SAMMY HAGAR AND THE CIRCLE
"Lockdown 2020" (Mailboat
Records; 2021)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Of course, I have listened to The Circle before, but never like this. 11 songs and 27 minutes of killer music. There is one original song written by Sammy and the rest are covers.
You may say, "No big deal, everyone has done a covers album," but The Circle only play the part of the song they want to hear and play. It's more like a superstar jam session than a full album release. "Lockdown 2020" includes four Van Halen tunes and, with Michael Anthony on bass and backup vocals, they sound awesome. There are pieces of songs like "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who, Bob Marley tunes, AC/DC, Stephen Stills, Little Richard, David Bowie and more. And they deliver them all in 27 minutes.
"Lockdown 2020" is simply outstanding due to the energy levels and the love between the band members. I love Sammy Hagar. He is a truly great singer and maybe a B+ guitarist, however that works to their advantage in this recording.
This is just what I needed at this time: A dose of great rock'n'roll with no strings attached, just a bunch of my favorite musicians jamming together to some of their favorite tunes. "Lockdown 2020" is delivered like a stiff drink or a stroll in the woods. It'll clear your head and set you free. It totally kicked my ass in under a half hour!.
It's difficult to justify shorter recordings with the coveted four guitarsaw rating, but this time I think I will. Simply the best recording I've heard for these really weird fucking times we are in right now.
For more information, check out http://www.redrocker.com/circle.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2021 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
