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Compilation: Metal Heads, Part 2
EMI, Two-CD set, Rs. 445
When I first saw the song list of this compilation, I realised it was nothing but confused. It is called Metal Heads but half the numbers would fall into the classic/hard rock genres. Nevertheless, both the CDs have some great numbers that though often repeated are worth listening to over and over again.
The first disc starts with Dave Mustaine's signature speed guitaring in Megadeth's "Symphony of Destruction". The second number, Alice Cooper's "Poison" really makes you ask who decides which songs go into these compilations. They have used a live version of it here. In a compilation that only studio tracks, this one sticks out like a sore thumb.
Whitesnake's "Still Of The Night", Queensryche's "I Don't Believe In Love", Scorpions' "Rock You Like A Hurricane" and "747 (Strangers In The Night)" by Saxon are classics but surely don't fall into the metal category. And there is Deep Purple's "Highway Star", which has been used in countless compilations till now.
Of the metal numbers, most are just noise though bands such as Satyricon, Sentenced, The Haunted, Dark Tranquility, Nocturnal Rites, Naglfar and Mercenary might have listeners. Of these, the one number that stands out is Manowar's "Battle Hymn". The band is said to have been influenced by classical composer Richard Wagner and it reflects in their music. Thousand Foot Krutch's "Move" is again out of place because it falls in the alternative/new age rock category. The other numbers worth listening to are Lacua Coil's "Heaven's a lie" and Machine Men's "Falling".
Compilation: Love On The Rocks
EMI, Two-CD set, Rs. 399
Love rocks. That's all I can say after listening to this compilation. It features some of the best rock love ballads ever made. The first disc kicks off with "Love Is Only A Feeling" by the British band The Darkness. The number has a retro rock anthem feel to it and it is surprising because the band has been active only since 2000.
The next number is again British, by Yes, the progressive band. "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" is probably the pick of the compilation. It is a number full of energy and the use of elements like funk makes it really special. Progressive is again the flavour with "Another Day" by Dream Theater. But this one is more slow-paced than your usual Theater numbers.
No compilation on love is complete without Whitesnake and they make their presence felt with "The Deeper The Love". The other numbers that must be heard are Damn Yankees' "Where You Goin' Now", Winger's "Spell I'm Under", Scorpions' "When Love Kills Love", Duran Duran's "Thank You", Billy Idol's "Cradle Of Love" and Thunder's "Dirty Love".
Overall, a compilation that merits a place on your CD rack.
ANAND SANKAR
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