[Heeplist] 2014

[Bob Winward]

I picked up some music in 2014, most heep related of course, and my number
one pick is Outsider, while maybe not the realease some wanted it is still
the best of all that came out in my opinion.  I will give honorable mention
to Asia (former Heep bassist that played with David Byron era) Gravitas, one
of the best the band has done since the debut, although still lightweight,
very strongly crafted.   Another enjoyable release was Pink Floyd¹s new
album, a few too many songs but an interesting work.  I like it, good late
night music, but sorely lacking vocals.  As a matter of act of 18 tracks,
only the last had vocals.

My second pick for the year is Night Ranger¹s High Road.  They were hug in
the 80¹s in the US and had a big hit called ³Sister Christian².  Some of
their personnel are known for other projects like Jack Blades doing Damn
Yankees with Tommy Shaw and Ted Nugent.  Their other guitarist Brad Gillis
played with Ozzy Osbourne on his infamous 1982 live record Speak of the
Devil.  On High Road are 10 really good songs with 2 outstanding that have
become must listens for me.  The CD replaced Outsider mid summer and was
played over and over again for 2 weeks straight every time I got in the car,
which is daily.  Track 4 a haunting rock ballad with some outstanding key
board work at the end called  ³That Man Doesn¹t Live here Anymore²  Then
there was track 9 St Bartholomew's   which has some of the most kick ass
guitar licks I have heard in years.  The opening is even stronger than our
beloved Jessie from Outsider.  Hate to say a song is better than Heep, but
it is one hell of a hard rock song and back in the day it would have ruled
the airwaves.  Now I do not know where to tune in on the radio to hear good
new songs.  Everything is retreads and Sirius XM leaves much to be desired.