In the shadow of R.E.M., I really enjoyed the comparable jangle and the extra weirdness of Guadalcanal Diary. GHOST and SLEEPERS suggest ominous backstories, while TRAIL hints at an obsession with history. It's up to the listener to bend to enjoy this album. Strange, but catchy.

TIOR has my vote for most disturbing mascot of any band. His menace is hidden and unpredictable. As likely to give you a hug, as to slash your tires. Appreciated Rhett Forrester's vocals; though this gets into Helix territory. Title track rocks despite 40 years of culture change.

DID THEY HOLD UP? This week's theme revolves around albums produced by Rupert Hine. >Did these cd's hold up? >What were your favorite or hated songs? >Were these discs ever a part of your collection? >If you had them and didn't keep them, what made you get rid of them?

While I was lucky to have SUN and CAROLINA on cd before 1990; this was out of reach until several years later. After hearing this, Dio probably could've been as successful as a boogie/southern rock artist but maybe not as legendary. IM COMING BACK FOR YOU is a great track.

When people went to Dream Theater, I ended up here. Dreamscape remain a favorite of the era and played in a prog-metal style that fit bands like Edguy, Helloween, and Angra. SOMEBODY and PHENOMENON are highlights here. Melodic and progressive.

The cover and the music has aged roughly. Still have fond memories of the AC/DC and Rose Tattoo vibes Heaven's debut album gave off when I originally got this vinyl in the early 80's. Finding it on cd was a chore, but GET A MOVE ON was a song I wanted in a more permanent form.

Too old to follow last night's VMA's on Mtv; so figured I'd post about the grand-daddy of effective video marketing, Twisted Sister. STAY HUNGRY thrived based on comic viral ANIMAL HOUSE-allusions set to WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT and I WANNA ROCK. Silly, simple, and solid fun.

Something that makes me happy and sad at the same time are these recent cd issues from Charlie Brown soundtracks by Vince Guaraldi. It is great to see these coming out regularly, but also sad that so many people who were fans in this generation aren't around to hear them now.

Jani Lane went for a larger artistic statement than fanbase or the changing trends would tolerate. He may reach Queen and Led Zep heights; but punished for attempting to leave their Diet-Poison placement. Ambition discouraged and messed Lane up forever. Better than remembered.

I've always had an issue with this album. QR move to be grunge's Pink Floyd in the shifting rock landscape. I didn't need a rewrite of CAT'S IN THE CRADLE; and the title track is an unending dirge. I AM I and OUT OF MIND feel like Ed K's LIVE influences. Love DISCONNECTED though.

DID THEY HOLD UP? This week's theme revolves around albums produced by Hugh Padgham. >Did these cd's hold up? >What were your favorite or hated songs? >Were these discs ever a part of your collection? >If you had them and didn't keep them, what made you get rid of them?

I didn't expect Jane's Addiction to exist 33 years after its breakup. But as one that always seemed to embrace chaos, its current status is hardly surprising. I've taken heart in the closeness that Navarro, Avery, and Perkins had afterward. It's selfish to make them continue.

I keep saying 'next time' and have a chance tonight to see him at a venue less than 10 miles away. Despite it being a school night, I keep telling myself he isn't playing anywhere closer. He can sing anything, but it would be cool to hear CHANGE from this one.

Love this artwork, but found the album inconsistent. Burning up my last MkIII studio option to talk about how great the #GlennHughes concert was last night. No tapes, just world class musicianship and the most soulful voice in rock n roll. Loved both forms of the title track.

Despite being a bit overexposed to the Beatles overall; I've always respected this one from Paul McCartney. Like that he built it himself with help only from Linda's voice. THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING, JUNK, and MAYBE I'M AMAZED present well and avoid suffocation from studio polish.

MANTECA on SXM surprised me with a cut from this cd; and I chased it down. Such a beautiful guitar fusion album; and it hasn't left my main player in about a week now. Not too out, nor too sleepy. Plotting whether I have the depth of spirit and wallet to chase his earlier albums.

Though never a personal favorite; I really did love the song WAIT and the playing of Vito Bratta. If not for these things, I really struggle to hear what made them special. CHILDREN was a melodramatic acoustic mess. Later albums diluted their essence and I lost the thread.

DID THEY HOLD UP? This week's theme revolves around sequel albums. >Did these cd's hold up? >What were your favorite or hated songs? >Were these discs ever a part of your collection? >If you had them and didn't keep them, what made you get rid of them?

This took a few listens to catch; but I recognize that the Piazzola influence. It not only made his more intense work so unique; but also giving mellower fare as this some depth and color. Always wondered if the phrase, it ain't bragging if you can back it up was inspired by Al D

An unfortunate name, but an album of resilience. Like Larry Carlton, Pat Martino, Django, or Tony Iommi; he suffered a potential career-threatening injury in 2016; only to create new album with the skills he was able to retain and rebuild after his fall on a New York street.