Helluva Band

Helluva Band

Track Listings

1. Feelin' Right

2. Fortune

3. Anyway You Want It

4. Dr. Ice

5. Mirrors

6. Feelings

7. Pressure Point

8. Chicken Soup

9. Angel Theme

Helluva Band,Angel,PolyGram,Hard Rock,Heavy Metal

Angel/Helluva Band
Average customer rating:

Progressive rock from the 1970s

I'm in heaven...

The disc 1 (ANGEL) is excellent , but the other...

Helluva CD package

HELLUVA BAND... corrected!

Angel/Helluva Band
Angel
Manufacturer: Beat Goes On
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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White Hot

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Starz

Sinful

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ASIN: B000E41JHA
Release Date: 2006-03-13

Tracks:

Tower
Long Time
Rock & Rollers
Broken Dreams
Mariner
Sunday Morning
On & On
Angel (Theme)

Tracks:

Feelin' Right
Fortune
Anyway You Want It
Dr. Ice
Mirrors
Feelings
Pressure Point
Chicken Soup
Angel Theme

Album Description

Remastered Import coupling of their 1975 self titled album with Helluva Band (1976). Angel was a '70s heavy metal band based on the East Coast featuring singer Frank DiMino, guitarist Punky Meadows, and keyboard player Greg Giuffria. Packaged in a slipcase with new sleeve notes. BGO. 2006.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Reissue Edition that Combines the Tracks of Two Original LPs on to a Single Compact Disc of the Band's First Two Casablanca Records Albums. A Sensational Live Act, Angel were a Firm Favourite on the Concert Circuit. Both Date from 1975 and 1976.

Customer Reviews:

Progressive rock from the 1970s.......2007-06-08

This two-CD edition consists of remasters of Angel's first two albums from the 1970s. The production company, BGO Records, did not have access to the original tapes, but the sound is still better than on the vinyl editions. Hailing from the Washington DC area, Angel began as a progressive group, with a sound similar to Styx, although somewhat harder. This band was active in 1974-80, when they were noted primarily for their elaborate stage shows and androgynous image. Surprisingly, the music is much better than the band was ever given credit for. The instrumentation is quite competent, featuring extended keyboard and guitar solos. The songwriting is also consistently strong, with interesting melodic ideas. The best tracks are Tower, from the first album, and Fortune, from the second. Both songs have a rather medieval theme. Unfortunately, after two fine albums, Angel's next three releases were disappointments. This package, however, provides a good set of songs from an underrated band.

I'm in heaven..........2007-01-10

From the beginning the first two Angel albums were one of my favorites.
Melodic bombastic rock. Sometimes over the top... but it is a milestone for aor fans... Listening to Angel brings you back to the good old classic rock times...
Wish they were still together!!!

The disc 1 (ANGEL) is excellent , but the other..........2006-11-03

I really liked the first ANGEL album, called simply "ANGEL" . Lot of synths, prog sound and force. But the second one tries to find a more AOR sound and lacks of integrity. Only one track reminds you of the first album..the rest... Well, if you like Angel i want to know more about this band, this double album is a good to chance to read about it and enjoy it with very good sound quality.

Helluva CD package.......2006-05-21

It's great to hear these recordings are finally out.
The 1st CD seems more Prog which isn't a bad thing. It's very Rush to me w/ "Tower" the opening song. Dimino vocals isn't high like Geddy Lee which is a good thing. Punky Meadows guitar work w/ Giuffria's keyboards bring the Angel signature sound.
The 2nd CD Helluva Band gears more towards metal. You have some good tracks like "Mirrors" and "Pressure Point" I think this sounds more like Deep Purple as they go more metal then Prog. Both excellent in their own way.
CD booklet gives you a good but brief history of the band.

HELLUVA BAND... corrected!.......2006-04-02

At long last... Angel remastered! Most significant here is the fact that the Helluva Band vinyl master most of us grew up with (including the goofy but cool musical intro to "Anyway You Want It") has finally made it to CD! Previously said version of "Anyway..." had not made it to the U.S. shores for cd versions of the HELLUVA BAND album. When someone refers to an "original master" it should very well include that odd ball snippet! Don't know how/why it ever vanished (insert Angel stage magic reference here) but it's back.

For the longest time, WHITE HOT had always been my fave Angel album... being musical and catchy and not TOO prog, but HELLUVA may very well have passed ON EARTH as my second fave cd.

Echos of PINK FLOYD and DEEP PURPLE more so, on the first two ANGEL albums than the KISS meets FOREIGNER stance the band took in later days (nothing wrong with either approach in my opinion).

Luckily both "Angel" and "Helluva Band" exist on separate cd's in this package. Decent liner notes too... including a passage where Punky makes mention to Mickey Jones getting stuck in one of the magical cubes on stage back in the day (must have been the Spinal Tap inspiration).

Worth the investment! CIRCUS magazine's NEW ARTIST of the YEAR in 1976! Yeah, I hear ya Punky!

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We Love New York

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2002-08-20

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Jerome Robbins' Broadway: Times Square - New York, New York - Paul Gemignani
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Average customer rating:

The Last Album Before Angel Steered Towards Commercialization
A very solid record, being released as a 2on1 in February
If all of their albums sounded like this...
"Helluva Band" is one helluva record.
helluva band

Helluva Band
Angel
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sinful
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White Hot

ASIN: B000001DU8
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

Feelin' Right
The Fortune
Anyway You Want It
Dr. Ice
Mirrors
Feelings
Pressure Point
Chicken Soup
Angel Theme

Customer Reviews:

The Last Album Before Angel Steered Towards Commercialization.......2007-01-29

This was actually the first Angel album I purchased. It was not without a bit of unhappiness. The album cover had the band in all white spandex, and the back of the album had the band members looking as androgynous as possible. What the heck were recording labels pushing. For those that follow hard rock, "it's the music, man" that may be a cliche, but it's a cliche BECAUSE: it's the music, man. Music is what mattered most in hard rock, and the androgyny here was only worsened by the early 80's with Motley Crue, etc. The album photos were an indication of things to come. It's unfortunate, because I consider Angel's first album, Angel, the best album ever released. On Helluva Band, there are still some gems, before the subsequent commercialization of On Earth... etc take over.

Far and away, the best song on the album is The Fortune. One's dislike for record companies is fueled when they glaringly omit this song from Anthology, which is supposed to be a Best of Angel. Record company producers are not stupid, they know this is an excellent song, and to omit this is just some sort of greed mechanism. Don't bother with Anthology, unless you really like White Hot Angel. Otherwise, get this album, and their first album, Angel, and you'll have almost all necessary Angel needed.

Addendum: I was just about to submit this review when I noticed that there is an Angel/Helluva Band combined Remastered CD package available, released as of 14 March 2006. The $23.49 cost seems a bit steep, but remastered 70's albums is greatly recommended to pick up the overtones that the normal CD transference just isn't able to do. This combined package would be recommended over buying the CD's separately.

A very solid record, being released as a 2on1 in February.......2006-02-04

This is one of the best Angel records period. This pales only to On Earth As It Is In Heaven for greatness. That is their defining album. This will be rereleased with the debut later this month on one CD. Now if only On Earth As It Is In Heaven will be rereleased as well......

If all of their albums sounded like this..........2005-09-14

these guys would still be around. ..and what a line up.. Dimino on Vocals, Brandt on Drums and Punky Meadows on Guitar.. Few bands at that time, except for Deep Purple and Led Zepplin, could match that talent (and I LOVE 70's era AEROSMITH). Throw in Guffria on keyboards, and an underated Mickey Jones on Bass and you have a great group.

Helluva Band marks a departure from their self titled album, as this one is definately a rocker. While The Fortune and Angel Theme are remeniscent of their first album, the rest of the album charts a new course for Angel.

Mirrors is an absolute classic, although for full enjoyment listen to it either through headphones or sit in the middle of a room that has surround sound.. Pressure Point is another hard rocker as are Feeling Right and Anyway You Want It. The remaining 3 songs on the album signal what was to come, and unfortunately, what was to come wasn't nearly as good as what had already transpired.

On Earth as it is In Heaven was a decent effort, but it went downhill from there.

So if you're looking to Pick up some Angel you won't do wrong to start here, just make sure that your second purchase is their self titled first album.

"Helluva Band" is one helluva record........2004-08-01

It's a real shame that this band is one of the forgotten, because this record is a classic. With high energy songs led by powerhouse vocals and dazzling keyboard effects, this is a must for all classic rock fans.
"Feelin' Right" is the straight forward rocker that kicks off the record; and it's a song that utilizes the simple classic rock formula, while incorporating a sharp and resounding vocal track to do the driving. The swirling artistry of Giuffria's keyboards was really what Angel's existence was based on though. Even on a simple straight forward rocker like this opening track, Giuffria's presence is a constant. If it's not trading licks with guitarist Punky Meadows on "Feelin' Right", it's mesmerizing us with a four minute intro on "The Fortune". Every song contains a large dose of over-the-top keyboards from an amazing player. Speaking of "The Fortune".....it just happens to be the second track on the lp. A personal favorite of mine, "The Fortune" is a progressive masterpiece. A song that transmits emotion at every twist and turn. An ominous keyboard intro leads to a delicate acoustic guitar and voice moment, which ultimately culminates in a menacing jam where we hear from every member of the band. As the album progresses, we see the classic verse-chorus-verse formula put into dramatic effect. With songs like "Anyway You Want It", "Mirrors", and "Chicken Soup" Angel utilizes every element at their disposal to make simple classic rock songs sound like something special. The spark in these songs is usually Giuffria's keys, and when it's not..... you can count on Dimino's vocals to keep you entranced. The combination of these two entities is best heard on the eloquent ballad "Feelings". A soaring and passionate joining of a tremendous vocal effort, underscored by a classical inspired piano piece. Still, in my opinion, one of the most emotional and beautiful rock ballads ever.
All of this talk about the singer and keyboard player leads one to believe that the band may be in need of a decent guitar player, right? Nah. Guitarist Punky Meadows leaves his mark on these songs also. Tracks such as "Angel Theme", which is for the most part a guitar solo, "Dr. Ice" and "Feelings" all contain excellent guitar parts. This is a rare case of a very good guitar player, sharing time with a literal genius on keyboards. Angel made this situation work unlike anyone else. And, finally, let's mention the rhythm section of drummer Barry Brandt and bassist Mickey Jones. Putting a solid backbone on all these tracks we lose sight of their important role here. With so much going on in front of them, they need to lay a thick foundation for all of these other elements to stand upon, and they do exactly that. Bassist Jones stays simple and steady, while Brandt bangs the skins with an intensity that stays consistent and solid. This record was an all around effort by a band that had reached their peak.

Angel attempted a reunion of sorts in 1999, in which they released an album entitled "In The Beginning". The record had original members Dimino and Brandt, being visited by Meadows and Jones' 1978 replacement on bass, Felix Robinson. The album saw no success, and the reunion effort soon dissipated. The chemistry and magic was with Angel for a very short period of time, and "Helluva Band" remains the best of that magical time.

For more Dr. Music reviews, visit www.new-sounds.com/DrMusic

helluva band.......2001-07-20

this is a cool record.hot on the heels of kiss this is not a glam band of the 70s.the best to songs on this is fortune and mirrors that is one haunting song great vocals in that one cool cd to pick up if your into the hard rock of the 70s

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Mind & Soul
The Josh Dion Bands first album, "Give Love"
Giving Love

Give Love
Josh Dion Band
Manufacturer: WeBad
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BGQW1E
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Give Love, the debut album from the Josh Dion Band, is an album that comes from musicians in their early twenties that covers so much ground musically and thematically, it lands on your doorstep as a complete, welcome surprise. Featuring complex vocal harmony arrangements, sometimes unusual time signatures and great guitar solos, this is not the product of the prevailing winds of teen pop music, but it is very much in the tradition of the best pop music can be. Give Love has been born fully formed as a funky celebration of life, love, personal freedom, commitment and responsibility in the world while never losing sight the main reason that it's there is to make your hips move.

Customer Reviews:

Mind & Soul.......2006-12-07

You must catch this band live whenever they roll into your town. Every band has great musicianship, that's a given. If your not, get a job. This band brings a feeling to it's audience that you can't get just anywhere. There is a vibe pushing down deep into your soul that connects you to the band from the first click of the stick. They cross many genres of music but they fall into a catagory for me that is called Great. Don't miss them now... You'll pay more later and more than likely be watching through binoculars!
Enjoy...

The Josh Dion Bands first album, "Give Love".......2005-11-03

I had the privilege of seeing the Josh Dion Band open for guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson earlier in the year, and within a minute of the performance my "opening act skepticism" melted away and, without realizing, I was having a genuinely good time. Despite the admirable grassroots rise the band has had thus far, the album is very polished, clean; well made. The description of the band's overall sound in the previous review needs no embellishment (it is a better one that I could have hoped to write, and I'm actually quite relieved I didn't have to try), however this amalgamation of styles results in a very unique identity and a musical character which matches the soulful vocal stylings of Dion perfectly. There is good musicianship on this album from all who participate, particularly from the rhythm section, along with very tasteful and entertaining keyboards.

The album's first six songs are all excellent; in the latter half of the album, the songs begin to deviate from the style the first half has developed. This takes some getting used to; this is not a criticism, but in a sense the album slows down and jumps around a bit before returning to the final two stunning tracks.

Every chorus on this album is great. Catchy melodies that never become tired, in many cases gorgeous vocal harmonies. A CD that almost always puts me in a good mood. I highly recommend it, and highly recommend the Josh Dion Band's live show if you have the opportunity to catch it.

Giving Love.......2005-10-20

"Give Love", the Josh Dion Band's freshman release, is a soulful and pop-oriented rocker that fuses musical genres ranging from gospel, Latin, jazz, blues, and 70s R&B into a cohesive pop format. The album is propelled by drummer and band leader Josh Dion, who belts out soulful and chesty vocals from his high school linebacker frame as he lays down potent grooves and explosive solos from behind his big band-style drum kit. Dion's charismatic presence fortunately does not give way to egotism, as a well orchestrated balance is achieved between Dan Hindman's guitar, Pat Firth's keys, Brian Killeen's bass, and Sarah Versprille and Justin Wade's backing vocals. "Give Love" offers an infectious positive message wrapped in urban soul; a welcome relief in a pop market bereft of any palatable substance. The only current pop parallel that can be drawn might be Joss Stone; otherwise it would be safe to describe the Josh Dion Band as a less studio-polished, east coast Maroon 5 on steroids. As an added bonus, the album comes complete with a tasty yet somewhat brief guest guitar solo by smooth jazz radio's Chuck Loeb.

After such praise, I must explain the absence of the fifth star: song structure. Born with the mind of a producer, I have a third eye fixated on radio-friendly unit-shifters. Great tunes such as "Give Love", an excellent first single, and "Movin' On", with its top 40 potential, have choruses that feel more like interludes. This makes some songs repetitious and plays longer than they actually are. Fortunately, this is not an album-wide problem, as evidenced by flowing tunes like the tight-grooving, two/five Latin changes of "Lonely One" and the catchy Jackson 5-ish riff and indulgent guitar and drum solos of "Birdwalker".

Although this is an album review, mention must be made of their live performances. At a live show, you don't simply see and hear the Josh Dion Band, you experience them. Josh Dion doesn't let the confinement of a drum set keep him from commanding your undivided attention. A drummer/front-man is a rarity in the music world, particularly pop music, but the energy, musicianship, and interplay between Dion and the rest of the band make the experience hardly a novelty. In addition, the band are a bunch of personable people who seem to have a genuine affection for their fan base.

I highly urge you to give love to the Josh Dion Band in any way you can. People in the New York and Philadelphia areas are "catching the woo" as the Josh Dion Band opens for national acts such as Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson, and Los Lonely Boys in addition to club dates. The Josh Dion Band might not hit the big-time with "Give Love" in its current form, although the potential is certainly there. But then again, U2 didn't conquer the universe until their fifth album. Hopefully JDB won't have to wait that long.