SMITH/KOTZEN
"Black Light/White Noise" (BMG; 2025)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden, Primal Rock Rebellion) and Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison, The Winery Dogs) have once again teamed up to put out a rock recording: "Black Light/White Noise." What they did (like the first one) is record and release a really good musical recording with plenty of hooks, singable lyrics and simple, kick-ass, toe-tapping rock'n'roll.
The more I listen to this recording, the more I like it. I really like it when good lyrics get under your skin and, after experiencing this record, you'll find yourself humming the tune (I know, because that is exactly what is happening to me as I listen).
Simply put, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen know how to put together a good rock recording. I liked their first one, simply titled "Smith/Kotzen" that came out in 2021 and I am really getting into new one. I liked everything about this recording from the lyrics to the musical presentation, the production and right on to the fucking art work. It is all ultra cool. The only thing I have yet to experience is the live show.
I am on my third time listening to this recording and I have no intention of stopping any time soon.
For more information, check out http://www.smithkotzen.com.
"Smith/Kotzen" (BMG; 2021)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Adrian Smith (guitarist for Iron Maiden) and Rickie Kotzen (guitarist for Mr. Big, Poison,The Winery Dogs among others), combine together to put out a recording called "Smith/Kotzen." Imagine that?
Hard rock in its basic form: heavy on the guitairs, easy and fun to listen to. The more I listen to this recording, the more I like it. There is nothing that really stands out here other than the simply killer fifty minutes of music. This is music that is created by people that know how to create killer fucking music and they do exactly that here.
This is fun, in-your-face music with a few ballads mixed in to make an overall very enjoyable musical experience. Blues, hard rock and jazz are some of the musicall influences you'll find here and there are others I have yet to identify which makes me realize I'm going to have to spin this a few more times. And I'm okay with that. This shit is rock'n'roll! Fun and ready for subsequent spins on my player.
Check out http://www.smithkotzen.com for a taste of this recording.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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