Favourite Five Of 2022

Elephants Of Mars by Joe Satriani

Elephants Of Mars is the 18th studio album released by guitar maestro Joe Satriani

The ever-reliable Joe Satriani continues to release new albums for his fans. At this stage of his career he is unlikely to be finding new recruits but he is definitely keeping his existing fans, like me, happy. This is another great collection of instrumentals that showcase his guitar prowess. I always find much to enjoy about each new release and this album keeps up the trend.

Favourite track: “Sahara”

I Am The Moon by Tedeschi Trucks Band

I Am The Moon is a four part album released over four consecutive full moons

Tedeschi Trucks Band are one of my favourite bands of recent years and when I heard they were doing a four album release I was quite excited. When I discovered that the inspiration for the albums was from the same poem the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (probably my favourite album of all time) took its name, my excitement was trebled. When Clapton used it as source material he only took the name Layla. Tedeschi Trucks Band decided there was a whole story there that deserved more attention. Each album is old-school length of 30-35 minutes and each release was accompanied by an album-length music video. I loved the whole thing. Every track on each album was well-considered, beautifully recorded and contains fantastic musicianship and vocal work. Quite simpy, a masterpiece.

Favourite track: The title track “I Am The Moon”

AfterLife by Five Finger Death Punch

AfterLife is the 9th studio album released by Las Vegas rockers Five Finger Death Punch

AfterLife achieved instant success for Five Finger Death Punch, achieving top ten status in Finland, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, the UK and their home country, the USA. Four singles were released from the album that were also quite successful. It is the first studio album released since long-time lead guitarist Jason Hook left the band.

Favourite track: “Welcome To The Circus”

Sunrise On Slaughter Beach by Clutch

Clutch released their 13th studio album, Sunrise On Slaughter Beach, in September 2022

In recent years Clutch can do no wrong for me and I have enjoyed their last few albums very much indeed. This is no exception and I was disappointed with the first copy I obtained. The compact disc was faulty and missing the last two tracks! Heresy! When I received my replacement I was very relieved as not only is it a great album but my favourite track is one of the ones that was missing on the first copy sent to me.

Favourite track: “Three Golden Horns” just for the lyric “jazz music corrupts our youth”

Resist by Midnight Oil

Resist is Midnight Oil’s 13th studio album and was supported by their final tour

I was very impressed by how good this album is. It has the energy and verve of their earlier work and lyrically still displays their forthright opinions on issues that concern them. Although the tour for the album may be their last the band have said that they are still open to recording again in the future. The album debuted at number one in Australia and also achieved top 20 status in Germany and Switzerland.

Favourite track: “Reef”

Favourite Five Of 2020

F8 by Five Finger Death Punch

In February 2020 Five Finger Death Punch released their 8th studio album, F8

This is one of those acts that I stumbled upon by accident. Someone I know shared one of their music videos on social media and I was hooked. Love the vocals and the guitar oriented sound and wanted to get me some. I was not disappointed and have enjoyed their original compositions as well as a couple of cover versions they have made. This is the first full album I have purchased as I only had a compilation prior to getting hold of this. It was a successful one for the band reaching the top ten in 10 countries and number 2 here in Australia.

Favourite track: “A Little Bit Off”

PWR UP by AC/DC

PWR UP (Power Up) is AC/DC’s 17th studio album and the 3rd produced by Brendan O’Brien

After the death of founding member Malcolm Young, no one was really sure about the future of AC/DC, including the band themselves. However, despite various issues singer Brian Johnson, bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd all returned to the band for this album. I really like it and admit to being surprised by its quality. I can’t help but wonder how many of these tracks were based on riffs from the late Young brother. Five singles were released and the album went to number one all around the world.

Favourite track: “Through The Mists Of Time” because it sounds different for them

Existential Reckoning by Puscifer

Is the fourth studio album from Puscifer their most accessible to date?

Maynard James Keenan has never been one to rest on his laurels so it is no surprise that another Puscifer album surfaces not long after one from Tool. Existential Reckoning received generally positive reviews from critics, but unfortunately it didn’t reflect in album sales. Sound wise this is fairly easy to digest compared to their earlier work but it is still uniquely Puscifer. Simply put, if you are a fan you will enjoy the album although it is unlikely to win them new ones.

Favourite track: “Bullet Train To Iowa”

Human Design by Birds Of Tokyo

The sixth studio album from Birds Of Tokyo debuted at #1 on the Australian charts

The catchy tunes one has come to expect from Birds Of Tokyo are still here, only this time the lyrics were more personal. The lyrics are largely written about singer Ian Kenny’s marriage breaking down as a coping mechanism for him. They are great songs all the same and 6 of them were released as singles.

Favourite track: “The Greatest Mistakes”

Shapeshifting by Joe Satriani

Joe Satriani released his seventeenth studio album in April 2020

You always know what to expect from a Joe Satriani album and he never disappoints. I own all of his stuff and each album he has released still gets a regular listen. This album made the top 40 in Hungary, Scotland, Poland, Portugal and here in Australia too. Not as successful as his earlier work but still of the same quality in my opinion.

Favourite track: “NIneteen Eighty”