DIO
Master of the Moon
(Sanctuary Records)
www.ronniejamesdio.com
CD

Ronnie James Dio, one-time singer of both Rainbow and Black Sabbath, has released one of the best albums in his long history. On his tenth studio album, Dio takes inspiration from his days with his earlier bands, and yet is able to produce it in such a way that it sounds modern and fresh. The opening track, "One More For The Road," has a riff that is so close to AC/DC's "Back in Black," that it can only be seen as a tribute to that song! Regardless, it is a real barnburner, and a great riff is a great riff. Ronnie gets political on "The Man Who Would Be King," expressing, it seems, his disappointment in the Bush administration. While "The End of the World," poses the question of what one would do if the world were about to end (and according to Dio, it's ultimately about forgiveness), "Eyes," breaks down into a simple soccer chant that is hard to resist. Throughout the album, keyboards play a more prominent role than on other recent releases, and the overall tone is gloomy yet melodically rich. Ultimately, there's not a bad song on this disc, and this reviewer would have to count it as his best solo effort since "Holy Diver," his classic debut album. By Jeff Muendel


THE GO-BETWEENS
Liberty Belle And The Black Diamond Express, Tallulah, 16 Lovers Lane
(Jetset Records)
www.jetsetrecords.com
3 CD RE-RELEASE

The Go-Betweens were one of the most unappreciated bands in rock history and after they broke up in 1989, everyone apologized for neglecting them. Jetset Records have had the good sense to re-release their catalogue. Last year, the label re-released their first three albums on CD, with a bonus CD that included all the songs that didn't make it on the disc. Now Jetset has reissued 1986's "Liberty Belle And The Black Diamond Express," 1987's "Tallulah," and 1988's "16 Lovers Lane," their most commercially successful release that included the semi-hit "Streets of Your Town." "Liberty Belle And The Black Diamond Express," was the soundtrack to my summer of 1986 in Austin Texas…from the uplifting "Spring Rain," to the repentant "Apology Accepted." To knowledgeable music aficionados "Tallulah," is one of the best records of the 80's from beginning to end.  The three CD's all come with an extra disk with The Go-Betweens videos - the good, the bad, and the corny. It was the 80's after all. By David A. Kulczyk


PAIN OF SALVATION
BE
(Inside Out Music)
www.painofsalvation.com
CD

Pain of Salvation fits into a rare breed; they're the sort that defies expectation. If you presume something of their style, you will probably be disappointed. They show their heavy metal colors plenty, and the progressive aspects of their music rarely step aside, but if you expect them to just be a heavy metal band, you probably won't think they're very heavy at all. If you just let them do what they do, and enjoy it for what it is, there's a good chance you'll enjoy it. They blur the line between heavy metal and progressive jazz nicely. It's also the kind of album best listened to in its entirety. Taking a song or two on its own weakens the effect. The concept behind this album is so deep that I can't scratch the surface in this little space. Great mood music and background sound when you focus on doing something else. Very engaging, thought provoking and intelligent if you focus on the music itself. By Kase Villand



PIXIES
Wave of Mutilation: Best of Pixies
(4AD)
www.pixiesmusic.com
CD

Hip pioneers of visceral oddball rock, the Pixies’ sublime psychosis seems as fresh and outrageous today as it did over a decade ago when alternative and indie actually meant something. Pulling twenty-three choice cuts from their five year recording career, "Wave," hits all the highlights, painting a prickly picture of musical revolution where brittle laser beam licks, gigantic volcanic riffs and churning sci-fi grooves blend into a riot of rabid rock and roll evangelism. "Wave," makes an excellent primer for those lucky enough to catch them November 9th at the Milwaukee Theater and a nice consolation for those unable to attend either their Milwaukee show, their two nights in St. Paul or their five night run at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom. By Rayban Coolidge



MEGADETH
The System Has Failed
(Sanctuary)
www.megadeth.com
CD

After Dave Mustaine resurrected his playing arm from the debilitating and band halting nerve injury in 2002, he refreshed Megadeth's lineup to include Chris Poland (guitar), Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass), and Vinnie Colaiuta (drums). Working with new musicians usually prompts the creative juices, and this is no exception. "System," opens with a politically charged salvo and never really lets up from there. Overall, the attitude is fresher and meaner and the songs are substantially better than the past several releases. Dave's angry sneering vocals remain intact. The riffs are still crunchy and catchy, just like they should be, plus there are plenty of solos to show off their technical prowess and performance capabilities. It is tasty, sincere and unwavering thrash metal from a forefather of the genre. See what you think 11/4 at The Rave in Milwaukee, WI, 11/5 at Pop's in Sauget, IL. By Andrew Frey



THE REVEREND EDDIE DANGER & FRIENDS
Welcome To The Feel Good Revolution
(Woodchuck Could Records)
www.reverendeddiedanger.com
CD

The Reverend Eddie Danger is an interesting spin on the concept of the One-Man-Band. For the most part, he records all instruments on his studio work himself with the exception of a live back-up vocalist and moonlighting friends. Danger accomplishes a truly mammoth undertaking that many musicians have long since abandoned. The album is effective and environmentally aware electro-folk with an acoustic, almost spoken-word vibe that reminds one of the late Frank Zappa's monologue inflections. Patchouli and red wine are not off topic, and his left-handed upside-down guitar approach are definitely appreciated live. Touring the Midwest and Wisconsin frequently, Danger, who has released two studio albums in the last year and provides a fresh approach to instrumental prowess, is gaining listeners and encourages everyone to join the feel good revolution. Check the website for tour dates and album information. By Brett Lemke


SHADOW’S FALL
The War Within
(Century Media)
www.shadowsfall.com
CD

Part of the new wave of Heavy American Metal, with bands such as Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, and God Forbid, the latest offering from Shadow’s Fall refines and advances their established and recognizable sound. This should be their breakthrough release. They adjusted their new millennium hybrid hardcore approach to include more old school, head banging, and pit forming metal riffs. Great choice! This tasty metal morsel will rip your ears off. The 10-track 42-minute disc is enhanced with icons, screensavers, wallpapers, and photos; and it’s bundled with a label sampler and a bonus DVD featuring videos and live performances, plus drum and guitar lessons. SWEET! This Massachusetts quintet has found their stride on album #4 and is tearing across the US to prove it to you. 11/19 at Quest Club in Minneapolis, MN; 11/20 at The Rave in Milwaukee, WI and 11/21 at House of Blues in Chicago, IL. By Andrew Frey


JIMMY NEWQUIST
Ashley Ave
(Indie)
www.7thkid.com
CD

Jimmy Newquist is jumping out of the Wasatch Mountains where he recorded his latest masterpiece, "Ashley Ave."  Being well equipped when it comes to songwriting after putting in his time in the trenches as front-man of Caroline’s Spine, Newquist has come forward and offered up a new piece of his soul. Starting out with some tribal and distant drums, "Welcome," kicks off the top end of the album and sets the mood for what he must have been feeling everyday looking out over the Wasatch Mountains. The drums lead you into "Contagious," and the record wastes no time to get you rocking. The whole album crescendos to the final song "Fly." This combines the drums from "Welcome," with a peaceful melody and ambient sound. A sound that will carry you away from Ashley Ave, but convince you to hit repeat on your CD player and listen to the whole record again. The brilliant songwriting and amazing vocal talent of Jimmy Newquist carry you through the 14 well-written tracks of "Ashley Ave," which is available through the official website: www.7thkid.com. This new style of acoustic/rock works well for Jimmy, and his live show is nothing shy of awesome.  By J-Man


JOHN AUGUST SCHROETER
Between The Strings: The Secret Lives Of Guitars
(With intro by B.B. King)
BOOK

Between The Strings is a compilation of individual stories featuring an interesting hodgepodge of musicians and celebrities sharing tales of the guitars that formed their dreams and shaped their lives. Ranging from Kill Bill/Kung Fu actor David Carradine’s home-patched summer-of-love sunburst Gibson acoustic, to folk-rocker Janis Ian’s 30+ year absence from her father’s 1948 Martin D-18, to the National Resonator an anonymous fan gave to John Hammond that was passed along to Blues Legend Johnny Shines who owned it until his death, the founding publisher of Guitar Fingerstyle magazine focuses on the uniquely symbiotic relationship between humans and their instruments. The times of struggle, penury, and hardship that accompany the stories of the many musicians featured in this volume are forgotten momentarily; they have a chance to tell the reader/fan of their favorite axe with a vivid image in their minds of the day they strummed the first chord. By Brett Lemke




WAY OFF THE HORSE
The Un-Sought-After Level
(Crustacean Records)
CD

This is a MUST HAVE in your home or car stereo with the vocal styling from early punk, much like Rollins Bands "Hot Animal Machine." Driving instruments spewing out their own brand of dirty, crunchy, bluesy rock will make you ask yourself, "Is it time for a road trip or a party with the crew?"  You will look for any excuse to share this bone-grooving Crustacean Records release with every one you meet. With songs such as "Drug Laws Ruined My Life," and "Smile If You’re an Asshole," you won’t be able to get this CD loud enough with the amount of energy and raw emotion that you can feel.  I am sure these guys are a total riot live with the vibe that comes from the CD. It reminds me of Seattle or New York hard core in the late 80’s pre-Nirvana grunge.  Pick this one up! By The Gimp



LIS HARVEY
Porcupine
(Erlendahle Records)
www.lisharvey.com
CD

Invigorated by her Guinness World Book record-setting tour of all fifty states in sixty-one days, Lis has produced a restless testament to her nomadic mapping of human nature and it’s emotional wanderings. Driven by nimble percussion and fluid bass, Lis’ folk-jazz guitar flies over the frets as her squeaky clean vocals scat around chats about Newport, New York, ocean liners, stop signs, truck stops and her mother’s car. From spiraling flights to quiet constitutionals, "Porcupine," skips and bops with musical pirouettes, quicksilver syncopation and breathless bounce. A moving diatribe to life’s crooked path, Lis combines personal experience with crack character sketches, speaking plainly as she navigates her swooning melodies and steadfast rhythms with sensitivity and passion. "Porcupine," warmly welcomes whatever waits on the road ahead. By John Noyd



THIRD ROAD HOME
Venus in Retrograde
Excaligurl Records
www.thirdroadhome.com
CD

Third Road Home is definitely a part of that whole neo-folksy Colorado scene that threatening to spill out and take over the country. Mixing a little bit of country, a little bit of folk, and little bit of bluegrass, and the occasional dabble into voice-distortion technology, the duo of Trinity and Tom Demask create beautifully intimate music that makes one think of dancing barefoot in grassy fields or hanging out in your local college town coffee shop. This, their debut album, is just chock full of songs about sunsets and love and loneliness, with borderline corny lyrics that are sung with such sweet, honest sincerity that it makes one question one's jadedness. By Holly Day