This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
It was with strong feelings of anticipation that I attended what was affectionately referred to as “The 2 Dicks”; anticipation from having not really seen or heard much from Richard Marx since Hazard ruled the airwaves back in the early 90’s.
Rick Price who may not be known to many of you is an Australian singer/songwriter who blasted onto the scene here in Australia around 1992 with a brand of melodic rock very similar to Richard Marx. Whilst the flowing long locks are long gone, Rick’s solo acoustic set highlighted his tremendous vocal and songwriting talents. Although stripped back to the bare bones, former hit singles in “Not A Day Goes By” and “Walkaway Renee” were still trademark Rick Price.
Richard Marx on the other hand will no doubt be know to many of you for his chart topping songs “Right Here Waiting” and “Hazard” or maybe his infamous mullet! Anticipating a more laid back affair, we were delivered a stadium rock show that would rival the likes of Bryan Adams, Keith Urban or a solo Mike Tramp. Taking us back to a time “when music was music, videos were videos, and where hairstyles were kinda messed up” we were treated to rocked up versions of his 80’s classics “Should Of Known Better”, “Endless Summer Nights” and “Don’t Mean Nothing”.
Whilst unfamiliar to most, new songs off latest CD “My Own Worst Enemy” almost stole the show. Pure melodic rock doesn’t come much better than the likes of Love Goes On, Colder, Ready To Fly and When Your Gone. “Ready To Fly”, introduced as one of his proudest song writing moments was nothing short of a soaring epic, his modern day Right Here Waiting. Other obvious crowd favorites were “Take This Heart” and the performance of the song he co-wrote with Aussie country rocker Keith Urban, “Better Life” which reached Number 1 on the USA country charts. But wait, there’s more.....I still haven’t even referred to the ballads Now and Forever, crowd sing along Right Here Waiting, a haunting version of Hazard and Angelia (inspired by Def Leppard’s Hysteria album we were told).
Playing with an energy that belied his 45 odd years, guitar solos galore, more guitar changes than Richie Sambora and an air punching keyboardist, I must confess I walked away from this show having witnessed something I totally did not expect. Seeing Richard so obviously humbled by the standing ovation from the sell out crowd, it was awesome to finally see one of music’s most under-appreciated performers gain the respect and appreciation he so totally deserves.
Reviewed by: Scott Smith | September 2006
