By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Silent Leather
"Can You Hear the Music?"
Hellish Mind Records
Silent Leather, one of three pantomime, metal cover bands based in Urbandale,
makes its recording debut while quietly stealing the thunder from competing
bands with the release of "Can You Hear the Music?" on Hellish Mind
Records. Though the band's live "performances" of classic metal songs
by veteran acts like Motley Crüe, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Ratt and
Poison have gained popularity with aging Generation Xers and KGGO listeners,
the band's decision to "record" an album is surprising. What's more,
despite an endorsement from Peavey Electronics, the metal quartet opted to
stick to its roots by acting out its live show in the studio, using absurdly
exaggerated behavior and slapstick comedy. The silent rage of "drummer" Biff
Hardstone alone makes this album worth buying. CV
(Silent Leather will perform at this year's Friday Fest in Urbandale on a
date to be determined.)
Led Zeppelin
"Led Zeppelin IV"
Atlantic Records
It's been a long time since I rocked and rolled as hard as I have listening
to the fourth and latest record by Led Zeppelin, which has all the makings
of becoming a classic album in years to come. From the golden vocals of Robert
Plant, who might someday become the template for how hard rock singers should
sound and look; to the blistering rock guitar leads of Jimmy Page, whose playing
faintly recalls pre-war blues heroes; to John Paul Jones' rock steady bass
playing; to John Bonham's thunderous drumming that earned him the nickname "God
of Thunder" (Is there a better rock drummer alive today?), "Led Zeppelin
IV," or as insiders call it, "Zosa," is bound to sweep the nation
of rock music fans this summer. You heard it here first. Highlights include "Stairway
to Heaven," "Black Dog" and "Rock And Roll." APRIL
FOOLS
