitar licks and smooth vocals from Clapton.   Reptile recalls an older style of blues, but the production values are top notch.   The track "Broken Down" contains Clapton's guitar playing at its best.

Sepultura - Nation

Sepultura is back from a two year hiatus to reclaim the throne of heavy metal.  Heavy as hell with a twist on death metal.  The vocals range from grunting to clear in midsong showing versatility.  This is excellent.

Aerosmith - Just Push Play

For years Aerosmith fans have had an ongoing argument,  old Aerosmith  vs. new Aerosmith.  Teh old tunes consisted of in your face guitar and a more rocking approach.  Whle the newer material was more pop influenced for radio appeal.  This newest Aero release will work for all fans.  Guitar recorded loud in th mix, and pop infected songs make Just Push Play and awesome record. This is a must own.

Helloween Tribute

Power metal never sounded so good.  Rippin' versions of Helloween classics, done by up and coming metal groups.

Ted Nugent Tribute

A tribute to the master of hard rock guitar.  Famous bands doing famous songs, with thumbs up from terrible Ted himself.

UFO Tribute

Some of the best bands from yesterday doing songs from the most underrated band of all time

Dave Matthews Band - Everyday

Everyday , the DMB's fourth studio album, represents a remarkable evolution in the bands development.  The album, which without question, explores new territories while remaining true to the band's identity, features all new material that was written and recorded in LA with producer Glenn Ballard.  Songs include the first single "I Did It" and many more.

Tool - Salival

In an attempt to hold off their fans until their new release, entitles Lateralus, which hits stores April 17, Tool has released a CD and DVD/VHS set.   The CD is killer, with five live songs, and three studio tracks, which are new recordings, not leftovers from the Aenema sessions.  Instead of making it a greatest hits live, Tool put together a collection of songs that aren't their hits, like "Third Eye" and "Part of Me", and "You Lied".  It also features an awesome in studio cover of the Led Zeppelin tune "No Quarter".   It stretches over 70 minutes, so you get your money's worth.  As for the DVD/VHS, it features their four music videos "Sober", "Prison Sex", "Stinkfist", and "Aenema".  As a hidden bonus on the DVD it also features a 5th video for the song "Hush", off the Opiate CD.  If you love Tool, or want to hear (and see)  Tool is probably today's smartest metal act, pick up Salival

Flybanger - Head Trip to Nowhere

There is a new genre of music out there and it can not be classified easily.  Its not quite alternative, not really metal and it's at some point heavy and mellow at the same time.  Flybanger falls into this new style of rock.  Put them with other bands like Cold, Lifehouse and Likin Park.  Loud guitar riffs make way for melodic vocals, drums that pound you senseless then disappear into the mix.  Catchy tunes, and just the right formula to get them on the radio.   I like this band.

Primal Fear - Nuclear

Primal Fear is power metal.  Music this powerful should be tapped and used as a new energy source.  these guys sound like an out of control Judas Priest.  Top notch production and songs that come to life through crunching guitars and high end vocals.  Queensryche could learn a lot from these kinds of bands.  This is Primal Fear's third release and I hope they keep putting them out.   One of my favorite new groups.

Orange Goblin

Orange Goblin is one of  those bands that are easy to categorize, classic rock.  The only problem is, they aren't classic yet.  They have only been around for a few years, but they have a sound that seems like it was created by decades of playing clubs.  Sounding like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Kyuss, Orange Goblin will be a big hit underground for many years to come.

Goin' South - Various Artists

As seen on TV, not sold in stores.  Yeah, Right.   Whenever you see this in ads on tv, nine times out of ten they are lying.  For instance the Now series and the popular Monsters of Rock CD's are all available in stores.   Same goes for the southern rock smorgasbord Goin' South.  Yesterday's and today's hottest artists are all included playing their biggest hits.  Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Allman Brothers and much, much more.  Rock fans as well as country fans will rejoice.  This is a great party disc.

Godsmack - Awake

The new Godsmack CD has just been released and it is exactly what I wanted and expected - loud, bone crushing guitar riffs, pounding drums and vocal that we have come to love.  This sounds eerily close to the band's first effort.  This new Awake recording could have been made at the same time as the last album two years ago.   For fans that's great. But for me, I wanted a few more catchy tunes.

Lizzy Borden - Deal with the Devil

Halloween is coming and there is nothing better than a good shock rock CD to scare the living daylights out of your friends with.  Lizzy Borden's new recording comes after an eleven year pause,  and sounds as heavy as ever.   sounding a bit like Alice Cooper meets Iron Maiden.  Bordon has musical chops and horror movie lyrics combined with a great production supplied by Metal Blade Records.   This is a killer CD that sounds great and looks great with artwork done by Todd Mcfarlane.

Slash's Snakepit - Ain't Life Grand

The guitar has never been the same since Slash learned to play.   Snakepit is the solo effort of ex-Guns & Roses axe slinger Slash.  This record sounds like a cross between Aerosmith, the Black Crows, and Slash's former band.   This rocks form start to finish.  This screams classic.  It will become a standard in everyone's CD collection, I guarantee it.  On tour with ACDC throughout winter, Slash will be taking over the world with this.  Ain't Life Grand.

Styx and R.E.O. Speedwagon- Live arch Allies

Recorded live on June 9th, 2000 at the Riverport Amphitheater, St. Louis , Missouri.  Styx and R.E.O. put on a double show for the fans and recorded it for CD and CA, and hopefully DVD and VHS.  Two powerful rock bands that have proved the test of time.  I saw Styx last year and they can smoke just about any band out there.  Relying on heavy guitar and big vocal harmonies, both bands still have an edge when playing live shows.  Songs like "Blue Collar Man" and "Renegade" by Styx sit well next to "Ridin the Storm Out" and "Time for Me To Fly" by R.E.O.  Highlights include both bands doing an encore together on a couple of tunes.  Fans of Radio oriented rock should snatch this up.

Finished By One

Finished by one is my own project, So I can't really review my own CD so instead , I'll explain what I did,  and you be the judge.  Without the use of a multi-trac recorder, I layered guitar, bass, and drum tracks one at a time until it sounded like a full band.  Using a JVC Kaboom box and a CD burner,  I wrote 18 instrumental tracks which was released this week.

Since Dave couldn't review his own CD, I figured I'd do a mini review.  First thing is that this isn't typical Dave.  He roams different styles of music from rock to jazz to funky.  It is a definite showing of his talents.  Stay tuned for more info on this CD on the front page, there will be a sound bite or two.  If you like instrumentals pick up a copy of Daves latest work.

Webmaster Rating 

Sixty Watt Shaman

This strangely named rock band is a diverse cross of different musical styles that all tie in to each other to create somewhat of a musical hybrid.  First off, Black Sabbath sounding guitar riffs are all over the place on this CD.  Almost sounding like the late seventies.  But the band also mixes in southern rock sound, a little jazz and a lot of imagination.  It may take a few listens, but you will be sucked in and won't be able to stop playing it.  Sixty Watt Shaman have a huge sound not unlike C.O.C.

Batthead Soup - Ozzy Tribute

There is a recent trend of tributes to some of our favorite bands.   Some of the time the bands that play on these tributes stink.  Not so on this Ozzy Tribute.  An all-start cast including members and ex-members of bands such as Savatage, Slaughter, Black Sabbath, Yngwie, Great White and many , many more.  Ozzy's voice is hard to duplicate but that's not the goal here.  The groups re-recorded some of the Ozzman's best work with a little of today's studio magic and a lot of heart and soul.  This is a great sounding hard rock "best of" for all fans of Ozzy and/or any killer metal band.

Queens of the Stone Age

Easily the worst band at Ozzfest, the Queens also put out one of the worst CD's in a while.  Trying to sound like retro-psychedelic rock never sounded worse.  Lousy songwriting in the same vein as Kyuss or C.O.C., but ending up sounding like watered down Doors.  Avoid this.

Iron Maiden - Brave New World

Iron Maiden is one hard rock band that continues to survive the test of time.  they have gone through countless band member changes and still manage to keep their fan base.  Brave New World sounds exactly like the albums Iron Maiden made back in the late eighties.  Loud in your face guitar, siren like vocals by Bruce Dickinson and a production sound like no bands can do anymore.  Welcome back Iron Maiden, you will rule again soon.

U.P.O.

Not to be confused with UFO, UPO sounds like a cross between of soundgarden and the cult.  Rowdy sounding music that brings to mind Chris Cornell singing over AC/DC riffs.  This grows on you like moss on a rock.  First listen is good, second listen is addicting and then is becomes one of the most played Cd's in your collection.  UPO is heavy alternative with catchy lyrics.

Motley Crue - New Tattoo

There is no denying that Motley Crue has been to hell and back.   The music industry really did a job on them.  Crue also went through different band members and also survived through the grunge and alternative music scene.   Guitarist Mick Mars reinvents his own guitar playing and he has never sounded better.  Vince Neil is singing better than ever, and the band sounds like it's having fun again.  This is bare bones rock N' roll kind of like AC/DC and Great White, just what the doctor ordered.

Thin Lizzy - One Night Only

If is wasn't' for Thin Lizzy, there wouldn't be too many bands with two guitarists.  Bands like Iron Maiden all the way to KORN say Thin Lizzy was important to them at one time.  Lizzy ruled the airwaves in the70's.  Songs like Jailbreak and The Boys are Back in Town were, and still are, all over the airwaves.   The untimely death of bassist and singer Phil Lynott brought the group to an early end, but its remaining members have stayed alive in many different successful bands.   This one night gig took place last year and consisted of different members of famous bands.  One in particular guitarist John Sykes of Whitesnake and Blue Murder.   John was a member of Lizzy for a couple of years, just long enough to learn how to sing like Phil, but play like hell.  This is a great one off recording that deserves to go platinum.  Superior sound quality and ace musicians doing timeless songs.   This is a must. 

Halford - Resurrection

Rob Halford best known for singing with the megapopular Judas Priest.  Years ago, he left the group to do a band that had a little more modern edge, that group was called Fight.  From that point on it was all downhill for Rob.   Resurrection brings back the glory days for Halford.  Screaming guitars, heavy on memorable riffs, and vocals that soar high and loud.  This could very well be the Metal album of the year.  Sounding like Hell Bent for Leather meets War of Words.   Resurrection is just that, a Resurrection from the horrible recordings Halford made the last few he did.  If I could give this more than five points I would.  the guest vocal spot done by Iron Maiden's own Bruce Dickinson is also a plus.  This kicks through and through.

5-00

Matchbox Twenty - Mad Season

Mad Season is the long awaited follow up to their 1996 hit album Somebody... Matchbox 20's debut earned them 1997 Best New Band award from Rolling Stone's Reader's Poll in addition to all five of their singles having enjoyed immense radio success.  This latest release comes on the heels of singer Rob Thomas' collaboration with Santana which earned him three Grammy Awards including Song of the Year.  First single, Bent, is roaring up the charts.  Matchbox 20 has matured just nicely over the years.  This rocks with intelligent guitar and masterful drumming.  Must Own.

Nickelback - The State

Nickelback is a band that fills the void that Bush left after their first album came out.  Sounding like Bush, but with a lot more heart in the song writing and a lot more substance in the guitar playing.  Heavy alternative music with every song being catchy and a super production in the sound department.  First song Breathe will help bring hard rock back to college radio and hopefully MTV.

4-00

Leppardmania - Tribute to Def Leppard

Def Leppard has been rocking the arenas for many years.  Never following trends and never, never giving up,  as hard as it is to be in a band with as many ups and downs as they've had.  It makes perfect sense that some of rock's super stars pay homage to one of the best.  Bands like Union and Warrant along side Kix and LA Guns tackle only the rockside of Def Leppard.  Covering the first three albums keeps it rocking and away from the sappy love ballads.  Let it go and Wasted sound better than ever.

3 DOORS DOWN - Better Life

Every now and then  band comes along that has such a catchy sound you can't help but fall in love with them the first listen.  The single "Kryptonite" hit the airwaves a couple of weeks ago and flew up the charts at light speed.   3 Doors sound like Goo Goo dolls and Matchbox 20 with a little more edge to them.  Every song on this new CD just catches you with a hook that won't let go.  This will be huge. 

Hair of the Dog - Rise

Hair of the Dog is a roc band that is a direct descendent of Kiss and Aerosmith.  Sounding a lot like Paul Stanley Singing and Joe Perry playing guitar, Hair of the Dog puts out music that would have topped the charts in 1979.   Guitar heavy rock anthems are what you get throughout this second recording called Rise.  If you like classic hard rock look no further.  Maybe even a tour with AC/DC of VanHalen this summer would put this band at the top

Eric Carr - Rockology

The late Eric Carr was the drummer for KISS for many years, at one time his face painted as a fox to fit in with the legendary band.  Eric recorded a solo record before his untimely death and it is just getting released now.  It sounds remarkably like a KISS CD.  Loud anthemic choruses, party-on mentality, and some great guitar work.  Eric lends his vocals to all tracks and wrote most of the songs.   A great way to remember Eric.

3-27-00

Smashing Pumkins - Machina

A few people have said to me that I only review CD's I like, and that I am always so positive with most new releases in music.  Not so.  There have been a few awful reviews I had to do in the past.  For example the new Coal Chamber and the newest from Oasis or even the disappointing Bush record.  Smashing pumpkins fits right in.  One or two good songs does not warren a great recording by any means.  Avoid this distorted sounding garbage pile if you can.

3-19-00

AC/DC - Stiff Upper Lip

I have always like AC/DC.  They are a great loud party music band.  Stiff Upper Lip is no exception.  When hanging out at a party, who doesn't want to hear AC/DC so loud you have to read lips to mingle.  Stiff is a cross between Back in Black and Ballbreaker.  The good thing about this new album is the way it was recorded, using the old analog equipment and their old producer.  This makes AC/DC's new CD crank loud and clear.  The songs aren't corny, like the last few records.   This will make for a good reason for them to go on the road, Great!

3-9-00

The Boondock Saints

About a week ago I received some free CDs in the mail.  They were promotional freebies.  Most of the time I get a lot of junk.  I got a CD called The Boondock Saints.  Not thinking much about it because of the lousy name, I put it in my CD player.  What a pleasant surprise.  I found a band that sounds like the best stuff Alice N' Chains can do and the comedy of the Refreshments with a sound that can only be cranked like AC/DC. Needless to say I can not put it back in its case.   I love the singer's voice and the guitar sound.  My pick for album of the millennium so far.  There is no release date as of yet for the Boondock Saints, but I would imagine Atlantic records will be advertising this band all over the place.   Stay tuned!!

3-2-00

The Deadlights

The Deadlights are a band that combine many different styles of rock.  Sounding in some ways like Coal Chamber meets Slipknot.  There is no escape from the hooks these guys put in their music.  One minute they are screaming and next they're singing.  I like the variations in sounds.  The only thing I don't like is that they sound a little bit like Smashing Pumpkins.

2-22-00 Staind - Tormented

Staind is one of those hard rock bands that have been around for three or four years with a couple of albums, but absolutely no luck until recently.   Staind is just getting out into the rock spotlight.  The CD Dysfunctional helped them to rise above the mediocrity of may of today's clone bands.  Staind's first recording Tormented is a must for all fans.

Rating

Better Than Ezra

I guess alternative music isn't dead yet.  Too Bad.   Because there were a lot of terrible imitation alternative bands in the last few years.  Better Than Ezra is definitely one of them.  From the twangy guitar sound to the nasally vocals, Better Than Ezra isn't even better than anything.    

Rating   Avoid   

Concerts

DR. Love (White Mt. Chalet - Berlin NH)

Saturday April 22nd, three bands played live at the Chalet.  First band, Killing Veronica did an excellent job doing cover songs with acoustic guitars.  DDT Came on and rocked the house with tunes by bands as diverse as Creed and Pantera to UFO and 3 Doors Down. (webmaster note) DDT did and awesome version of Voodoo by Godsmack  with guest vocals by Killing Veronica's Greg Dobbins. Dr. Love the KISS tribute, came on and just totally disappointed the audience.  Technical difficulties and bad sound coupled with the bands inability to play made them a band to forget.

Games

Paper Mario - N64

Paper Mario plays like an RPG.  role playing combined with the elements of old school Super Mario Gems are what you get with the newest addition to the million dollar Mario Franchise.  Paper thin characters put to a 3D world.  The game grows on you fast.  Turn based battles and endless guests will make this extremely popular with all age groups.

Zelda 64 - Majors Mask - N64

Our hero is back for another adventure for the N64 gaming system.   Link returns in a big way. Majoras Mask contains one of the biggest games I have ever undertaken.  I estimate at least 80 hours worth of game play to finish this Action RPG.  Similar controls as Ocarina of Time, but much, much more to do.   This is by far the best game out there right now!

Excitebike - N64

Grinding your way through a hairpin turn with a wall of mud exploding in the wake of your dirtbike.  Launch off a dirt jump and feel the air rush by as you slam into the mud pavement.  High flyin stunts and awesome outdoor courses along with customizable track editor.  4 player action, so you can make your friends eat dirt.  Better than the original Nintendo game, Excitebike 64 is for anyone who wants to be a dare devil....at home.

Spec-Ops - Playstation

Continuing the $10.00 and under price tag trend on current Sony titles, the Playstation now has a game that involves espionage and covert operations with a great two player mode.  The video game industry is on the verge of some very big changes. The Playstation 2 will be out in October, and everyone's going to at least be curious about it.  So to save the original Sony Machine, $10 is quite appealing, you get triple the amount of value of this game.  A must have in any game collection.

Perfect Dark - N64

Perfect Dark is the sequel to Goldeneye.  Nuff said. Game of the Year is already here.

MidiEvil 2 - Playstation

A quirky video game that pits an ugly skeleton looking dead guy against an underworld of zombies.  Plenty of items to find and objects to meet.   All the while the game has an off eat humor.  The graphics are the best the Playstation has to offer so far.  I still cannot help thinking this game should have been made for the PlayStation II which comes out October 26th.

4-00

Resident Evil - Code Veronica - SEGA

The Dreamcast is one lucky video game system.  They not only have the only 128 bit brain but they also have the only new Resident Evil game.  So if you own a Sony or a Nintendo, you better hope you have a friend with a liking for Sega.   This game will sell the Dreamcast system like no other game ever will.  Code Veronica is not a sequel, it's just a beginning....

Army Men - World War - Sony

This is the forth Sony PlayStation game in a series that sees no end in sight.  World War scatters missions all over the globe, making Army Men the best of the series.  Never the same area or terrain for battles, and better control over your army make it more strategic than past efforts.  Plastic men in plastic tanks are just so fun to melt.  buy or try

Jet Force Gemini- Nintendo

This game was released, over a year ago, but I just discovered it recently.  A cross between 007 and Zelda but in a space context.  Jet Force is a shooting gallery and an adventure game based in deep space.  the music brings to mind a Star Wars epic while they game play is a tricky blend of puzzle solving and scavenger hunts.  good multi player options also.

3-27-00

Revenge - Dreamcast(promo disc)

Revenge is a game about....... REVENGE.  Events happen to you throughout this real life role playing game, and it's up to you to react with revenge.   Points are given by how well you revenge against any given event.  This video game plays like chess but it is done in 3-D.  Release Date Unknown

Worms Armageddon - Playstation

You asked for it, you got it.  Worms is even worse than any PlayStation game ever made.  Supposedly it is a strategy game for multi-players.   To me it's not worth reviewing any further

Pass on this one

HYDROTHUNDER - Sony & Nintendo

If you already own a Dreamcast you probably already know how good this water racing game can be.  Now Sony and Nintendo owners can feel the power behind Hydrothunder.  I consider this to be one of the best games ever made for racing fans.

ECW-Hardcore Revolution - N64

Wrestling is one of the most popular sports on TV today.   There is no denying the impact on people these days.  It comes as no surprise that wrestling video games are just as popular.  ECW is the federation of extreme wrestlers.  Too raw for TV, Hardcore revolution is found on channels that cost a little extra.  The game is based on Attitude with customizable characters, power moves and the most requested barb wire match.  If you liked Attitude buy this if you like Wrestlemania 2000 stay away from ECW.

2-22-00

Crazy Taxi - Sega Dreamcast

Imagine being a taxi driver in some of the world's largest and busiest cities.  What a tough job it must be.  In Sega's newest video game you can become a hard edged taxi driver who drives people around for big money.  What makes it crazy is that anything goes.  Including driving down the wrong side of the road, flying over any obstacles in your way and travelling down subway tunnels.   Anything to get your scared passenger to his/her destination.  The gameplay is simple, but effective, a must own for fans of Driver or Nascar games.

Rating

Mario Party II - Nintendo 64

Mario the plumber is back again in this game that as many as four people can enjoy at the same time.  Mario Party is like 75 games in one.  Part board game, part video game adventure and a whole lot of fun.  Collecting items as you move your video tokens around the virtual worlds you can trap and engage your enemies ( I mean friends)  in all different humorous situations.  Racing to fishing, jumping to swimming, you name it, Mario Party 2 has it.  They don't call it a party for nothing.

Rating 

Harvest Moon - Nintendo 64

Harvest Moon is a video game where you'll work hard to create and maintain life on a farm.  A virtual world that you inherit from a relative.  You have many chores everyday, like feeding and breeding animals and harvesting crops.   The goal of the game is simple, make lots of money.  Like real life you must attend social events and compete in contests and eventually you will fall in love and get married.  I know this is no James Bond game, but it sure is addictive.  There is so much you can achieve in this game I would have to have fifteen minutes to explain it all.  If you liked Zelda and other RPG simulation games, buy this.

Rating  Highly Recommended