Blank Project by Neneh Cherry
Blank Project was Neneh Cherry’s first album of solo material in eighteen years
As a long time Neneh Cherry fan, I was pleasantly surprised when the release of Blank Project was announced. After such a long time between drinks I did not know what to expect. I heard one single and had viewed its accompanying music video before purchasing the album. I took it home with some trepidation as I did not want it to tarnish her fantastic back catalogue of music. I needn’t have worried, as the album is fantastic and perhaps even the best of her career to date. Cherry apparently wrote the album as a way to mourn her mother and maybe that is why she chose a sparser sound than her previous releases.
Favourite track: “Spit Three Times”
World On Fire by Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators
World On Fire is the 2nd studio release by Slash with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators
Back in 2010 when Slash released his first solo album it featured a range of guest vocalists. The only vocalist to appear twice was Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy. They obviously enjoyed the collaboration so when it came to do another album they formed a band together. This is the second of four studio albums they have released together so far. The album was a top ten success around the world and three singles were released.
Favourite track: “Wicked Stone”
Oz by Missy Higgins
Missy Higgins released an album of Australian cover versions as her fourth studio album
I have enjoyed some Missy Higgins releases but not enough to justify buying an album. Until Oz. An incredibly eclectic choice of Australian compositions intrigued me to say the least and her version of NYE (originally performed by Perry Keyes) was the first thing I heard off this. Not being familiar with the original I was enamoured with her version. When I saw the tracklist also featured songs by The Angels, Paul Kelly, Divinyls, Slim Dusty, Dan Sultan and more, I went out and bought the album. Great stuff.
Favourite track: The afore-mentioned “NYE”
Space Invader by Ace Frehley
It wouldn’t be an Ace Frehley album without references to “space” would it?
Space Invader, the fourth solo studio album released by Ace Frehley, has the honour of being the only solo album from one of the past or current members of KISS to reach the top ten in the US. If the artwork appears to have a style reminiscent of something you have seen before, it is because it was created by Ken Kelly, who is also responsible for the artwork for the KISS albums Destroyer and Love Gun. This is a great bunch of songs, three with a space theme and a great cover of Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker”. Classic stuff.
Favourite track: “Inside The Vortex”
Primus & The Chocolate Factory With The Fungi Ensemble by Primus
Primus reimagined the soundtrack of the 1971 film Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Primus have always marched to the beat of their own drum, so their choice to cover a film soundtrack as their eighth studio album isn’t all that surprising. However, in saying that, nothing prepared me for how much they would make these songs their own. I adore this album and am grateful that I stumbled across it. I have always liked Primus but I cannot remember how I heard about this one!
Favourite track: “Golden Ticket”
The Slabthrower 