TOP TEN  ROCK TUNES OF 2017

Finishes with my pick for #1 Stoner Rock tune of 2017, but otherwise the order is simply determined by nice transitions.  This and the 2015 top ten albums playlist are my two greatest playlists to date.  

Even if you don't agree with my choices for top ten, I think you have to agree that these are ten awesome tunes, that flow really nicely into each other.  Let me know what you think:

Six of the ten songs are the lead track on that album.

Working on my top ten albums playlist - more challenging, because I try to use tunes that I haven't posted on the blog yet, almost to make the point that there are so many great tunes on each album, which is why they made the top ten.  

Back soon with more

-ULTRA

SWEAT LODGE: Tokens For Hell

16 Minutes of Top Shelf Heavy Psych

I heard Sweat Lodge on Ripple Music's free sampler released in April (reviewed here).  Once again, a free release leads to a purchase.  Since downloading "Fully Jacked" for free in March, I have purchased both 2015's "Talismana" full length album and March's "Tokens For Hell".  I instantly noted similarities to one of my favorite bands, The Well, before noticing they both come from the same city of Austin, Texas.  

How much do you want to bet that they are intentionally paying tribute to Sabbath's "Megalomania" on the first track, "Life Goes On"?

Track 2 is called "Lost The Sun":

Sweat Lodge says they are going on a "short hiatus" ,but they are/were:

Bones - Guitar
Caleb - Drums
Cody - Vocals
Shock - Bass

Sweat Lodge will appear in future playlists; in the meantime I'll be posting Stoner Rock #8 tomorrow night; it's got 19 tunes that take up 78 minutes,and goes down smooth from start to finish.  

-ULTRA

RIPPLE MUSIC: FULLY JACKED

EPIC FREEBIE

Go get this sampler of bands on the Ripple Label right here; you will not be disappointed.  While not all the tunes are new, the free download is; released  on April 12th.  This compilation has caused me to appreciate what talent this record label has for finding great bands.  I have already purchased a couple of Gozu albums after hearing this (how did I not know about this band before?), and have several other bands scheduled for investigation based on what I am hearing on this album.  I enjoy every tune on this album, but here are a couple of highlights:  First, the Massachusetts-based band KIND, with "Pastrami Blaster".  KIND is comprised of members of the bands Elder, Black Pyramid, Roadsaw and Rozamov, a "Who's Who" of Massachusetts Heavy Stoner bands.  KIND manages to sound nothing like any of those bands, and has created its own spot in local stoner rock history:

Next, "Acid Reign" by Blackwulf:

"Bed of Ashes" by Sweat Lodge:

 

There are a couple of highly Sabbath-influenced tunes here, namely "Planet Doom" by The Judge, and "Blood Of The Fallen" by ZED.  Like I said, every tune on this compilation is worthy, and if I had typed this review up on a different day, I might have picked three entirely different tunes to showcase.  Anyhow, it's free.  Go download it and listen; what are you waiting for?  The worst thing that could happen is that you don't like a couple of tunes and you delete them (will have cost you nothing; and I refuse to think that you won't like any of the tunes.  If you are reading this blog and didn't end up here by accident, I know there is something on this album that will appeal to you.)
And in case you are wondering, I don't know anyone associated with this record label.  I got an e-mail from Bandcamp, saw 'free', took a listen, and have not stopped playing this album since.  
Have definitely got some more 2017 gold on tap for next weekend, until then I charge you with the mission of staying heavy.  ROCK ON
-ULTRA