Riverdogs

Riverdogs

Track Listings

1. Whisper

2. Toy Soldier

3. Big House

4. Holy War

5. Baby Blue

6. I Believe

7. Water From the Moon

8. Rain, Rain

9. Spooky

10. America

Tracks:

Whisper
Toy Soldier
Big House
Holy War
Baby Blue
I Believe
Water From the Moon
Rain, Rain
Spooky
America

Customer Reviews:

My favorite cd.......2006-08-06

I bought this cd in 1990 when it first came out. I was instantly amazed at the direction the music took. Anyone thinking they would hear a DIO clone was in for a pleasant surprise. Not only was the guitar playing phenomenal, it was full of emotion and feel. Vivian Campbell is a guitar player's hero. He is truly one of the most incredible guitarists I have ever heard. He and John Sykes are my two favorites, and if they joined forces on a cd I would really dig it!
Each song on this cd was not a rushed or hurried project. You can tell that a lot of effort went into the lyrics, the basic melody, the whole song. Rob Lamothe is without a doubt one of the greatest vocalists ever. Put him up there with Lou Gramm and Steve Perry! He puts as much grit, soul and power into his songs as you would ever want. The lyrics come from the heart, you can't make that up. Nick Brophy stepped aside as the lead guitarist to make room for Vivian Campbell. Nick is a great guitarist as well. You can hear him play lead on the Absolutley Live CD, but his bass playing shocked me with the complex style he used. The bass playing sounds rock steady, with excellent runs showcasing each song. Finally the drumming. Marc Danzeisen was the only member not shown on the cover of the cd. Other than that, he is definitely an integral part of the band. The fills are fluid, accents are frequent, and nothing he plays is a cliche' in rock drumming.
All in all, this is a great cd, great talents and musicianship abound. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy, tell a friend about it, hell buy them a copy too!
IMHO, Spooky is the best song

Powerful and passionate. A musically emotional masterpiece........2004-09-05

Released in 1990, and spearheaded by ex-Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell, this record received no accolades upon release. With sales virtually non-existent, it now sits in cut-out bins all over the world for $.99......and there's still nobody buying it. Well, I'm here to tell you that this is one of the best records that I own.

As you might expect from a band that has a key player in the guitar world as its leader, you get a nice heavy dose of Vivian Campbell on this record. The one thing you may not expect, is to hear a vocalist that goes above and beyond the challenge of playing alongside someone of Campbell's talent. Vivian Campbell released three records behind the powerhouse pipes of Ronnie James Dio, so this scenario was nothing new to Campbell. As a matter of fact, with Riverdogs vocalist Rob Lamothe at the helm, it had to feel very much the same.
Rob Lamothe is an impassioned and vibrant force here. Coming from a totally different angle than the Dio material, Lamothe gives this record a "rootsy" personality. Like Dio, Lamothe is strong in his delivery. Unlike Dio, he sings of his country and human issues that lie inside of it, instead of slaying dragons and storming castles. And did I mention, Lamothe is strong in his delivery? This guy makes you feel every precious lyric; lyrics that all happen to be products of his pen. When he sings =Born in chains (I can't break free), Fire coming down like rain= in Holy War, ...the room you're in gets hot. When he sings =Freedom rings, like a hurricane. America, you were the promised land= in America, ...you want to stand and salute the flag. This is strength and passion at its' very best.
All of the songs on this record are extremely well written; each with dignity, eloquence, and strength. As human beings, we can all relate to the songs lyrically, as they speak of issues relating to our world. It is very rare, though, to find a band that has deep, emotional lyrics sung by an even deeper, more emotional voice. Meanwhile, these great lyrics and this sensational voice, are enhanced even further by an incredible supporting cast led by Vivian Campbell on guitar. As Lamothe pours every ounce of his being into these songs, Campbell never seems to overplay his piece. The tone he achieves, and the rhythm he sets are always perfect. He sounds very comfortable with what he's playing, so therefore it never sounds "forced" or overplayed. Vivian Campbell is a guitar player that could very easily steal a spotlight. He's a player that has the ability to overshadow his other band members, if he so pleases. But, as we hear throughout this record, he exhibits tremendous patience, and delivers exquisite guitar parts that enhance instead of overshadow.

Sounding like an amalgamation of John Mellencamp, Eddie Vedder and David Coverdale, singer Rob Lamothe is the driving force here. As they kick off the album with a song entitled Whisper, you're immediately treated to all of the elements being offered. Lamothe of course, a rock solid rhythm section, and a super solo from Vivian Campbell. All of this topped off with lyrics of great expression and feeling. Mmm...mmm...mmm, this is sweet stuff. Moving into Toy Soldier, all of the same qualities remain intact and stay very effective. With Big House we get it all once again. With Lamothe singing =I am bound to you, Like steel is bound to rust=, all the chills start coming. As Holy War strikes down, my spine is shredded by so much tingling. This is a track that sticks with you forever. I still hear Lamothe belting out =Fire coming down like rain= in my sleep. A tortured soul was singing this song when they recorded it; just a great, great performance. I could bore you and tell you, over and over again, how every song keeps up this enormous pace, but I won't do that. Let me just leave you with a few lyrical passages that are driven to success by all of the aforementioned qualities of this band:

There's a light in my eyes,
And it's blinding me as much as showing me the way,
Well who will believe me?
from Toy Soldier

There's a bullet in my Daddy's gun,
I will make it sing,
I swear it's the closest thing to Heaven,
I will ever see,
When my own land covers me.
from Rain, Rain

Tommy got a medal in the war,
He never wears it,
Man's got a hole in his head,
Nobody cares.
Tommy hears voices at night,
Nobody's there,
He never got used to being half a man.
There's a fire burnin' the sky tonight,
Come to take me home,
Pull me from a cold black river if the angels come.
from Spooky

This record is one of those rare treats. Severely talented musicians that put their heart and soul into each and every note, and play for the betterment of the songs instead of themselves. This is a real gem that I would wish on any passionate music fan.
For more Dr. Music reviews, visit http:/DrMusic.new-sounds.com

way better than todays music.......2004-06-08

just look at the other reveiws. thats all you need to know. except they released one after this, called bone. it is as good as the first one. go and find it! it was never released in the u.s.

Sounds Fresh Over A Decade Later.......2003-09-22

This CD is a classic example of what can happen when a label (major or indie) doesn't get behind a release. The music is outstanding but the sales went nowhere upon its release. Rob Lamothe has a deep thick voice and Vivian Campbell lays down some great guitar work, his best since Dio's "Holy Diver" and "Last In Line" outings. Yet this CD is not even remotely close to a Dio record and far better than anything Viv did with Def Leppard (uugh).

If this recording were to come out today, the only thing sounding slightly dated would be the guitar style. That being said, its quality is far superior to what the record company pushes down the throats of today's buying public. Real musicians writing and playing quality songs, what a novel idea!

The best album you have never heard!.......2003-04-03

I bought this title originally in cassette form after reading a review in Guitar Magazine back in the late 80's. I was a big Vivian Campbell fan, and decided to take a shot. Wow! Great guitar and amazing lyrics had me hooked. I waited to hear some songs get air play, but I never did. Without a doubt the song WATER FROM THE MOON is one of my top 10 songs ever! I wish there were more ways to describe how awesome this cd is. I recomend it to everyone I know, and have surprised many music fans with an "obscure" cd from a band nobody has ever heard of!

Average customer rating:

One incredible unrealized by the masses gem!
Just Great !!!!!
THIS IS THE REAL THING!!!!!!!
Gotta have it!!

Riverdogs//on Air
Riverdogs
Manufacturer: Wagram
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0002MDW0G
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

Whisper
Toy Soldier
Big House
Holy War
Baby Blue
I Believe
Water From The Moon
Rain, Rain
Spooky
America
Baby Blue ( Studio Version)
Whisper ( As Recorded On Sacramento)
Toy Soldier ( As Recorder On Dallas)
Big House ( As Recorder On Cleveland)
Holy War ( As Recorder On New York)
Baby Blue ( As Recorder On Detroit)
I Believe ( As Recorder On San Francisco)
Water From The Moon ( As Recorder On Los Angeles)
Rain, Rain ( As Recorder On San Jose)
Spooky ( As Recorder On Milwaukee)
America ( As Recorder On Philadelphia)
Pennsylvania ( As Recorder On Pittsburgh)

Album Description

Import exclusive 2 CD set. If you want rock, you got it. It's in the dictionary, and it's spelled Riverdogs. It's guitar-driven songs you can sing to and remember, with a blues ethos that harkens back to the hard drinking, working class pubs of Ireland that were the stompin grounds of Rory Gallagher, Phil Lynott and Gary Moore.The legendary 10-track Riverdogs debut CD, now with a bonus disc "ON AIR", including live radio performances ! Bad Reputation. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

One incredible unrealized by the masses gem!.......2006-11-04

This is one of my top 5 CD's not to mention one of the most unbelieveable hidden gems of hard rock song for song played straight through cover to cover. They played Detroit in 1990 and were interviewed and played on WRIF and I was so blown away I bought the CD immediately. I kept thinking how did this miss major air play? I have always believed these songs would be incredible performed "unplugged" where the true power of the lyrics could rain down.

Just Great !!!!!.......2006-06-01

It's top 3 on my list of CDs. You won't belive how good it is !!!
You can buy it with your eyes closed, up side down, and I can say, honestly, you won't regret.

THIS IS THE REAL THING!!!!!!!.......2006-04-18

Having mixed sound for this band several times, I have witnessed the incredible energy that these guys exude, it's absolutely amazing!!!!! Rob Lamothe has without a doubt one of the best voices I've ever heard, the songs are crystal windows into the heart of every human being that ever lived. The musicianship is second to nobody with Vivian and Nick kicking out some steamy licks, there is nothing left wanting.
Honest Rock&Roll without fear, this CD will always be a classic in my house!!! Rob Gainey/ultrasonexcorp.com

Gotta have it!!.......2005-09-09

Great cd!! Vivian kicks a..!! Too bad they didn't release this cd earlier...it would certainly have sold a lot. Thank God it has been re-released. Buy it with closed eyes. The guitar is amazing. The vocals unbelievable. The band - no comments! One of the top 3 cd's of all time (if you're a hard-rock aficionado). Go ahead and put your order. Trust me, you will not get disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Live [Japan Import]
Riverdogs
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LKBQZW

Product Description

1993, Zero records Japan. Out of print. Featuring: Can't have you / The man is me / Toy soldier / Little hurricane / Raining all over / Sweet mystery / If love is the truth / Whisper / Eight questions / I believe / House of the rising sun / Big house.

MVP Compilation Series Vol. II [Japan Import]

Average customer rating:

MVP Compilation Series Vol. II [Japan Import]
Return , Mark Free , Da Vinci , Railway , Virgin Steele , Cannata , Saga , Without Warning , Threshold , and Tarot
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000MC5JZM

Product Description

1993, Zero records Japan. Total of 13 tracks, a superb compilation from one of the most prestigious hard rock/AOR labels (Zero records Japan).

Average customer rating:

Violent Flood

Manufacturer: King Kong
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0006IC0OA

Product Description

Ray Materick is a singer/songwriter born in Brantford, Ontario. His inspiration to write songs came from the works of Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Gordon Lightfoot and Van Morrison. Materick now lives in Hamilton, Ontario, and has been feverishly releasing new product through his own King Kong.com record label (which also serves as the home for seven other singer-songwriters). Materick's prolific resurgence resulted in five solo releases in 2000 -- 'Rough Serenade', 'Melting Pot', 'Man In The Thunderbird', 'Wild World', and 'Sunflowers'; and two solo releases in 2001 -- 'Here At Home' and 'Violent Flood' along with fellow Guitarist/ Songwriter former Riverdogs Rob Lamothe!