REVIEW: The week's best Rock and Metal albums from Paul Rodgers, Orange Goblin and more

Of all the British blues-rock bands and singers that emerged from the sixties, Free and Paul Rodgers hold a special place in the record collections of connoisseurs and fans alike.

Where Roger Daltrey’s lung-busting roar and Robert Plant’s screech, which could frighten a forest of owls, are somewhat tempered by time, it’s Paul Rodgers’ manly, soulful voice that still eclipses all of his contemporaries and young pretenders alike.

Compiling a band of crack musicians who handle the sixteen tracks on this solid gold release with consummate care is a masterstroke by Rodgers.

Listening to Peter Bullick execute the classic riffs and solos is almost akin to having the ghost of Paul Kossoff weaving in and out of the speakers.

Gerard Louis’ piano intro to My Brother Jake is as exquisite as it is slinky and Ian Rowley’s bass line runs on Mr Big race up the neck like a hill runner pumped up on adrenaline.

Holding the whole show together is Rich ‘rock solid’ Newman whose coda fills on Fire And Water reveals a very fine drummer.

However, it’s Rodgers’ voice that remains powerful and crisp as he raises his legendary status even higher on this superb sounding release.

Orange Goblin

The Wolf Bites Back

(Candlelight/Spinefarm)

**** 4 Stars

If perseverance has its rewards, then Orange Goblin’s ninth release should deservedly rocket the band on to a bigger stage.

Anthemic opener Sons Of Salem bites hard, it’s brooding intro sets the scene for a barnstorming run of stoner metal songs.

Motorhead’s Phil Campbell lends his fingers to solo on the epic title track Ghosts Of The Primitives.

The Stranger betrays a subtlety of touch beneath its force nine musical metal gale.

Both Renegade and Burn The Ships are a pair of rampaging live classics in the waiting.

The Wolf Bites Back snarls with classic metal menace on Goblin’s best release to date.

Buddy Guy

The Blues Is Alive And Well

(Silvertone)

**** 4 Stars

Now into his eighth decade, Buddy Guy still has a healthy dose of the blues as he is joined by superstar talent on this damn fine album.

Last bluesman standing from his generation, Guy pleads for A Few Good Years from the man upstairs on the album opener.

The contagious energy and charisma he exudes throughout this release make this a no-brainer of a plea.

A vintage execution of contrasting guitar styles by Keith Richards and Jeff Beck on standout track Cognac is worth the purchasing price alone.

With Guy, in fine humour, egging both of his acolytes along.

There are further treats as Mick Jagger blows a sharp harmonica on You Did The Crime and James Bay, even, shows a bit of blues soul on Blue No More.

Still with the blues from his head down to his shoes, Buddy Guy’s guitar rips along with gusto and his voice retains its mighty power throughout this life-affirming release.

Glenn Hughes

The Official Bootleg Box Set. Volume One

(Cherry Red)

**** 4 Stars

Spread over a fourteen year period of intense touring, a sober and clean Glenn Hughes re-affirms his reputation as ‘the voice of rock’ on this seven CD boutique box set.

Stretching his famed voice from the floorboards up, Hughes raises the roof to the stars on opening CD live at Club Citta, Japan.

From the moment Purple’s Burn fires up its incendiary riff, Hughes’ passion and talent take over.

Promoting his 1994 From Now On release, there is a heady mix of solo numbers and Purple songs for the faithful.

And the clear sound quality impresses.

Whilst the song sets are somewhat repeated on the subsequent tours/CDs herein, the change of band personnel and Hughes’ willingness to experiment keeps each CD sounding fresh.