Killer Dwarfs, 'Start @ One' -- Album Review

Killer Dwarfs Start @ One finally gets released... and I simply can not stop listening!!!

Start @ One, the newly released album by Canada's own Killer Dwarfs is amazing. The story behind the album is that the nine tracks were recorded back in 1993 as a follow-up to the Method to the Madness album. Unfortunately, due to changes in the music landscape that took place around that period of time, the album was shelved and never saw the light of day. I have read of bootleg copies that were circulated, but I never came across one. Fast forward to 2013, and Russ Dwarf and his bandmates, after remixing and remastering, decide to give the album a proper release.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the prior Killer Dwarfs releases, Dirty Weapons and Method to the Madness. (Stand Tall was never one of my favorites). Start @ One picks up EXACTLY where these other albums left off. The songwriting, the singing, the whole feel of the album, is classic Dwarfs. I have always considered this band to be one of the most critically underrated from back in the day. In my opinion, they were standout performers who delivered a couple of incredibly solid albums. They were still following that trend when Start @ One was recorded, and this album exemplifies everything that was great about the circa 1993 Dwarfs. I only wish there were more than nine tracks on the album.

I think what also makes Start @ One an instant top release of 2013 to me is that the album just feels like a classic album from back in the period of time that we are all guilty of being stuck in. Because this album was actually recorded back then, and this is not simply an attempt by a band to record a new album that has that 1993 sound (such as Ratt's Infestation, which is close, but still falls a little short), the resulting difference is apparent. If you are at all a fan of the Dwarfs, you owe it to yourself to order or (legally) download a copy. I can't say enough good things about this album to drive the point home... so just trust me! Get yourself a copy and then thank me later.

Rock Against MS All-Star Benefit Concert Planned

This is a great cause and if you are in L.A. I urge you to get a ticket to this show.

HOLLYWOOD, CA (September 24, 2013) – ROCK AGAINST MS returns to the Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood with yet another amazing All-Star line up. On the heels of a spectacular sold-out show last March 27th, the Rock Stars return in support of long time friend and publicist, Nancy B. Sayle. This rock-fueled concert is to help raise awareness and funding for Sayle and her new foundation benefiting those living with MS.

This show will also be in loving memory of Penny (Maglieri) Tuttle who passed from complication from MS just days prior to the first ROCK AGAINST MS concert. Penny is the daughter of Sunset Strips legendary rock n roll giant Mario Maglieri, owner of the Whisky A Go-Go and the Rainbow Bar & Grill.

Penny’s passing affected Sayle profoundly, as she, herself is challenged with Primary Progressive MS. “Being just diagnosed in 2009, I first ignored the disease and now with it progressing I move forward doing all I can to cheat it and be positive,” explains Sayle. “Penny’s death, just within days of a concert at her family’s venue that they so graciously donated to us, really shook me. The Maglieri family are great long-time friends and I want to honor Penny and many others that have lost their lives due to this disease. We also thank the Maglieri family for all they have done for us. I really need all to know about MS. It is important that we fight and not lose hope.”

Rock stars, such as Steve Lukather, Gilby Clarke, Blasko (Ozzy), Marky Ramone, Jorgen Carlsson (Gov’t Mule), CJ Vanston (Spinal Tap), Erik Eldenius (Billy Idol), Brian Tichy, Robert Sarzo (Queensryche), Jimmy D’Anda, Nick Menza (Megadeth), Gretchen Bonaduce, Chas West (Moby Dicks/Bonham) and more will perform at ROCK AGAINST MS on October 17, 2013. They are showing support for not only Sayle, but for so many others living with MS in our own community and around the world. Many more artists will be announced in the coming weeks and a huge surprise guest is in anticipation – These artists are our MS WARRIORS!

In its finishing stages, the ROCK AGAINST MS FOUNDATION will provide services from a three (3) grant resource system, which will provide daily care, quality of life needs and emergency funding, while assisting people with multiple sclerosis to live an independent and full life. There will also be an educational grant for kids with MS as well as kids that have parent with MS that are challenged with funding for college. These grants will support the physical and emotional needs of MS patients and their families - as well as creating awareness of multiple sclerosis to the general public.

Buy tickets to the benefit concert online now.

WHEN: Thursday October 17, 2013

WHERE:   
VIP PRE-PARTY
RAINBOW BAR & GRILL 4-6PM

CONCERT / VIP MEET & GREET

The Whisky A Go-Go
8901 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
VIP Meet & Greet: 6:00 PM

Doors:  7:30PM / Show Starts at 8PM

General admission tickets are $35 / floor with VIP meet and greet $100.

Tommy Lee Makes TMZ Again

According to TMZ, Tommy Lee got into a heated argument with Nic and Weston Cage on Sunday night in Las Vegas. Yes, that would be Nic Cage the actor. Anyway, TMZ reports that Weston apparently unintentionally blocked Tommy from getting into his dressing room, Tommy went crazy and started screaming and Motley Crue's security guards had to step in. Oh and Vince was there too, looking on.

I guess there's still a little drama these days backstage at Crue shows. And hey, any press is good press: this just feeds into Motley's bad boy image and will probably sell a few more tickets to their Las Vegas residency.

Styx Live In 1976 - Great Footage!

Styx = not Glam, but sure entertaining! I wasn't even close to being born when Styx performed at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco back in 1976.

I like watching vintage rock concert footage because it shows you how we got where we are today. Plus the fashions are a hoot!

Queen + Adam Lambert Play The iHeartRadio Festival

The iHeartRadio festival was over the weekend in Las Vegas. I don't really listen to a lot of pop music so not many of the acts interested me... but I would have loved to see Queen + Adam Lambert live! I'm a big fan of Queen and everyone knows I love Adam, so it's a win-win for me!

Motley Crue, 'Evening In Hell' Videos Surface

Motley Crue is currently in the middle of their second residency at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Dubbed an Evening in Hell, the Crue are apparently using a lot of fire in their show this time. Thanks to YouTube, we don't have to travel to the desert to get a Crue fix!

Monsters of Rock Brazil Looks Amazing

Aerosmith, RATT and Whitesnake all in the same day! Monsters of Rock in São Paulo, Brazil looks amazing. The festival goes down October 19 and 20th and also features bands like Slipknot, Korn and Limp Bizkit. More information is available on the official festival website (don't worry, you can translate it). 

If I had the money, I'd totally go to this show! Sounds like a great vacation for sure.