HARRY NILSSON - LOSST AND FOUNND - Maybe the best Beatles related product since the 80s?

I've honestly tried to avoid reading about this after the fact album, comprised of the work Harry Nilsson had done just prior to his death, but what I have read has to me seemed to miss both the point and the mark.

To my ears, it sounds like producer Mark Hudson has totally hit the mark, and yes, this might be my favorite Beatles related work since the 80s. This is my favorite album of 2019. It's the record we would have all produced if given the shot, something I sure can't say that about Giles Martin's work on the Beatles reissues.

"Losst And Found" kicks off the proceedings, and its pub rock approved guitars and throbbing rhythm section (Keifo Nilsson and Jim Keltner) deliver a super sophisticated composition that twists and turns with sumptuous background vocals, and it features an arrangement that unexpectedly modulates then takes us perfectly back in time. Nilsson's voice is closer here to Elvis Costello and Graham Parker than his earlier atmospherics, but that's intended as high praise, not in any way a negative comment in any way. It's not the voice of seventies Nilsson, but is that the point? His phrasing and intonation are on point, and his delivery is charmingly perfect. This track alone is worth the price of the album.

K.K. Downing is a No Go for Judas Priest's 50th Anniversary Tour

Rock 'n' roll fans lose again...

In a bit of predictable, but still disappointing news, K.K. Downing announced this morning that he will not be appearing on Judas Priest's 50th Anniversary tour.

Now, I know this is no surprise given the fractious nature of the band's comments concerning Downing's leaving, and the things that Downing has had to say in the years subsequent to his leaving, but I have to say, isn't it a shame that the music lost again?

BLACK CROWES - A NEW CHAPTER or CRASS CASH GRAB?

Watching the newly reconvened Black Crowes on the Howard Stern show, and I have to say, they sound as as good as ever to my ears, and better than they have on occasion.

However, there's a big question on everyone's mind, and it's not something we'll know ever, or at least until Chris and Rich Robinson are back at each others throats. That question is this.

Is this reunion of the brothers Robinson an artistic desire or a crass cash grab?

“And there were days when we danced.” ~ My strange and wonderful days on and off the road with rock’s best kept secret, Guided By Voices

For the record, I consider Guided By Voices to be one of the best rock bands on the planet, and in history. I consider Robert Pollard (Bobby from here on out, I’ve never known him as Robert, that’s for others) to be amongst the greatest songwriters to have ever written rock. That being said, I am neither fanboy nor completist. There are many to fill that role, and to do it better than I could ever hope or wish to.

That being said, I was there at the conception, and I have an experience here that is somewhat, if not completely unique. 

Tony Conley Talks with Paul Raymond - an archive interview (previously unreleased)

This episode is very near and dear to my heart, a great chat with the late, great Paul Raymond of UFO fame. It was conducted on the eve of his excellent Paul Raymond Project album, Terms and Condition, an album that in my estimation eclipses most of UFO's latter day catalog. It has remained unpublished until now.

Huge thanks to Helen Raymond for setting up the interview and the friendship, UFO, and Paul Raymond for the brandy!

Tony Conley Talks - “You did WHAT with Bobby Womack?

This episode talks about my short, but wild ride with legendary soul man, Bobby Womack. We go from Guitar Center Hollywood to Tokyo, Japan and back! It even includes a certain member of the Rolling Stones!

Tony Conley Talks - Bill Ward, an awards show and a million BS fans!

This episode looks back at the time I started a viral Facebook page entitled, "1,000,000 Black Sabbath Fans Say Yes to Bill Ward", I met Bill's wife at a Michael Schenker gig, then hooked up Bill for a lifetime achievement award at the 2014 Bonzo Bash in Los Angeles.

Tony Conley Talks Thin Lizzy: A loving remeembrance

Tony Conley Talks about his love for Thin Lizzy, and my experiences with guitarist Scott Gorham. If Thin Lizzy isn't inducted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they ought to tear that sucker down.

Tony Conley Talks - My Experience with Eric Clapton's Famed "The Fool" SG

Tony Conley Talks about my experience with "The Fool" Gibson SG, one of rock history's most fabled guitars. I came across the guitar when it belonged to Todd Rundgren back in the late 90s.

Tony Conley Talks with Frank Marino and James Byrd - an archive interview

Tony Conley Talks with a couple of guitar legends, Frank Marino and James Byrd. This wide ranging, and never before published interview was conducted not long before Frank finally got his amazing new DVD, LIVE AT THE AGORA THEATER, released. We cover the incredible story of this massive project, and also cover a tremendous amount of talk concerning guitars, gear, and the state of the music business, which both men have strong opinions on.

Tony Conley Talks with UFO Legend Pete Way - an archive interview

Tony Conley Talks with the legendary Pete Way. This interview has never been published - it was recorded a few years ago when Pete was sidelined by prostate cancer. It's a very sweet and cool chat concerning Pete's time with UFO including a hilarious episode concerning guitarist Vinnie Moore, and a $200 pair of skivvies!

Tony Conley Talks: Uriah Heep and How I Fell in Love with My Wife a Second Time!

This episode of Tony Conley Talks features one of my favorite bands, the mighty, mighty Uriah Heep! Now in their 50th year, guitarist Mick Box has never failed to field a weak lineup, and today the band is as strong as ever.

Thanks to Mick Box and Siren Artist management for the groovy Uriah Heep Live t-shirt!

Tony Conley Talks: On Meeting Michael Schenker - An RGD Remembrance

I remember the first time I met Michael Schenker. Strolling down Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood one afternoon, I looked up to see a very familiar face walking towards me. I had heardthat he was in town recording, but I was still surprised to see him walking towards me on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I said hello, he nodded and we went our respective ways.

A month or so later, and as I was walking through the Guitar Center store I'm managing in Sherman Oaks, and I notice one of my salesmen was having a rather animated discussion with a dapper Englishman. I sidled up, poked my nose in, and asked what was up. It seems the Englishman was wanting to rent a four track recorder - something we didn't do. The salesman was very courteously explaining this when I decided to ask the rather well-to-do looking chap why he didn't just buy one. He claimed to only need it for a night or two, and it wasn't even for him, but rather his employer. That piqued my curiosity, so I asked, "Who is your employer?" I'll never forget how he said it, "A certain Michael Schenker."

UFO - a band that had long ago lost its Way

Is it now “Lights Out” for UFO? 

The band is on its Last Orders tour, and frontman Phil Mogg has stated that it is his intention to retire when this tour concludes.

For me, this comes not a moment too soon. It’s no secret to those who know me well that I’ve never been a big fan of guitarist Vinnie Moore in this band, though I’ve loved his work as a solo artist, and in other projects, but not in UFO.

For those who would like me to unpack that last comment, here you go.

Alcatrazz – PAROLE DENIED – TOKYO 2017 Sees 30 Year Sentence Overturned!

This will be my last post for Rock Guitar Daily, a labor of love which I have tended for the last eleven years. RGD was never a monetized endeavor. It was a tool that I’ve used for establishing my credentials as a writer, developing contacts across the industry, reaching a million readers (a steady fifty thousand a month without buying a single reader), and generally having a great time writing about rock without ever having to “go negative.” In fact, I could write about music from now until the end of time without having to crap on anyone. It’s fitting that this piece would be somewhat nostalgic, featuring the return of a band I first fell in love with in 1983 when Graham Bonnet exploded back on the scene after establishing himself as the go to vocalist with superstar guitarists Ritchie Blackmore in Rainbow and a brief stay with the Michael Schenker Group in which he recorded the seminal classic rock album, Assault Attack.

Wishbone Ash Rocks Sacramento - If Rock 'N' Roll Is Dead, Andy Powell Didn't Get The Memo

Going into yesterday evening's show at the B Street Theater in Sacramento, California, I knew it would be good. Andy Powell has always insured a high quality product, but honestly, I was not expecting what I witnessed. This latest iteration of Wishbone Ash is as powerful as any lineup the band ever fielded, and it may even be the best. One of the best shows I've witnessed in the last five years, a band at its apex.

Michael Schenker Fest - Lights Out in San José!

photo by Robert Lio

Michael Schenker Fest played to a nearly sold out, loving crowd at the San José National Civic Center on Saturday night, but as much fun as the audience had belting out lyrics with their favorite Schenker vocalists and being mystified by their hero's heavy licks, I think the most fun was actually had by the eight hard rock legends who make up the Fest.

I don't believe that I've ever seen a band have more fun onstage. The four singers (Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley, and Doogie White) came across more like a hard rock version of the Four Tops than competing metal myths, and their fun was both contagious and inspiring.

Lance Lopez - Tell The Truth - An early contender in its class for 2018

Lance Lopez overwhelmingly succeeds in his quest to bring sizzling blues rock to the masses once again with his latest full length release, Tell The Truth, currently out on Mascot Label Group.

Tell The Truth is that rarest of beasts, a well thought out blues rock record. In a genre which can become stiflingly repetitive, Lopez, along with producer Fabrizio Grossi, avoid the usual pitfalls by bringing to the forefront some elements too often found absent in so many youthful displays of six string exuberance common to the breed.

This is apparent right out of the shoot as "Never Came Easy" starts off the proceedings with a dropped D tuned acoustic guitar and an effected vocal that sounds as close to Nashville as it does to Texas, but where you would imagine the song would then kick off into the predictable guitar histrionics, a sultry electric piano that sounds as if it just found its way out of 1973 and a growling, throbbing, greasy bass line come in to accompany Lopez's gritty vocals. This song set is strongly autobiographical, and when Lopez breaks into his silky slide guitar solo the soulful background vocals paint the picture to great effect. Song based blues rock - Lopez hits the nail on the head, and he keeps it between the ditches for the entire ride.

Jimmy Kunes talks National Wrecking Company, Cactus, and more!

"It’s an intense record. It’s an intense world we’re living in." ~ Jimmy Kunes

Jimmy Kunes is a man on the move. He's just finished up with one of his "Freed Live" tributes to Free (and some Bad Company) at B.B. King's in New York City as he heads out the door for Europe with Cactus for some shows before he'll return to oversee the release of his killer new project, National Wrecking Company. Before he jumped on a plane for Italy we had a chance to get a preview for the album, and to catch up on all the dizzying details!

National Wrecking Company is one of those rare records that sounds like you know it the minute you hear it. The songs, melodies, and riffs are classic hard rock, but there's also a definite sense that they've captured the times we're living in, and there's a great sense of urgency to the material. It's a record that deserves to be heard. That's where we started the conversation:

This is real classic hard rock with a modern sound, did you write with an agenda to sound that way or is it more organic? Tell me about the band and how this record came together.
   

Jimmy Kunes: "Funny you should ask a question that was right on the tip of my mind, so to speak.  

"Randy (Pratt) had started to assemble very strong hooks, riffs and grooves along with one of his drummers, Neil Cicione and TC Toliver (Plasmatics). He had me in mind to check out a few of these ideas that were then arranged into songs by our engineer/ producer JZ Burrell. 

"I was knocked out by how original and utterly exciting they sounded and immediately came up with lyrics, subject matter and imagery for the songs. It all happened quite rapidly. 

"So, I took in my lyric drafts and started laying vocals down.

"They had also been quite prolific in keeping the ideas churning and would hit me with a new one after I'd finished a vocal. I would come up with a root idea on the spot and elaborate on that, go out to the vocal booth and build it up from there. I was right on my game but the songs were so hooky, catchy and crafted so well that it all just seemed to glow and flow very easily. More often than not we would finish off 2 songs in a day's work. Very satisfying. 

"So yes it was a very organic, fresh way of approaching writing lyrics and laying vocals down for me." 

Black Country Communion back in action with new video & album!

My pals in Black Country Communion are beck in action with a smoking new video out today, and an album, IV, that will launch on Friday September 22nd!

I'm going to get out of the way, and let the music do the talking, but it's great to have the boys back in action!

Sidemen - Long Road To Glory coming to the big screen in August!

Earlier this year, you will remember that I played a role in helping Sidemen: Long Road To Glory run a very successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $200,000 to pay for the final rights and clearances, and to move the film into its next step, that of distribution and being brought into theaters around the country. 

Well, as many of you now know, Abramorama, the company that brought us The Beatles 'Eight Days A Week' in 2016 and the Grateful Dead documentary, 'Long Strange Trip' this year is now bringing Sidemen to big screens with its premiere happening on August 18 in New York (see listings below).

Sidemen: Long Road To Glory is an intimate look at the lives and legacies of three legendary bluesmen; piano player Pinetop Perkins, drummer Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith and guitarist Hubert Sumlin, all Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf sidemen. The film captures some of the last interviews and final live performances, before their deaths in 2011. The historic live shows are accompanied by performances and personal insights from many of the blues and rock stars these legendary musicians inspired including; Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Tim Reynolds, Shemekia Copeland, Robby Krieger, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Perry, Joe Bonamassa and Johnny Winter.

RGD's Tony Conley announces new book, Paul McCartney In The Beatles!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

JULY 17, 2017

PAUL McCARTNEY 

IN THE BEATLES

Good Mojo Press announces upcoming release 

and Indiegogo campaign featuring incredible artwork and more 

"Analyzing a Beatle is like trying to describe a season. It is, by definition, an attempt to describe a force of nature. If art is subjective then all that matters is taste. Mr. Conley's loving, penetrating book on Sir Paul is definitive. His understanding of Vaudeville Paul & Little Richard Paul embodies the ethos of an artist that recreated songwriting and performing for generations to come... A black bird singing in the dead of night, forever." - Michael Des Barres, host of Little Steven's Underground Garage | SiriusXM Radio

Tony Conley, music journalist and voice behind the long running Rock Guitar Daily, and publisher Good Mojo Press are pleased to announce their new release, Paul McCartney In The Beatles. The book takes a comprehensive look at the music and musicianship of Paul McCartney during his career with the Beatles. Paul McCartney In The Beatles is set for release in November, 2017.

What it's all about: 

Conley's inspiration for the book sparked nearly thirty years ago while living in Los Angeles. During that time, he met Denny Seiwell, ex-drummer for Wings, the first band McCartney put together after leaving the Beatles. "Denny told me some great stories of his time with McCartney and Wings, and he had a unique demeanor concerning the experience of working with Paul." said Conley, "He always came back to the music and musicianship. That has always stuck with me."

While a great many books have been written about McCartney and the Beatles, Conley paves a less traveled path, opting for an in-depth look into the musicianship and the music created by McCartney and the band instead of the well trodden road of biography.

"I think at the end of the day, this is an analysis of someone who does what he does creatively for all the right reasons, and in the right ways," Conley says, "My hope is that people will read the book, and become inspired to work as hard and as fearlessly for their own art."

To go along with the book, Good Mojo Press will be creating playlists for the major streaming sites that will serve as a musical guided tour to the book. It's the writer's hope that people will read the book and listen along as they read, as he believes this provides and creates the most enjoyable, comprehensive way to experience the book.

Good Mojo Press to launch a crowdfunding campaign through Indiegogo on July 24, 2017 featuring incredible art as perks:

The 30-day campaign features as perks some of the most stunning and original art ever created and committed to a crowdfunding effort. In addition to these one-of-a kind items, there will also be books, posters, t-shirts, and other goodies available. Some of the one-of-a-kind opportunities for collectors to own: 

• Stephen Holland (official Artist of the Grammys) offers an original 28" x 42" painting entitled, McCartney In The Beatles.
• Renowned sculptor Tony Natsoulas has created a series of ten original McCartney clay masks that have to be seen to be believed.
• Five specially made museum quality lithographs (archival grade printing on a custom designed cloth) featuring the artwork of John Lennon.
• The original prototype of the Ben Fargen built and designed John Lennon Artist Series Amplifier that features a print of Lennon's famous self-portrait and his signature - all officially sanctioned by Yoko Ono/Bag One Arts.  

Paul McCartney In The Beatles will be available through Amazon, select retailers, and the Good Mojo Press website, and also as an e-Book.

About Tony Conley:

Tony Conley is the voice behind the long running Rock Guitar Daily (35,000 monthly readers) and a contributing editor and writer at many online publications. Conley makes regular appearances on several classic rock radio stations around the country as a rock music expert and industry insider. A lifelong music business professional, he has worked in management for Guitar Center for many years, and has played with and worked for such acts as Iggy Pop, Bobby Womack, Guided By Voices, and many others.

Advance praise for Paul McCartney In The Beatles:

"Tony Conley takes us beyond the pop star mythology to the core of the artist. The innovative and game changing genius bassist, pianist, guitarist, drummer, songwriter and singer. Behind the boyish grin, the "cute Beatle" was and is still nothing less than one of the greatest hands-on musicians of the last few centuries." - Johnny Hickman, Cracker

"Analyzing a Beatle is like trying to describe a season. It is, by definition, an attempt to describe a force of nature. If art is subjective then all that matters is taste. Mr. Conley's loving, penetrating book on Sir Paul is definitive. His understanding of Vaudeville Paul & Little Richard Paul embodies the ethos of an artist that recreated songwriting and performing for generations to come... A black bird singing in the dead of night, forever." - Michael Des Barres, host of Little Steven's Underground Garage | SiriusXM Radio

For interview opportunities and press, please contact:

Tony Conley

(937) 441-4502

maccabook@outlook.com