2003

Sometimes a release just hits our collective ears that screams "CLASSIC!!", and there's just no fighting it. There was simply no choice but to proclaim 2003 the year of the OGRE. The dynamic debut of this killer power trio somehow manages to combine the raw, heavy sounds of groovy 70s rock like MOUNTAIN and AC/DC with the epic songwriting of early RUSH and the lurch of Ozzy-era SABBATH. All of this is wrapped up in a delightful envelope of dirty, nasty rawking guitar and gruff vocals that could crush a defenseless caribou with ease. Just listen once to the extended jam of "The Jaded Beast" and you'll get a clear picture of the brash beautiful music created by Will Broadbent, Ross Markonish, and Ed Cunningham. You need it. You want it. OGRE FOREVER!!

While COC's "Wiseblood" may have been the 90s answer to "Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers"....the ravaging debut by San Francisco's DIRTY POWER packs the same wallop as Bon and the boys in 1978. That's right, DIRTY POWER is the most straight-up, talented, and ass-kicking rock 'n roll outfit in music today. Whether the band is crushing your ears with the sonic intensity of "Penny Eyes" or dazzling you with the LIZZY-like guitar harmonies of "Gone", this foursome does not fail to get the toes tappin' and the air guitars blazing. If FREHLEY's guitar licks and the SUPERSUCKERS or FOGHAT rock your world, then this album will send you into aural ecstasy.

Picks of the litter, 2003: