AMPED™ FEATURED ALBUM OF THE WEEK: SHEILA E / ICONIC: MESSAGE 4 AMERICA

SHEILA E. may have become a household name thanks to her work in the mid-‘80s with Prince but she was – and is - much more than that! The daughter of iconic percussionist Pete Escovedo, she began her career in the mid-1970s as a percussionist and singer for The George Duke Band. After leaving the group in 1983, Sheila began a successful solo career that started with her critically acclaimed 1984 debut album The Glamorous Life. [...]

By | August 31st, 2017|News, Uncategorized|Comments Off on AMPED™ FEATURED ALBUM OF THE WEEK: SHEILA E / ICONIC: MESSAGE 4 AMERICA

AMPED™ 2017 Issue 34 New Release Digital Magazine

New Releases From Lynch Mob Cactus Uriah Heep Meridian Brothers Crime Of Passion

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AMPED™ 2017 Issue 33 New Release Digital Magazine

New Releases From Charlie Parr Atomic Blonde OST Sheila E Dionne Warwick Nile Rodgers

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An EXCLUSIVE interview with SHEILA E!

COME TOGETHER: Guided by the forces of family, faith, and music, Sheila E. has made a name for herself as one of the most talented musical icons over the decades. With a fearless nature and a passion for sharing her gifts with others, Sheila truly follows the beat of her own drum. In anticipation of the release of her new album, ICONIC: MESSAGE 4 AMERICA, Sheila took time to discuss her latest work, her hopes, and her legacy. […]

By | August 24th, 2017|News, Uncategorized|Comments Off on An EXCLUSIVE interview with SHEILA E!

AMPED™ 2017 Issue 32 New Release Digital Magazine

New Releases From Savoy Brown Mary Lambert Cold Roses Bumblefoot Jack Tempchin

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THE INMATES/The Albums 1979-1982 (3CD set) reviewed!

     In the late ‘70s, the Rock world was being turned on it’s head by Punk and New Wave. The pretentious ‘old guard’ (i.e. Prog rockers, Folk singer/songwriters, Pop stars, etc.) were handed their walking papers by the press, who latched onto the shouty, belligerent Punk kids. By ’79, you were more likely going to read about the exploits of Sex Pistols, The Damned and The Clash before you’d stumble upon a review of ELP’s latest live gig. And by that time, reviews of ELP, Yes and the like were leaning towards scathing.      However, while the press fell over themselves to discover the latest Punk craze, Pub Rock and British Rhythm & Blues was also a happening thing.  Dr. Feelgood were already established and Nine Below Zero were on their way to becoming legendary. While not always recognized as such, The Inmates were certainly one of the best of the Pub/R&B bunch (in fact, they still are!). With Cherry Red’s three CD box set, THE ALBUMS 1979-1982, The Inmates are finally receiving the credit and attention that they deserve. Containing the band’s first three studio albums (plus bonus tracks), this is a long over-due look at the band’s excellent early output. […]

By | August 11th, 2017|News|Comments Off on THE INMATES/The Albums 1979-1982 (3CD set) reviewed!

HOWARD JONES/Best 1983-2017 (3CD) reviewed!

     While he  achieved a lot of chart success early in his career (1983 to 1989) and still tours and releases new music, Howard  Jones’ musical legacy has been somewhat overlooked since his heyday. While he certainly hasn’t been forgotten, he has become increasingly difficult to categorize… which is both a good and bad thing. He’s been labelled a Synthpop artist, a teen idol, a New Waver and an Electropop pioneer while also being  lumped into the Adult Alternative category. Some have even pointed out his Jazz-influenced  chord progressions and R&B leanings. In all honesty, Howard Jones is all of this and more.  And thankfully, Cherry  Red has just released the three CD BEST 1983-2017, which really  showcases Howard’s many talents. A set this comprehensive reminds the listener  that Howard Jones is much more than an “’80s relic”. He was never a one-trick  pony and this release backs that statement up. […]

By | August 11th, 2017|News|Comments Off on HOWARD JONES/Best 1983-2017 (3CD) reviewed!

BRONSKI BEAT: An EXCLUSIVE Q&A with Steve Bronski!

     It has been 33 years since Bronski Beat arrived on the music scene with their remarkably emotional debut single “Smalltown Boy.” Jimmy Somerville’s soaring falsetto was quite a wonder to behold but the music performed by Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek was equally enthralling. Equally enchanting, the band’s debut album THE AGE OF CONSENT was Synthpop at it’s finest. Inspired by classic Disco and the Electronic Music scene that was sweeping the UK, the trio blended their influences into a wondrous brew. Add in their thought-provoking lyrics that focused on gay-related issues and you had a band that not only made you dance but also made you think. Surprisingly, in 1985, at the height of the band’s popularity, Somerville abruptly quit, leaving Bronski and Steinbachek to carry on without him. The following year, the band returned with new vocalist John Foster and released the Pop-errific sophomore album TRUTHDARE DOUBLEDARE. Although “Hit That Perfect Beat” and “C’mon! C’mon!” were hits, the album didn’t fare as well as their debut and the band left their label (London Records). Foster left the fold and Bronski and Steinbachek’s continued to work together throughout the rest of the ‘80s and into the ‘90s. They released their third album, RAINBOW NATION, with new vocalist Jonathan Hellyer and additional musical assistance from Ian Donaldson. However, the band quietly split in 1995 shortly after that album’s release. […]

By | August 11th, 2017|News|Comments Off on BRONSKI BEAT: An EXCLUSIVE Q&A with Steve Bronski!

AMPED™ 2017 Issue 31 New Release Digital Magazine

New Releases From Neck Deep Glenn Hughes The Noose Hangs High Expose Billie Jo Spears

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AMPED™ 2017 Issue 30 New Release Digital Magazine

New Releases From Motograter A.J. Croce Guided By Voices Blackmore's Night Mr. T Experience

By | August 10th, 2017|New Release Digital Magazine|Comments Off on AMPED™ 2017 Issue 30 New Release Digital Magazine