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Little Caesar: Eight

Hard Rock

5.0/5.0

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Golden Robot Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 28.03.2018

The early story of Little Caesar is something of a disappointing tale, a misadventure in the tawdry world of the music business. At the turn of the Nineties, they had major label backing (Geffen), management from the notable Jimmy Iovine, and production from Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue, et al). But this all went south rather fast. After the lackluster sales of their second album Influence in 1992, Little Caesar's supporting cast bailed on them and the band disbanded. But like the little engine that could, Little Caesar rebounded in the new century with some live shows in 2001. With renewed interest from fans, the band gained some momentum. They released two new full-length albums, a live album in 2016, and toured extensively through the US, Uk, and Europe over the last seventeen years. Now the band returns with Eight, a new studio album for Australia's Golden Robot Records.

Little Caesar

Little Caesar can best be described as a traditional rock n roll band, yet with some nuances of American rhythm, blues, and soul, and a touch of Sunset Strip sleaze (from their early days). Most songs within Eight develop around strong riffs, a big beat, a rhythmic groove, and a touch of blues which, in turn, are then wrapped in melody and harmony. Founding member and vocalist Ron Young has somewhat of that raspy hard rock delivery, yet wrapped in passionate soulfulness. You'll feel that in the bluesy anthem rockers Time Enough For That and Morning.

Moving on to some more songs then. That blend of rock, rhythm, and blues comes with the groovy rhythm of Straight Shooter, the big beat of Good Times, and the bottle neck guitar of Crushed Velvet. Yet for my money the two killer tracks are the lighter rock and sweet melody of Another Fine Mess and the speedy rocking romp cover of Merle Haggard's Mama Tried, with its infectious groove and catchy refrain. Suffice to say, with Eight, Little Caesar rocks with style, groove, and enthusiasm. Get it. Easily recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Suffice to say, with Eight, Little Caesar rocks with style, groove, and enthusiasm. Get it. Easily recommended.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]