CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Phoenix

by: Asia

Release Date April 15, 2008
Two points here first:

1) As a young'un I was a huge fan of the first release "Asia". It's the biggest reason I got into 70's progressive rock and discovered Yes, ELP, King Crimson, Genesis, UK, etc. As much as I loved "Asia" (the album), I admit after discovering the original bands Howe, Wetton, Downes, and Palmer had played in, I realized "Asia" was a watering-down of their musical abilities. There was little in any of the music of "Asia" that taxed their respective talents on a level equal to early Yes, ELP, etc. BUT, there was a feel and energy with the first album that helped negate the complaints of how "de-progged" their music had become. These guys appeared to be enjoying playing together, writing simpler songs, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Good To Be Bad

by: Whitesnake

Release Date April 22, 2008
Most old bands from the 80's and beyond eventually end up missing the time in their life when they were rock stars. So they get back together and slop together some crappy tracks and capitilize on you buying it with the hopes that it would sound ANYTHING like their old stuff...which it doesn't. However, this is NOT one of those cases. Whitesnake (now made up of David Coverdale and 4 other all-star guns for hire) have come out with a stellar attempt to appeal to the current rock scene WITHOUT sacrificing their signature style and sound. In fact, as one other reviewer mentioned, it sounds as though they listened to the entire Whitesnake catalog before making this album to make sure this album fit in just as nicely.

"Call On Me" is ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Snakes & Arrows

by: Rush

Release Date May 01, 2007
I think this album gives a fine example of a great band with 30 years together can still create some great musical ideas. Alex's guitar playing shows a restrained maturity, and the emphasis on accoustic guitar really complements the album. I really liked Malignant Narcissism, as it builds a unique groove, and Alex's work on "Hope" which is really a standout on the album. Geddy seems to have found a new voice which is less shrill and surprisingly powerful. Niel's drum work is, of course, flawless throughout-- refined, tight and perfect. Lyrically, sometimes Neil strays a little too far into the "what is it all about" territory, but in general, a lot of emotion comes through in the material.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Greatest Hit (...and 21 other pretty cool songs)

from: Rhino Records

Release Date April 01, 2008
If you're new to Dream Theater, go ahead and start with this CD. But trust me, you're going to want to buy the individual albums as well. My favorite is still Images and Words.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Songs From The Sparkle Lounge

by: Def Leppard

Release Date April 29, 2008
Songs From The Sparkle Lounge is a very solid recording from this legendary outfit, known to the world as Def Leppard. No, this isn't Hysteria Part 2. Hysteria cannot be reproduced, but it can be revisited in a way that doesn't make them seen like they have lost their creativity. This record has strong echos from their 80's past, while still being fresh for the times we know as of now. And I myself am proud to say that they can write and record songs without their former legendary producer Mutt Lange. I respect the hard work they put into this new release. To me, it's the best recording since "Adrenalize". The sound quality and production is excellent. I didn't quite like the production of "Euphoria", although there are quite a few good songs to be ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Death Magnetic

by: Metallica

Release Date September 12, 2008
At first I was little unhappy but after my third time thru the album I was very impressed. I grew up listening to Metallica and was afraid they had lost their touch but I am happily mistaken. The album brings back their grungy metal sound and also shows their maturity as musicians.
Simply put...Metallica is still untouchable.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock

by: Joe Satriani

Release Date April 01, 2008
I believe Satriani is a great guitar player, however most of this cd sounds like a reminiscence of another great... Check Jeff Beck's work.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Iron Maiden: Live After Death (Two-Disc Set)

starring: Iron Maiden
directed by: James Yukich

Release Date February 05, 2008
I remember watching this on vhs tape when I was 16. this is the best iron maiden concert there is. the extra features on disk two are cool too. for price you definately can't go wrong. no true iron maiden fan should be without this dvd.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

XV

by: King's X

Release Date May 20, 2008
I love this band. This CD is a return to form. Heavy, and dark in spots, but still full of their amazing harmonies, and talent. If you like this band, this is a MUST have. So get your today.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Permanent Waves

by: Rush

Release Date May 06, 1997
I'm only 20 years old, but I've been a die-hard Rush fan ever since I was first exposed to them some 5-6 years ago. That being said, Permanent Waves is my favorite Rush album of them all. It has tracks that are great for the casual listener, some that are great for the blossoming Rush fan looking to get their first album, some that are great for the prog-rock enthusiast, and ALL that are great additions to anyone's music collection.

Any listener of Classic Rock radio will instantly recognize The Spirit Of Radio and Freewill. Two great radio-friendly tracks that are still proggy by Rush standards (check out the time changes in Freewill). Entre Nous is a very beautiful song, along with Different Strings. Jacob's Ladder is mostly instrumental and involves some more prog ... Read More: