Uncle G’s FUN 420 Reviews: Edible Report (#10)

Recommended Age: 21 +
Uncle G’s FUN 420 Reviews: Edible Report (#10)
Company: Cheeba Chews
Type of Edible Item: Gummy
Name: Green Hornet (Cannabidiol Infused Gummy)
Flavor: Strawberry Banana
Medicinal: Yes
Contents: 50 mg CBD (1 Gummy)
Story and Incidental Photography by Gary “Uncle G” Brown
Twitter @GBrown0816

Green Hornet - CBD Only (2017 06 18)

For some time now I’ve been reading articles and watching clips compliments of various news sources about something I believe to be simply incredible. A compound of the cannabis plant; CBD (cannabidiol). How it is being used today by some humans as a natural, reliable and safe medication, some of those with rather serious illnesses. For those participating, perhaps an alternative to a pharmaceutical medication? What’s being substituted, illegal still in large parts of the country I call home. That is getting better by the day. Hopefully, cannabis legalization and decriminalization come swiftly. In the meantime, a new era with a more socially accepted opinion of marijuana, than in previous decades. Not being made in a lab someplace in New Jersey (example), seems to make it appealing to those seeking more natural remedies.

Heads Up CannabisHeads
My research states that CBD is completely non-psychoactive. I am stating this, just in case you didn’t already know. So when doing a CBD only cannabis medication and without the traditional THC being included, instead of the brain getting all the attention after being taken in, it’s more like from the neck down that in a way, reaps its rewards. Said just so we’re on the same page.  
On my part of the planet, because of my government’s past clueless approach (prohibition) towards a plant that when consumed by humans, exhibits positive physical and mental change, we are behind in knowing exactly all that this easily grown weed, can do for us. Other countries have stepped up recently in their research. Can’t stop progress. Big companies as well. The smart ones if feeling threatened should figure out how to work with or complement.  Of course, I expect shit (roadblocks) from those whose finances will be negatively affected; alcohol industry. A new hope for many is forthcoming.          
The intent of my using Cheeba Chews – Green Hornet – Medicinal 50 mg CBD (cannabidiol infused gummy) was to see how well it helps me with my chronic pain (lower back_tailbone_thigh injuries). Add to that; arthritis. Screws with me in my lower back area and right hand. Plus, I’m taking a shit load of pharmaceutical (gabapentin) to help cope with the never ending nerve pain I have. Especially leg cramps at night. Off the chart pain sometimes. Like I said,  injuries and I’ll add to that, aging.

On the average, using a pain scale of 1 (irritating) to 10 (morphine please), I’m always a 1 to 3, 24/7. It gets worse. I can’t really count on that, for the sole reason that the pain can jump from a 3 to a 7, five minutes from now. Always unannounced. Twenty minutes and I need to sit down. Twenty minutes sitting and I’m needing to stand up. Pain is dictating my moves. More to tell, but I’ll spare you all the shitty details. I obviously qualify for medical marijuana. That’s the point I thought needed to be made. In casual conversation, I just say I’m injured. Most times I don’t even say that.

If not for cannabis I would seek out other means of pain relief. Alcohol and opiates would be my favorite pair. By doing so, I’d be taking years off my life expectancy. Pot distracts me, and for moments at a time, I forget I’m hurt. Just toking flower, don’t take my pain away. Helps me cope with it better. A great tool to have in your own medical arsenal. Personally, I try never to be without it. Use with caution. Same as one would do with codeine (bad example; highly addicting yet still available at your local pharmacy). Unfortunately, even if of age to use, cannabis isn’t for everyone. This is what I read in the mainstream media land. Could it be the THC? What about a cannabidiol infused strawberry banana gummy? For those who tried and concluded pot/cannabis wasn’t for them, here’s another test. Hopefully, you’ll get better results. Side effects minimal compared to one of many man made drugs that help treat one thing, while possibly causing other health problems.

“Take this to stop diarrhea. Side effects can include dryness of mouth and possible long term abdominal problems. The kind that you would only wish on a political foe.”  

Diary

I’m taking the cannabidiol infused strawberry banana flavored gummy, made by the good people at Cheeba Chews (High Times Magazine approved) under their Green Hornet brand, as one dose; 50 mg CBD. This would have been last Saturday morning, the 17th. Right at sunrise with a fresh cup of hot instant Folgers coffee. I enjoy my coffee regular; two sugars and cream. As a rule, I wake and bake. Knowing I was doing this test, I stopped doing anything with THC, the night before. I awoke as I usually do when I put my feet on the floor, stand up, and start taking those first steps; sore midsection. Ass cheeks and thigh area hurt. Nothing new. Regardless, I’m telling myself, I say; 
 

“Self, got shit to do. Up and at it!”

Once I opened the airtight packaging, inside I found yet another package. It’s all childproofing efforts. I get it. FYI … the cannabis industry here in Colorado leads the way in safe ways to distribute whatever medical marijuana item there is. Some of these containers way harder to open and get at its contents, than drugs found at the local drug store. This based on my own observations since arriving here in Fort Collins, last September. Since then, I’ve been going pretty regularly to Verts Neighborhood Dispensary, easily found, in the west part of town. I’ve inquired about edibles with CBD, without the THC. I was advised Cheeba Chews offered an item that I’d be interested in. That’s how this writing assignment came about.

Green Hornet - Showing Actual Product (2017 06 18)

My notes tell me that when I opened the inside container, that a fruity smell all the sudden filled the air. Made me smile!

The actual gummy tasted exactly like a well-made strawberry banana flavored candy gummy, would/should taste like. The flavor loud, the medicated jelly pretty fresh, having been made only a few months before (Feb). That information, found on the backside of the outside packaging, along with all the other vital information about the cannabidiol infused gummy that you need to know.

Green Hornet - CBD Only (2017 06 18) (1)

Results
A beautiful Saturday morning it was. Sunny outside. Comfortable temperature. Perfect for opening the home windows. The consistent nagging, burning feeling that I had when I first awoke, around the top of my butt crack, kind of disappeared. Head was clear. I kept busy around the house. Took a shower while under the influence. Early afternoon I put on some street clothes and ventured out, going for a walk. Ended up being a nice day. Kind of uneventful. I smoked a pre-roll I had purchased earlier at Verts, toking it up after dinner. The effects of the 50 mg CBD by now, long gone. My notes tell me that the 50 mg of CBD lasted a solid 4 hours with a chilled outlook that carried over till the afternoon. Sure I dealt with my usual pain that day. This helped combat that. Overall, I feel the yummy gummy had its benefits, both mentally and physically. The less aggravated my injuries feel, the better I could do things, like walk. I do so nowadays, with a limp. Canes and walking sticks are a help. So I just found out first hand, so does CBD. I skipped using a walking aid that day. Always cool when I can do that.  
Uncle G Recommends
Of course, I do.
This was my very first venture into using cannabis as a medicine, without the THC being part of the ingredients. That in itself I will never say is a bad thing. Good for all adults? The verdict is still out on that one. In my mind, CBD and THC, together work wonders … for me. No questioning it. Figuring out what dose works for each individual interested, is a puzzle worth solving. Be safe! Start low with small doses, such as 2.5 or 5 mg, and then if it’s necessary, increase. Till that one day when you find out, your magic numbers. I’m six feet and around 180 pounds. In many ways, healthy. An old school pot smoker; joints, pipes, and bongs. My tolerance level higher than most who use cannabis casually. Right now I know that if I consume 50 to 60 mg of either THC or CBS infused edible, that I’ll be feeling okay. This Cheeba Chew product, under their Green Hornet label, did just that.

Cheeba Chews has a well-designed website. A variety of different cannabis edibles, from weak to super strong in strength. Check out the Cheeba Chew website in your free time, and bookmark for future visits. And if in the Fort Collins area, make sure to stop in Verts Neighborhood Dispensary. Plenty of Cheeba Chew products there. Maybe I’ll see you in line?

Helpful Web Links

Cheeba Chews

www.CheebaChews.com 

Verts Neighborhood Dispensary

http://www.vertsdispensary.com/

Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie (Self-titled)

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk Music Review

Spotlight: Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie (Self-titled)

By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown

Twitter @GBrown0816

Buckingham McVie - (album cover)

Just recently I was sent a link to a behind the scenes documentary on the making of a new ‘Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie’ album. First news I heard of this. So I viewed the almost 18 minute (well made) video and made a mental note that when the album became available, that I would make an attempt to give it a listen.

A few days later and I saw a ‘first listen’ announcement compliments of National Public Radio online. Made a tweet about it to alert all my classic rock friends. From then till now I’ve been taking advantage of that kindness and giving the ‘Lindsey Buckingham_Christie McVie’ self-titled album, multiple listens. Is not the usual rock album I favor/review, that I am known for. The music here is categorized: pop rock. Isn’t my usual cup of tea, so therefore I am not labeling it ‘pop-rock’ as it would be meant in a derogatory fashion. When it comes to music, we all have our thing. I’m more drawn to hard, heavy metal, instrumental, and progressive rock more than any other styles of rock n’ roll music. That does not mean that I can’t acknowledge/appreciate good sounds when I hear it. Under the ‘pop rock’ umbrella, millions if not billions of dollars are made every year in the music industry. Stupid to completely ignore, at least for a journalist like myself who covers pop culture in general.

I first learned of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Fleetwood Mac, back in 1977 when their mega-popular album ‘Rumors’ was released. Age wise, I was 15 years old. My favorite song off it; The Chain. Interesting fact … ‘The Chain’ was the only tune on ‘Rumors’ that was a group composition.  

When the follow up, Fleetwood Mac – Tusk (1979) came out, I purchased the ambitious double album initially on 8-Track. How lucky for teens today that they don’t have to deal with that shitty technology. In between clicks, I over time memorized every song on it. Of course, I had my favorite numbers (the title track Tusk_Sisters Of The Moon), but this write-up isn’t about that particular release. I do recommend if not already having in your rock collection, to add both Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors and Tusk. Avoid the old 8 tracks if possible. Goes without saying that the entire Fleetwood Mac album catalog is worth having.

“Uncle G” discusses … Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie (self-titled album)

Released today (June 9th), a new duet album by legendary rock musicians, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie. Their first album together where the focus is on them, together as a real duo act. Both known for being in a band that sold countless of records, and whose songs the classic rock station I write for, play every day; Fleetwood Mac. Along for the ride on Buckingham_McVie (2017) is one of the best rhythm sections in all recorded pop-rock music. And also from the group Fleetwood Mac; John McVie (bass), and Mick Fleetwood (drums and percussion). The only other musician credited to Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie is Mitchell Froom (keyboards).

Ten songs make this album, with a healthy combo of material from both featured musicians. Lindsey contributed five songs in which he sings lead vocals, while Christine brings along two songs she wrote herself, and then has three co-writing credits along with Mr. Buckingham. Christine does lead vocals on four songs, and then shares that duty along with Lindsey on what can be perhaps my favorite song on here; Too Far Gone.

Many solid consistencies with this almost forty minute modern pop-rock masterpiece.

For the record, on the new Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie release, the highly skilled drums/percussion of Mick Fleetwood shines, while maintaining the flow, John McVie’s bass work is spot on. Every song!

The melodies and chorus’ are memorable to the point of where I should warn … eargasm material included.

The lyrics, poetry/life reflections, it should be noted, is something one can play aloud around kids, old people, and here in America, Republicans.  

Listening with a very good set of headphones (Sennheiser), the finished product of what happened in the studio once the audio started, presented itself. The album itself has a nice crisp sound, where one can hear each member’s participations precisely as their performance(s) was meant to be heard. The entire ten-song recording has a nice flow, whereas the songs advance, and compliment each other. Playing the album from start to finish makes two-thirds of an hour fly by rather quickly.

Out of the ten songs, there are tracks that sound very much like Fleetwood Mac. The third track entitled, In My World, is one of them. If forty years ago this would be a huge hit on the radio. One of those songs they would play every 15 minutes, throughout the whole day. Track seven is another one; Lay Down For Free.

I got to mention the closing track; Carnival Begin. Clocks in as the longest composition on the album. Has a slow, mellow prog-rock vibe to it. Chill out with whatever adult libation you are into, and turn up the volume. Just what the doctor ordered. Additionally, and being wishful thinking, I’d love to see this song live in concert, along with ‘Too Far Gone’. Would be fun times!

“Uncle G” rates … Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (Self Titled 2017)

Using a one to five-star rating system, whereas one star means it belongs in the cut-out bin, to five stars which means you can safely spend your hard earned cash on it, “Uncle G” rates Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie … insert a Mick Fleetwood drum roll … 5 stars!

The musicianship involved is what you’d expect from professionals who survived the music business, and turned what they do into an art form. Lindsey Buckingham excels on acoustic guitar, as well as electric. Christine McVie … I think I have a crush on her. So talented a piano and keyboard player, and with the voice capable of giving someone goosebumps. Having John McVie and Mick Fleetwood’s participation, was a smart move. After all, it’s the end result that counts most. No, it’s not a new Fleetwood Mac album. Hopefully, the classic line-up has at least one more studio album in them to release. And damn soon (by the end of 2018). But in the meanwhile, this new Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie should help carry over any follower of Fleetwood Mac jonesing out for new material. In closing “Uncle G” predicts that if allowed (which also means being promoted properly), and played on decent sound equipment, that Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie (self-titled duet album) should do the same as the music that these people were involved in decades ago; entertain the masses.

OH … sell a shitload of albums/CD’s also, but that is an entirely different thing. Another story, for yet another day.

Helpful Weblinks

The Official Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie Website

https://www.buckinghammcvie.com

The Official Lindsey Buckingham_Christine McVie Website

https://twitter.com/buckinghammcvie

Bonus Video (The Making of the Album… Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie)

Uncle G’s FUN Movie Reviews: Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark (2014)

As Seen On ClassicRockRadio.co.uk

Originally Published: Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Uncle G’s FUN Movie Reviews
Spotlight: Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark (The Asylum 2014)
Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark (The Asylum_2014)
Released yesterday at your local DVD establishment is a terrific modern day monster movie. The same company that recently gave us last years hit, Sharknado, now puts forth; ‘Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark’. Another addition in what is now a successful series of films with the words MEGA or MECHA in the title. Same little film company out of Hollywood California that makes those far out original movies that cable’s SYFY Channel loves to air. As do other cable channels as well. Another new film recently put out there by The Asylum, ‘Mother’, starring Daryl Hannah is making the rounds as well on the Lifetime Channel.
 
Word on the street is that The Asylum only makes rip off movies. Something similar to whatever new and popular motion picture is playing at the local theaters. Example, do they have something just like Robo Cop coming out soon? Sure they do; Android Cop. I saw the previews. Looks real bass ass !! Looking forward to viewing that one. The fact is ‘The Asylum’ makes from what I saw, pretty cool popcorn flicks (mostly all of them are that I’m aware of) that sometimes have a somewhat familiar vibe to it. Done in their own unique style. We’re taking B-Movie budgets. What drew me in was their sci-fi and disaster films. Yeah…the same stuff they run on cable televisions, the SYFY Channel. A lot of these are just plain fun, and entertaining. Takes my mind off the more serious things in life. Kick back and relax while watching the Earth in peril AGAIN (common plot).
 
‘Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark’ is a throw-back in my opinion of the old Godzilla monster films. Has the same vibe to it. It’s storyline simple, Mega Shark is loose, dangerous to all mankind, and it needs to get killed. Bring in the military. And from earlier “Mega Shark” movies, Debbie Gibson. All grown up now, for this is a new 2014 direct to DVD / Cable TV project. Her character in this outing concludes the Mega Shark is horny. Their job is to STOP the Mega Shark in its tracks, but in a way, you’re hoping in the back of your mind, that they don’t. After all, if Mega Shark finds a mate we can have ten more Mega Shark sequels, and give Gibbon work till she reaches retirement age. Other characters include a brilliant and ballsy interracial couple, and a military superior officer fighting his what ends up his ultimate challenge. 

Special effects and the overall look of this new Mega Shark chapter is better than hoped. Independent film studios just don’t have the dollar power of the BIG companies out there in Hollywood nowadays. That’s part The Asylum’s charm. They make best with what they got. Example, this film was shot in fifteen days. After seeing it, you’ll be amazed by just that fact alone. Nothing looks really cheesy here. The dialogue and storyline are tight. Accept it for what it is; a cool nights entertainment. For just ten dollars, the price I paid at my local Walmart, the family can gather round the wide screen, pop some popcorn, and have a ball watching the two GIANTS battle it out.

Regarding the Mecha Shark itself, filmed so it was made to look like it was really real. Job well done! I also liked Mecha Shark’s personality, as well as versatility. Good on land, or underwater.

Rating: Using a one to ten star rating system, Uncle G rates The Asylum’s ‘Mega Shark Versus Mecha Shark’; 10 STARS. It is what it is; a fun exciting Saturday Night B-Film popcorn flick. To all at The Asylum; WELL DONE !!

 

Uncle G’s FUN 420 Reviews: Edible Report (#09)

Recommended Age: 21 +
Uncle G’s FUN 420 Reviews: Edible Report (#09)
Company: Sweet Mary Jane
Type of Edible Item: Fancy Chocolate
Name: Key Lime Kickers (Medicinal)
Contents: 200 mg active THC_4 Truffles
Special Instructions for Storage: Yes

Story and Incidental Photography by Gary “Uncle G” Brown
Twitter @GBrown0816

Last year at this time I was staying in Pennsylvania. Nine months visiting kin. Being new in those parts, I had a hard time scoring weed. What made it worse was I stayed in the country. Outside Wilkes-Barre, in the very small town, out in the woods, I rented a room. I thought at the time it would be a positive place for me to recoup after finding myself single again. First time since 1993. All this drama took place at the end of November back in 2015. Came home from work one early Sunday evening and found who is now my ex-wife, in the company of another man. Six days later with the help of a few dear friends, I was leaving Katy Texas on my own and heading east on superhighway I-10.

TX 2 PA - Driving_Leaving Houston (2015 12 06)_07_17 am

The thing about it being tough to get pot was that besides a few people, nobody really knew me. Not a cannabis friendly place. The front page of the local paper had headlines about people getting busted for dirty pot paraphernalia. Marijuana and marijuana-related busts appeared to be all the rage. Meanwhile, people in my age bracket were dying from, heroin overdoses, almost as routinely. While there, medical marijuana was passed. Whoopie! Wasn’t immediate. Way too many hoops to qualify. The end result would be doctors and the law up your ass so deep, they could tickle your tonsils. And that’s with no lube. Almost like they were on purpose trying to discourage those from starting the process, to begin with. I sooner or later told myself:

“Self, fuck this!”

Pulled into Dallas PA. driving a U-Haul and left town nine months later a passenger on a Greyhound bus, heading to parts unknown.

GB - Wilkes-Barre Bus Stop - 02 (06 Sept 2016)

For those who don’t know the “Uncle G” story, having made it safely to Colorado, and on my second day in Fort Collins, I made my first legal weed purchase. Blew me away! On the recreational side of a cannabis dispensary.  After showing my out of state driving license, and flirting with the two pretty young lady budtenders behind the counter, I purchased a gram. Less than two months later, I was an officially licensed medical marijuana user. Nowhere near as burdensome meeting the qualifications as it would have been in the Keystone State. Money wise, after all is said and done, the total was just under a hundred and fifty dollars. Once you are licensed, you then qualify for medical marijuana price discounts. Could be 50 percent savings or more. If on a fixed budget, and say really legally disabled … and the cannabis in whatever form is a successful substitute from meds’ with known harmful side effects … this shit ROCKS! Financially and mentally.

Diary

Just this last month when at Verts Neighborhood Dispensary (Fort Collins CO), I spotted a refrigerator with a glass door. Inside this electric environmentally controlled box, were medical marijuana edibles. Glancing through the very clean glass, I noticed a black pouch. A lot of items. This one for some unknown reason stood out among the rest. The cool looking black packaging read; “Sweet Mary Jane – Key Lime Kickers.” I said to myself, I said:

“Self … looks yummy! I need to know more information about that.”

Sweet Mary Jane - KLK - packaging (2017 05 10)

The budtender waiting on me, a very knowledgeable young lady, name Cayman. Has the title of assistant manager if I am not mistaken, and by the time we and other budtenders who were nearby got done conversing, I was walking out the door with medical marijuana … truffles. Friends reading this now are going … what? For they know I’m more a regular chocolate, kind of guy. The kind I’ve usually purchased in the past, as a rule, comes in wrappers with bar codes, and cost less than a dollar. From that to TRUFFLES … that need REFRIGERATED … A BIG jump. My choice could possibly be accredited to the female persuasion. Cayman (remember her) knew while informing me about what I was interested in, the already outstanding reputation this particular product, and the company that manufactured it, had. Having sales experience, it really helps a salesperson sell, when they have confidence in a product. I meanwhile just may have wanted something different? I liked that each of the four truffles contained 50 mg of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Knowing my body, I realized that with the amount of THC in that ballpark, I can start managing my chronic pain better. Keep in mind that everyone reading this is different. Please be aware of your health, and what cannabis levels you can safely tolerate without the dose being too much for you.

So I dosed on four different occasions. All at night, safely at home. Sometimes while in the nude.

The child-proof pouch is hard to open. Pissed me off at first. By the fourth ‘Key Lime Kicker’ I kind of had the hang of opening and closing the bag. The pouch I kept in the freezer, inside an empty Ego box. No real need for that, but I just found it safer in there. The package states how the truffles (HEMP CONNOISSEUR 1st Place Winner 2013) must be refrigerated. Freezing it properly will prolong shelf life for up to a half of year. So no stuffing in a sock drawer.

FYI: truffles are hand made from scratch and available in several flavors.

All four times I put a whole ‘Key Lime Kicker’ in my mouth. Was of course cold. The first taste is the outside graham cracker crumb coating. Reminded me of many a trip to the nearest Denny’s Restaurant, in which I would order their key lime pie for dessert, along with a fresh cup of coffee. The truffle, amazingly so, just kept getting better tasting. I noted; layers of yumminess. By the last truffle, I’m equating the taste and sensation of letting it slowly melt in my mouth, to an orgasm. Wow! The little white coated part that reads THC, like an M&M, but with a tastier tasting chocolate. Should sell them separately. While still melting, there is a creamy layer that’s to die for! Very little cannabis taste overall. If so, just for a split second or two. The magic ingredient; cannabis infused sugar.

I thought that the effects hit quickly for an edible. All four times I experienced being nice and calm. Worked well combating my nerve pain. It especially fucks with me at night. Helped me forget it some. Frankly, this is what I am looking for. I want to be able to cope and get by as reasonably as I can. Using medical marijuana I can do that. The candy tasted really good. An above average tasting THC delivery system. The effects seemed to last the entire night. Made notes waking up the next morning that I slept well on ‘testing’ nights.

Uncle G Recommends

Not something I might do every day/every night. For myself, better for evening use. Most moments under its influence, I felt serene. A tasty treat such as this ‘Key Lime Kicker’ a few times a month, sounds very doable. Especially on those more difficult to get around days. Help me recover when it’s dark outside. And Verts Neighborhood Dispensary is always stocked. After this review hits, I expect them to get sold out much quicker. Call ahead. Send an email. Communicate U R INTERESTED in Sweet Mary Jane – Key Lime Kickers. Plus their other products. Should help turn a shitty day into a glorious one. That is what “Uncle G” says. If one (adult 21 +) must for whatever reasons meditate, and is interested in medical marijuana edibles, here’s a good place to start looking.

Oh … and let go of my round waffle.

Website Links

Sweet Mary Jane

https://www.ilovesmj.com

Verts Neighborhood Dispensary

http://www.vertsdispensary.com/

Classic Rock Radio (UK): Classic Rock Vaults

As Seen On: ClassicRockRadio.co.uk

Written by: Gary “Uncle G” Brown
Twitter @GBrown0816

Classic Rock Radio - Vaults

 

 

Hard for me to believe, the time has gone by so quickly. I remember as if it was yesterday.

The year was 2012. There I was in my townhouse, located in southwest Houston Texas, USA. It’s early in the morning. I have awoken and was now in my daily routine of drinking coffee and spending time on the Internet. Wearing briefs and not boxers. On Facebook, I was still a newbie. A large reason why I signed on the mega popular website was due to a half brother. From another mother, and a whole decade older than yours truly. A cool cat or so I thought. And a tale I’ll elaborate more on, at another time. Meanwhile, I’ll tell the story about how I met UK’s radio personality, Jon Kirkman aka ‘Mister Classic Rock Radio’. The title has a nice ring to it, I think. Not that anyone calls him that to my knowledge.  

Back in the last part of the 20th century, in my spare time, I was helping a few professional musicians with their world wide web social media; Yahoo Groups. Jon Kirkman signed on to both the one I was coordinating for Michael Bruce (original member of the Alice Cooper Band) and one I was doing for Peter Banks (original member of Yes). Through private emails, and instant messages Jon and I got to know each other. The results were that we became very good friends. Having the love of prog-rock in common, we ended up doing a few snail mail trades. Cassette or on recordable CDs. I bet in my storage unit located a thousand miles away, that I still have everything Jon sent my way. In their original mailing envelopes. And I kept my promise to this day of not doing trades with certain items; interviews that Jon conducted.

With all the communicating Jon and I did back and forth, it came out that not only was I an Internet music trader (motivated by Michael Bruce) but that I was into acquiring radio ‘interviews’ as well. In the real world, I routinely worked my ass off. A full (40 hours) and a part-time job (20 hours) when needed. I’ve kept employed being available seven days a week. Team player (insert the sound of laughter). Plus my eyes were always open to making money on the side. The collecting I always considered a hobby. Healthier for me than doing pints, sitting in a pub all night.  And much cheaper.

Now, remember, when Jon subscribed to Yahoo Groups that I was the administrator of, he didn’t say anything about being a radio DJ (disc jockey). Or that he did projects outside of that, such as authoring music reviews or CD liner notes. Having mutual friends as well, I remember when finding out all that, thinking it was pretty cool. Interesting way to make a living. I knew a few others in radio. Later on came Jon’s MC gig doing cruises that focused on classic rock acts such as Yes, or The Moody Blues. Not ever able to go myself, Jon in the past, has brought me back some items that he knew I’d like. Always appreciated! To this day we have a very solid friendship. No need to communicate with each other every day. We’ll an email or phone call away. Both of us admitted musicaholics. No getting away from it, and why would we if we could?  

Classic Rock Vaults

Besides listening to music on the radio in the 1960’s and 70’s as a youngin growing up on the New Jersey Shore (USA), I also listened to the news, radio theater, and interviews with people I liked or interested me. Or believe it or not, sometimes to people I absolutely hated, just to get into their mindset some. Nowadays, someone like the retired entertainer David Letterman comes to mind. Out there talking downright shit to anyone who will listen. Others similar to him; Roger Waters. Usually political and somehow interested/involved in America’s political system.  Strongly disagreeing with the words I may hear, I still intently listen to their message and respect others point of view. I do this also to question my own instincts. Check to see if mentally I am on the right path.

Back then I was very inquisitive. What I heard out of those crappy speakers that I reluctantly called my own, helped satisfy that natural desire as a youth to learn. And what do you know, I just so carried that over to adulthood. To this day I’m still curious if the carpet matches the drapes, and love with a passion, the old and 21st century radio presentation. Music-wise and or intellectually. Just as good, yet another behind the scenes story about how the members of my favorite band Yes, all hate one another. Check it out. There are TWO Yes’ now. Divorce wiped me out. I can’t afford to see one. That can change. My choices; Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, and Rick Wakeman on their next tour? Or Yes featuring Steve Howe and Alan White is touring this summer with Carl Palmer (playing the hits of ELP dedicated to Greg and Keith), and some Todd dude who hates Republicans and requests that none go to the concert. Cracks me up! Hopefully, he’ll  rescind that, forget the politics, and play the music he’s known for. Entertain the masses. Better for business.  

Back to the subject at hand, now with the Internet, there are no limitations to what you can find. Including, if you poke around right on this very website,  a Keith Emerson interview from 2002, archived and presented by the man who conducted it. For a Classic Rock Radio (UK) listener, a new choice that perfectly compliments the experience one gets when tuning in, and spending time digging around our shit (said in a complementary way … of course).

If not for being a contributor to Classic Rock Radio (UK), and getting a free membership to our new Classic Rock Vaults, I would bend over backward to join. Well, being older now that might not be physically possible for me to do anymore. The cost is mere pennies a day. New stuff being added all the time, hand picked by Jon and the crew. It’s my kind of thing. Interesting interviews with musicians who make the music I like listening to the best. And Mr. Kirkman … this guy could easily win any classic rock trivia contest. The man does his homework. One can easily tell by just kicking back (careful not to fall out of the chair), turning up the volume, and enjoying all that is located in the Classic Rock Vaults of Classic Rock Radio (UK).

Uncle G’s Picks

In the fifth, I’ll take ‘Undignified’ … only joking!

PLAYING NOW (Classic Rock Vaults)

Jay Schellen: Jon interviewed him very recently; Cruise To The Edge 2017. What a cool guy! To replace Alan White (drummer for John Lennon_Yes) you gotta be good. And that Jay is. Seasoned professional. I have been following Jay’s career for some time now. In my opinion, Jay Schellen is; the real deal!

Billy Sherwood: Again, filmed on the last ‘Cruise to The Edge’ … tickets for the 2018Cruise To The Edge ON SALE NOW … just sayin’. Billy chats to Jon about a tour he did with original Yes keys player Tony Kaye a few years back, his career in general which includes being a member in Yes and Asia, and an up and coming tribute album to his dearly departed friend, bass player and also an original member of Yes, Chris Squire. Filled with information fans would dig knowing.

Ian Anderson: Chats with Jon just last year about a re-issued Jethro Tull album from way back called; Jethro Tull – Stand Up (1969). The band’s second release, and their first with guitarist Martin Barre, who stayed with the group up until a few years ago. I saw Jethro Tull twice in concert; 1977 and 1993. Superior musicians. Fun music! The ‘Stand Up’ reissue is a ‘Steven Wilson’ project. What a musical genius he is! If unaware, check out a band he was in called; Porcupine Tree. Again, Jon Kirkman conducts a perfect conversation, making for a very informative and entertaining presentation. What one expects if aware of Jon’s work.

Wrapping this up, I feel ‘Classic Rock Vaults’ is a wonderful premium addition for our loyal listeners, that is certainly worth every penny charged. A couple pounds a month … a few bucks a month. Helps support the station (example; maintenance fees), and opens the door to conversations you just haven’t heard yet.  So what are you waiting for?

Oh, if we could get a favor out of you? Please pass on, and tell your friends! Classic Rock Vaults … a new feature here at Classic Rock Radio (UK). Updated frequently. So keep tuning in … and on behalf of myself and the wonderful people here at Classic Rock Radio (UK) and Classic Rock Vaults … THANKS! Hope y’all enjoy … feel free to give feedback or suggestions to anyone on the staff.

https://classicrockvaults.com/

Movie Review: The Founder (2016)

As Seen On ClassicrockRadio.co.uk (main website)

28 April 2017
Uncle G’s FUN Movie Reviews
Spotlight: The Founder (2016)
Source: Redbox (Blu-ray)
By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown
Twitter @GBrown0816

 

The Founder - Poster (shortened)

When I first heard there was going to be a bio pic on Ray Kroc, I was interested. Would be a period piece. Mid-twentieth century, or thereabouts. Centering around the king of fast food; McDonald’s. At least they are here in America. An interesting statistic that I saw mentioned at the end of the film having now viewed it, was that nowadays McDonald’s serves about one percent of the whole world’s population. That would be a 2016 statistic, reflecting perhaps 2015 sales numbers. Having always been interested in sales all my life, I find that just f*cking amazing! On the average, they sell 75 hamburgers a second. And that number gets bigger as time marches on. A well run greasy hamburger joint that started off with entire meals one could get under a dollar. In the matter of a couple minutes, if not faster, you had your food. The hot food was hot, and the cold drinks cold. This was in the year 1948. The year in which the McDonald’s of which we know of today, first opened for business (12 December). Thanks to the determination and very hard work of the McDonald brothers; Richard and Maurice. Here’s where a lot of the ideas that are still used today in McDonald’s restaurants, got their birth. These guys were hands on everything, even the classic look of the building itself with the iconic golden arches. They named their business after themselves; McDonald’s. A story about McDonald’s had certainly be about them, but no it isn’t. Enter the number one salesman of past century; Ray Kroc. Not the nice guy like you would automatically think.

My first memories of McDonald’s is as a young boy. They had a location in the next town over; Perth Amboy New Jersey. Back in the later part of the 1960’s. The Beatles were still an active group. My Dad would drive us over from South Amboy. The brilliant white building with the golden arches on the side. Felt special just driving up to the place. My Father would give me money, and have me go up to the window to place our order. Fun times!
Around 1977 I got a job with McDonald’s. In West Long Branch, New Jersey. Lasted a few days. Had an accident. Another new employee had mopped behind me while I was working the grill. Lunch time. Super busy! Moving around I slipped. To break my fall, I reached out, and put my right hand, palm first, onto a very hot grill. OMG! Embarrassing to say but initially, I screamed like a little girl. A week off to heal. With my hand better, I returned to work only to find out that they were going to go back on an agreement we had. I had at the time, very long blonde hair. No intention of shorting it whatsoever. Subject addressed when I interviewed. They told me when hired, a hairnet would do. Long story short … yadda yadda yadda, the fucker’s lied, and I quit. Stood up to the man! They would have fired me, had I not gotten a cut. My friends were apologetic to hear I had to go through all that, yet impressed. A month or so later, I received a check in the mail for the week I was home beating off with my ‘left’ hand. I had already secured another job, so I spent what was to me ‘found money’ on pot and booze.

Around 1977 I got a job with McDonald’s. In West Long Branch, New Jersey. Lasted a few days. Had an accident. Another new employee had mopped behind me while I was working the grill. Lunch time. Super busy! Moving around I slipped. To break my fall, I reached out, and put my right hand, palm first, onto a very hot grill. OMG! Embarrassing to say but initially, I screamed like a little girl. A week off to heal. With my hand better, I returned to work only to find out that they were going to go back on an agreement we had. I had at the time, very long blonde hair. No intention of shorting it whatsoever. Subject addressed when I interviewed. They told me when hired, a hairnet would do. Long story short … yadda yadda yadda, the fucker’s lied, and I quit. Stood up to the man! They would have fired me, had I not gotten a cut. My friends were apologetic to hear I had to go through all that, yet impressed. A month or so later, I received a check in the mail for the week I was home beating off with my ‘left’ hand. I had already secured another job, so I spent what was to me ‘found money’ on pot and booze.

About 15 years later I went through my first divorce and while rebuilding my life, took a part-time job with a McD’s in Katy Texas. Get this … besides all the things one would expect to find there, they also made pizza. McPizza! Wasn’t that McBad. I worked there long enough to save up car insurance money, plus get some work done on the vehicle I had at the time; 81’ Olds Cutlass. I nicknamed it; The Golden Chariot. Parted ways with McDonald’s on good terms. Equated the situation as a good opportunity to make some extra cash, in which it was. Good old fashion hard work. Nothing I was ever embarrassed about.

Back to the movie; The Founder. Weird but the title does not refer to one or the other McDonald brothers specifically, but to the man who became known as a franchise wizard; Ray Kroc. This is the guy who is really responsible for McDonald’s worldwide success. And this is the person that this motion picture is largely about. Long story short, he screwed over the McDonald brothers. In 115 minutes, you’ll find out everything. Watch the company grow from a few locations where this film starts to the giant ‘McDonald’s’ turned out to be. The story ending with Kroc’s death in 1984.

Michael Keaton - The Founder

 

This very well made biographical drama was directed by John Lee Hancock and stars actor Michael Keaton as ‘founder’ Ray Kroc (1902-1984). His performance is outstanding! Such a wonderful actor! His ‘Batman’ besides Adam West is the best. And who could forget, Beetlejuice (1988)?

Helping support Mr. Keaton, the McDonald brothers are played by Nick Offerman (Richard) and John Carroll Lynch (Maurice). The three of these actors shine playing off each other, making this theatrical presentation really work. And the rest of the cast excels including Laura Dern (Ethel Kroc), and from television’s ‘The Office’: B.J. Novak (Harry J. Sonneborn). ‘The Founder’ was written by Robert D. Siegel.

Uncle G rates … The Founder (2016)

Using the same ten star rating system that the ‘imdB’ website uses, whereas one star means it sucks worse than McDonald’s spaghetti (Google it), and ten stars meaning it’s worth the wait at the drive thru, Uncle G rates the 2016 movie, The Founder … NINE Stars! A couple scenes could have been shorter. Almost lost my full attention. But I loved everything else.

 

Music Review: Audio Fidelity: Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies (1973_2014)

*Re-Post*
As Seen On: The Audio Fidelity Website
Spotlight: Re-Issue/Re-Master
Artist: Alice Cooper (original band)
Album: Billion Dollar Babies
Producer: Bob Ezrin
Year First Released: 1973
Audio Fidelity Re-Issue/Re-Mastered Release:  2014

As Seen on the main Classic Rock Radio UK website

Review authored by Gary “Uncle G” Brown
Twitter @GBrown0816
First Published: ClassicRockRadio.co.uk (main website)
Date: 16 March 2014

Alice Cooper - BDB - Audio Fidelity - front with cover

If I had a list of Uncle G’s Top Twenty-Five All-Time Favorite Rock Albums, then Alice Cooper’s 1973 hit album Billion Dollar Babies would certainly be towards the top of it. Here’s an album that as a teen gave me my own identity. Out of everyone in my inner circle of friends back then, it was I that was into Alice Cooper. Instead of getting turned on, I turned on others. My introduction to Alice Cooper was their 1972 hit song ‘School’s Out’. What’s not to love about getting rid of teachers and textbooks? Check it out, age-wise I was barely out of my single digits. Due to lyrics I identified with and a steady rock beat, I’m like a pat of butter on freshly baked bread. My mind is open and I’m absorbing all I can.

By the Winter of ’73, the album Billion Dollar Babies by the group Alice Cooper is in my record collection. It was purchased for me by adults who later on pretended to be repulsed because I was a fan of Alice Cooper’s music. I’ve remained a listener, pressing on after the band’s demise and until after Alice’s third solo effort Lace & Whiskey came out. If I played Alice Cooper after that, it was original band material only. Alice’s solo records, I really didn’t begin to appreciate except Welcome To My Nightmare in which I consider to this day, one of his best efforts, until he released Trash (1989). After that, I re-evaluated my opinion of what Alice has done since splitting with the original group.

From his debut solo record Welcome To My Nightmare (1975), to the year 2014, there are more pluses than minuses. The man known as Alice Cooper is considered an elder statesman in heavy metal nowadays. Age wise, is well into his sixties and to this day is still more than capable of teaching the younger bands how to rock out as well as putting on one of the highest energy metal shows being offered. There is an occasional ballad thrown in the set list, which is more than welcome seeing how some of his best known songs are just that, ballads. Classics like Only Women Bleed, or I Never Cry. Alice Cooper is currently in the process of releasing a cover/tribute album, and performing shows with Aerosmith and Motley Crew. Not to mention this is right on the heels of charting an original band reunion of sorts with a studio album again produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin called Welcome 2 My Nightmare (2011).

Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies (1974) album, and the original band’s last album together Muscle Of Love (1974), is what seriously caught my attention. These records got the repeat plays at social functions. At least the ones I attended. For the record, Uncle G thinks anything in the original band’s catalog is worth having, especially the stuff they did for Warner Brothers. I fell into the albums Billion Dollar Babies and Muscle Of Love likely because they were new at the time when I was seriously focused. I can still remember Alice making the promotional rounds for Billion Dollar Babies on TV. One such time had Alice performing ‘Sick Things’ on a drama/mystery program called The Snoop Sisters. A show about two old tough broads solving crime, Alice was perfectly cast as the leader of a cult. It definitely motivated me to play the album more.

And yes, first it was wax in which I played on an early 1970’s record box. This was modified with the original speakers being disconnected, and then the player being hooked up with better speakers and separated on each side of a bedroom I shared with two older cousins (one in which was a pothead). Why this even matters is that this ended up being one of my first lessons in what stereo really was, and how different sounds were heard from each speaker. Remember, I first grew up with mono.

In the song ‘Elected’, Alice’s vocals mainly come out of one side (left), while the band’s actual music, comes out the other (right). The music could sometimes overpower the vocals. So another lesson learned early on; it was important where and how the speakers were located, as well as how the balance button on the stereo receiver was set.

Next, comes the wonderful world of headphones and a company whose headphones I absolutely fell in love called Sennheiser. Now I could hear every detail. Over the decades, the record player was replaced by better and better stereos. Sound was important to me. I grew up when transistor radios were all the rage. A rock song filled with different sounds, all coming out of this shitty little speaker. Two words, fuck that.

I purchased Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies after first having it on wax, cassette, 8-track, and now I have three different versions on CD, with one being the new SACD mastered by a man with a reputation for being the best at what he does in today’s music world, Mr. Steve Hoffman.

Self confession, I’m NOT a committed one-hundred percent audiophiliac. Due to having too much on my plate as a rule, when I have the free time, I come close. I don’t like to be anal…not as a rule. Sometimes I think they go hand in hand. I’m glad the purists are out there. Needed for archival reasons the most, so many good recordings that now sounded dated, only because they were mastered at a time when technology was at it’s best for being in the twentieth century. My review here might sound slanted a bit. I admit to being an old time Alice Cooper listener, and also to digging better sounding stereo equipment. I’m still dragging my feet in MP3 Land. The only thing I feel should be compressed is waste products, not music. MP3 music brings back the memories of transistor radios with a crappy speaker (broadcast in wonderful mono).

I know the words and music to Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies by heart. I also probably know more than the average Sick Thing when it comes to the band Alice Cooper, and the original bands’ music catalog. I’ve never seen myself as a fanatic though. My association with Sick Things (fans of Alice Cooper) has gone from rather well to horribly wrong. In all that time, I had a few entertaining moments meeting members of the original group and hanging out with them for a spell. I’ve conducted/coordinated interviews with Michael Bruce and Neal Smith. I also did a beer and a cigarette run for Glen Buxton (RIP). I’d like to meet Dennis Dunaway and Alice (formerly Vincent Damon Furnier) one day. So, before you are my credentials for reviewing this SACD. A story that needed to be told, especially if you the reader were so inclined as to like and follow up after reading by buying if you have not already, this new SACD.

For the record, the Alice Cooper band sixth studio album, Billion Dollar Babies, was a team Alice project. All involved from Shep Gordon in management to the album’s producer Bob Ezrin, deserve credit in this being as successful as it was. Plus some additional musicians that played shall we say, a tad under the radar, and contributed to the best of their abilities, such as Donovan, Steve Hunter, Dick Wagner, and the much underrated talents of Mick Mashbir and Bob Dolin, who went on a few years later to form a band called Billion Dollar Babies, with original Cooper members Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith. They did one album called Battle Axe. It would be wonderful if Steve Hoffman could re-master Cooper’s Muscle Of Love and the band Billion Dollar Babies Battle Axe in the same way. Anyway, the BIG secret at the time was that lead guitarist was having health issues. Explains the other hands in the BDB project. All that mattered was the end result, with everyone being a team player focused on making the best Alice Cooper record they could. In an imagined That Metal Show showdown, Billion Dollar Babies would surely be a contender as one of Alice’s best, with or without the original band.

Comparison: I enter as exhibit A the original Billion Dollars Babies CD that Warner Brothers first offered. Exhibit B is the Rhino 2001 two CD re-mastered version. Exhibit C is the new SACD put out just recently by Audio Fidelity. Exhibit A has been played in the presence of Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, and Neal Smith without them saying anything bad about the audio. All discs are in near mint or mint condition. The Uncle G Music Collection is kept up nicely and stored in a dry and cool place. Playback of each disc was done on a real home stereo (Sony – Phillips) and on a Blu-ray player (was lunch time and the living room was more convenient having a meal in then our home office). I would like to make clear…NEVER ONE TIME…was any of these versions of Billion Dollar Babies heard via a computer. Am sure the iTunes version is cool and all, but that’s not really what this is about. First off, it’s considered an honor that a company like Audio Fidelity would be interested in re-issuing any CD. I see it as a way to properly preserve and recreate with newer technology what was not available at the time. In my mind, there is no improving the work Bob Ezrin or all those that helped make this brilliant album did. What Steve Hoffman and Audio Fidelity materialized forty years after the Billion Dollars Babies release, let’s find out.

Alice Cooper - BDB - Audio Fidelity - front (promo)

Uncle G reviews Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies (2014 Audio Fidelity)

The first thing I did was listen to the Warner Brothers CD of Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies. My earliest comparison would be that of the CD to the memories of the Billion Dollar Babies album I grew up listening to. The CD had its advantages. No flipping the album over from Side A to Side B. No skipping anywhere. The stereo mix was the same as I remembered from the album. No difference in clarity that I could remember. I took care of my turntables and records. Back in the 80’s / 90’s my home stereo was made up of either Pioneer or Kenwood equipment. I admit, more convenient to have on Compact Disc. Seems to play/sound the same each and every time.

The original released CD to the Rhino version, I found interesting. Of course, the Rhino edition is presented LOUDER. The re-mastering process isn’t bass-friendly all the time. That can be evident on the album’s closing number, ‘I Love The Dead’. The plus side is a fuller sound in parts, especially in the piano lead homage to transvestites, a show-tune called ‘Mary Ann’.

Wake the kids and gather the folks from the hood, it’s Hybrid SACD Time!! First off, I took care in opening it. Artwork from the album is re-created, and much to my surprise and approval, so is the BILLION Dollar bill that came inside the album that I of course, taped to my teenaged self’s bedroom wall. The one included today is suitable for framing. My SACD was numbered; “Limited Edition 1101.” I took pictures, I was so impressed.

Pressing the play button, the first song on Billion Dollar Babies ‘Hello Hooray’ begins to play. My hand reaches for the volume knob. I turn it up from 2 to 3, and then 4. No distortion. It’s not as much in the red as Rhino’s remastering job. At this point, I have all three versions of BDB in separate CD trays and can pause and play from any of the three, at any time. It’s obvious the SACD is superior and that’s just hearing the first song.

The second track ‘Raped and Freezin’ proves it more. Keyboards in the background are clearer after the 2-minute mark, as is Alice’s vocals all throughout.

Track three is ‘Elected’. Alice’s vocals mostly come out the left speaker and the music mostly on the right. Listening in any format, it was always due to a placement of speakers as to if I could clearly make out every lyric, and even the political banter at the end. It’s all good here on the SACD release. Remember we have two vital ingredients to Alice Cooper; audio and visual. Every word Alice sings is important, for they paint a visual in which the music helps to project. These songs are like tiny plays. It’s theater for the mind. Some might have labeled Alice Cooper art rock because of this, but most just saw them as a hard rock act, even when touring with a guillotine and an electric chair as props. Not exactly the same as Deep Purple being a real hard rock act. KISS was Alice on steroids times four. And what drama they ended up being.

I noticed when all three CDs were in my players that I had three different total times on display. The Rhino / Warner Archives comes in at 41:05 – original Warner Brothers version at 41:08, and the new SACD leads the pack at 41:14. I asked myself why that was.

Easy explanation concerning the extra five seconds between original BDB and the Steve Hoffman mastered one. The Hybrid SACD version kept in the studio banter found before the song, ‘Billion Dollar Babies’. It goes something like this:

“OK I need one more. Tape four Dolby version.”

Could it be Mr. Ezrin in the control booth? I LIKE rarities, and it sure does sound RARE, for it didn’t appear on the BDB album I had as a teenager. Don’t know why it was included here on the hybrid SACD, but as a purist, I don’t really dig it being there. So much for a perfect 5 star review. The song itself sounds GREAT!! It’s a real hard-rocking drum song, and Alice Cooper’s drummer Neal Smith simply smokes on this one. I CRANKED the volume up listening to it. When I listen to Alice Cooper, so do my neighbors. I can report no other audio ID surprises. I feel weird bitching, but it is what it is. I’m just not used to that being inserted before hearing Neal’s drum intro after the lapse of silence in-between songs. Maybe I’m a tad anal? Because of the type of record this is, I feel it ruins the atmosphere that the songs played before this one set up. The mind should be fully focused, and it kills the concentration. Saying that I must point out that it’s easily re-established once the number starts up.

‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ gives me the opportunity to say that without the songwriting ability of Michael Bruce, the successful writing team of Bruce / Cooper would not have ever existed. Michael Bruce’s real talent is to write music that remains in your head long after the song had stopped playing. Alice knew/knows how to make a song his own by creating words and phrases his onstage character could react to. And here’s how you got one hit composition after another. The same formula is used on Welcome 2 My Nightmare with the newest Bruce / Cooper composition (with the additional help of Bob Ezrin) being ‘When Hell Comes Home’. This is the FIRST a Alice Cooper record charted in the Top 25 since Trash. Congratulations to all involved.

Also worth mentioning in the song ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ is Dennis Dunaway’s bass and how clear one can hear his playing, not only on this song but throughout the whole SACD release. Dennis’ bass work is simply superb. Explains why he was consistently at the top of the best bass player polls in those 1970 rock magazines year in and year out.

‘Generation Landslide’ is the next song and sounds as crisp as I’ve ever heard it. Followed by The Cooper’s heartfelt appreciation to their fans, a rather darker number called ‘Sick Things’. Pay attention, for the work of Glen Buxton can be heard, as can be said on the album’s closer ‘I Love The Dead’. Minor contributions but important ones nevertheless. Would be Glen’s last time working on a Cooper project. Dude’s really nowhere to be found on the originals band next, and last Alice Cooper album, Muscle Of Love.

For the louder I played this CD, the clearer the music became. Enjoyed it to its last lyric and closing note.

Alice Cooper - BDB - Audio Fidelity - Billion Dollar Bill (promo scan)

Rating: Using the one to five star rating system, Uncle G gives Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies (2014 Audio Fidelity) – mastered by Steve Hoffman, 4.75 stars. It’s perfect in every way except well…you know (see above).

Alice Cooper - BDB - Audio Fidelity - back

Date Posted: 2014-03-16T00:00:00

https://audiofidelity.net/press-release/spotlight-alice-cooper-billion-dollar-babies

http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2014/03/spotlight-alice-cooper-billion-dollar.html

THANK U AUDIO FIDELITY! — *  GB  2017 * 

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