Blind Prophet -Graphic Novel Review

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The premise is unique , a sort of hero you never hear about . A blind and autism stricken child of 12 that has prolific visions of the true nature of all he encounters .Usually comic heroes are reactionary at best , in others they come to the rescue after the fact .However what if they saw the true nature of good and bad and how would they react .

The story follows the birth and life of Daniel Prophet , a blind, autistic savant 12 year old that performs a piano recital for the President of the United States and is subjected to visions of the good and bad people all around him with a chance to see the present and the future.

In all honestly this book really shook me up. The story would be a great movie and with all the monsters and demons in movies nothing is more scarier then real life and this book is scary because is could happen. We could elect officials that want to suspend the constitution . Texas and other states could possibly succeed from the union and America and the world could face a dystopian future .

The book is the creation of author Joseph Cillo Jr. and is illustrated by Gabriel Santiago.
I consider this an adult read and advise at least 14 years and above to truly understand the implications of the story .This is just part one and I am looking forward to continuation of the story .

For more info please check out Blind Prophet

#wizardworld #autismspeaks

ROCK CANDY RECORDS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF U.S. OPERATION

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ROCK CANDY RECORDS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF U.S. OPERATION WITH 4 NEWLY AVAILABLE COMPACT DISC TITLES SET FOR RELEASE THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016!

ALBUM PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW FOR DELUXE DISC RE-RELEASES FROM SAMMY HAGAR, THE NYMPHS, SALTY DOG AND TYKETTO

RED DISTRIBUTION TO DISTRIBUTE ROCK CANDY RECORDS IN NORTH AMERICA

The times they are a-changing, but luckily there remains one constant: great music will live forever and in the catalogue and reissue world that has never been more relevant.

In the land of rock, that’s hard rock, heavy rock, classic rock or, call it what you will rock, no label has won more acclaim and earned respect than Rock Candy Records. Owned and founded by former music journalist and A&R man Derek Oliver, Rock Candy has focused on breathing life into records that deserve a place in the pantheon of rock history.

Operating out of London, England for the last eight years, the label specialises in revisiting some of the most important and significant records from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

From Ted Nugent to Rick Springfield, by way of Quiet Riot, Dokken, Billy Squier, Toto, Ratt, R.E.O. Speedwagon, L.A. Guns, Ace Frehley, Hanoi Rocks, and Kansas, the label has re-activated some of the greatest records of the last forty years, buffing them up, and re-positioning them as 24 Karat diamonds. To date, Rock Candy has re-released over 300 titles in Europe.

Rock Candy has made a concerted effort to dig deep and unearth a string of lesser known acts and records ripe for reappraisal, albums that have always been hot on the collectors market but overlooked at the time of release or just slipped below the surface through no fault of their own. Records by Montrose (the band who wrote the track that inspired the company’s name), Hughes/Thrall, The Godz, Blue Murder, Smashed Gladys, Girl and Blackfoot) have all been brought back to life for a victory lap. Having conquered Europe, Rock Candy has now set up shop in North America, happily partnering with industry powerhouse RED Distribution.

It’s a match made in rock n’ roll heaven and one that will shortly see the launch of a U.S. offensive, starting with four tantalising titles on Friday, November 18th.

RED President Bob Morelli comments, “Derek Oliver’s Rock Candy imprint and RED are a perfect fit. Already a leader in unearthing the best in-demand out of print rock titles in Europe, the label joins RED like-minded music strategy in the U.S. As we outpace industry growth in vinyl Market Share, the addition of Rock Candy will help keep that trend alive and we are thrilled to have them on board.”

Keep an eye and, especially, an ear out for future offerings, but for now please raise a glass and join us for a toast to the imminent arrival of the following four solid gold classics all released on Friday, November 18th.
These forthcoming CD titles along with limited-edition select merch are available for pre-order now at the newly launched Rock Candy U.S. storefront.

Visit http://merchnow.com/catalogs/rock-candy-records now for more information.

NYMPHS ‘S/T’

The Nymphs were signed to Geffen Records in the late 80s on a wave of hope and excitement. Fronted by Inger Lorre, she soon attracted a reputation for being controversial, volatile and unapologetic. She was unquestionably the real deal – and this record is a bonafide snapshot from the edge of Hollywood babylon during a time when music was being revolutionised in Los Angeles.

SAMMY HAGAR ‘ALL NIGHT LONG’

Sammy Hagar’s early studio work was often considered rather dull compared to his work with Montrose, but his1978 live album suddenly reversed that criticism. Most live records are compromised by studio fixes but this record is pure dynamite – warts and all. Sammy’s performance is phenomenal and the energy level is through the roof.

SALTY DOG ‘EVERYDOG HAS IT’S DAY’

Formed in Los Angeles during the late 80s, Salty Dog honed their chops and assembled a line-up that was very different from what was happening on MTV. Indeed, the band’s style incorporated a number of influences, from the old school rock of Led Zeppelin to the contemporary cut and thrust of Guns ‘N Roses. It was a sound that paid homage to the blues; that’s the vintage gnarly influences of Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker.

TYKETTO ‘DON’T COME EASY’

The early 90’s presented a massive challenge to melodic rock bands, with the musical climate being transformed by grunge, a rush of angry young men playing stripped down rock built on angst and melancholy. For Tyketto this landscape meant that their arrival would be subjected to a chilly reception. Undaunted they were signed to industry giant Geffen Records and cut this, their powerful debut album. Inexplicably, the label sat on the completed record for over a year, but by then it was already too late.

ROCK CANDY RECORDS
WWW.ROCKCANDYRECORDS.COM
REMASTERED & RELOADED

NOFX First Ditch Effort Tour: Cleveland Gets Hardcore

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It’s no surprise when I see Fat Mike, the lead singer of NOFX, open a show dancing and singing to Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Time Warp” song; donning a neon Mohawk and a knee length kilt.

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            NOFX is currently on tour across the US with Israeli punk band Useless ID and hardcore band Pears from New Orleans. Thankfully they were able to prove that punk is not dead with a live show at the Cleveland House of Blues. All three bands delivered a solid performance, and rocked harder than any punk band I’ve seen in a while.  a-dsc02071Useless ID instilled some very important messages, from being Anti War to getting drunk. Both of those we can all agree with. I really enjoyed their anti-war song, “How To Dismantle an Atom Bomb”, and if you have ears and like punk rock you should listen to it.
          Pears had a spectacular performance as well. In his opening song, lead singer Zach Quinn crowd surfed across the sea of fans cheering him on. Pears entire performance was very electrifying. Before I even attended the show, I was told by a local punk kid that this band was going to be very good. Pears did not disappoint. This band is the epitome of crazy hardcore punk rock. The mosh pit was pure insanity.a-dsc03009
         NOFX is the headliner of the First Ditch Effort Tour, named after their newest album. Their last album, “Self Entitled“, was released four years ago. I have been listening to NOFX since I was in high school, but I admit I was not prepared for how much of an awesome show they would put on. Fat Mike, the lead singer of NOFX, has a great stage presence and is definitely a dude I can get along with. a-dsc03575He even announced on stage he’s been sober from painkillers for 85 days. That’s a brave thing to tell your fans, and it’s obvious NOFX has a solid and long standing fanbase. I talked with  many punks in the Cleveland House of Blues that night; some from West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, and the far reaches of Ohio. Fans of NOFX drove hours or even took a plane ride just to see them, mosh hard, and sing every word of their lyrics. NOFX has been moshing and rocking against the establishment since 1988, and I don’t see them slowing down anytime soon.a-dsc03397

Written by Chelsea Lovegood -Staff Writer

Alan Parsons Delight Youngstown Audience

The folks at Sunrise Entertainment brought legendary musician and producer Alan Parsons to Youngstown’s Powers Auditorium last week and he did not disappoint .The crowd was a mixed age of teenagers to the seasoned music goer and everything in between.Patrons from Pittsburgh to Columbus showed up see a night of magic and wonder brought to life in a series of sharp and flat notes dancing magically in the ear drums and on the eyes . Alan Parsons sold over 50 millions records from 1976 to 1986 not including his historical time with both the Beatles and Pink Floyd .That is one resume most artists would be happy with one tenth of the history .

a-img_3694The evening started with the iconic I Robot  and followed with Damned if I do .

The wonderful Don’t Answer me came up next to the delight of the audience

a-img_3519The night consisted of 23 songs all of them hits with out any filler in the bunch , some of my favorites were Eye In The Sky ,Time and Psychobabble .

a-img_3672Some of the best parts of the evening were when Alan tells the audience stories of his adventures or misadventures as it were from the life of an iconic icon .The touring musicians associated with Alan were some of the best we have ever seen each adding their own take on the compositions.

a-img_3630The band consists of PJ Olsson on Vocals , Alastair Greene on lead guitar and vocals,Danny Thompson on drums , Guy Erez on bass guitar , Tom Brooks on keyboards,Todd Cooper on Saxophone and vocals , Dan Tracey on guitars and Manny Focarazzo   . If you ever get a chance to see this act live we highly suggest you do , its a night to remember !

a-img_3581To keep up with all things Alan Parsons , please check out the official website at Alan Parsons Music

Pittsburgh Comic Con Draws Community Together

One of the best pop cultures events to attend , make plans now

aimg_3440Pittsburgh ,PA-The folks at Wizard World continued their 2016 Comic Con tour with a stop in the Steel City this weekend including the final day of today . The pop culture company gives the opportunity to fans of all ages to come together and celebrate their inner geek .The cosplay events to the dealers room to the panel discussions and celebrities is what makes Wizard World the apex of comic con organizations and Pittsburgh was no different.

The  celebrities gave intimate details of the productions and their lives including the time to answer fans questions. Some of my favorite were when Kevin Sorbo was asked to shave his chest during the audition process of Hercules and working with the legendary Anthony Quinn.

a-img_3311  Barry Bostwick gave his recollections of being on The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Megaforce along with working with Michael J Fox as well .

aimg_3412The always  entertaining Jonathan Frakes gave an intimate question and answer session with the fans including walking among them and meet them and answer questions .It was the highlight of the event for us as we have been following his career for a long time from his Star Trek The Next Generation days to his early work in North & South.

a-img_3481For the biker in all of us Ryan Hurst of Sons of Anarchy’s gave a great talk about the show , its process and his take on the character .

The cosplay family was in full force with some of the best costumes I have ever seen .

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The show continues today at the Pittsburgh Convention Center and if their is a Wizard World convention is your neighborhood make sure you make plans to go !

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