Orange County Blog

Within the steel-studded cannon of heavy metal gods, there are a few essential names etched at the top of the list for eternity. And while their order of importance remains a serious topic of debate by any metal head with a joint, a couch and a half-hour to kill ,one thing is for certain, Judas Priest will always be on that list. As one of Britain's most legendary sonic exports, Priest's aura and legacy have inspired countless bands to follow in their foot steps. Today is another reason to celebrate the talents of vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis as the band releases their fifth live album.

A Touch of Evil:Live is the first live release with Halford since the band reunited  back in 2003 and encompasses 11 mostly rare live tracks from the band's 2005 and 2008 tours. It was also a reunion between the band and producer Tom Allom who last worked with the band on the 1988 studio album Ram It Down (suggestive title much?).

As it hits stores today, you'll want to make sure to grab a copy and get the full blood curdling, guitar-shredding experience of songs like "Between the Hammer and the Anvil" and time honored classics like "Pain Killer", though the album does seem to focus less on the band's smash hits and more on rare material that real fans tend to fiend after. While you're here check out the godliness of the band's pyro-filled trailer for the new live album and DVD. Hopefully it gets you pumped enough to buy tickets for their August 5 show at Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa as part of the OC Super Fair. That's right, Priest at the Fair, better get your tickets ASAP.

Chances are if you're a Roman Alexander fan you are quite aware of their relentless show schedule. And after about a year as an introspective, eclectic folk outfit, they ywill finall celebrate one of their biggest shows to date. I'm not necessarily talking about the venue per se, even though they ARE playing at a place called, uh, "Big's". No, I'm talking about the fact that the band is releasing their debut, self-titled album. You may or may not remember a reference to said album by yours truly in a write up I did on RA&TR back in April. Well, only four short months later, the album release party is finally here, which means you should be there.

Starting at 9 p.m., Big's Bar and Grill in Fullerton is hosting the show, which includes performances by local bands Fist Full of Leaves and Glass Puppets. Another thing every RA&TR fan should know: Big's loves these guys. At their old location in Fullerton, they pretty much played there every week for months. In an axis level of freewheeling internet album slanging, the band his decided to let people who show up to the party to "pick their price" when they buy the new album (only on the day of the show). So yeah, show up for free watch a few good bands, one of which that is willing to give you the fruits of their blood, sweat and labor for dirt cheap (if you choose).

For more details on the release party, or to just get a preview of the music you will be dancing to tomorrow, check out the band HERE!

If nothing else, these next few sentences should inspire you to go give an indie record store clerk a big hug. Although, maybe you should make that exclusive to Fingerprints in Long Beach. Feel free to reference this post when you do.

Yet again, the Long Beach record store is hosting one of their beloved in-store performances with ever more surprising guests. Tomorrow afternoon, The Aggrolites are coming through for their second appearance at the store, treating fans to a rockin' acoustic set.

It's been a pretty cool couple of months for the L.A. poster boys of "Dirty Reggae", after performing at Coachella for the first time this past April, they are now playing the waiting game for their anticipated new album IV (that's "four" for all you Roman numeral illiterates) and the US/European/Japan tour to follow.

But you can see 'em first AND buy their record before it comes out if you decide to show up. According to their website, the store managed to get a waiver that allows them to sell the record after the band's set for one day only....until it comes out officially of course.

If you hurry, there still might be a spot in the crowd for you if you contact the venue and make sure the show isn't already full. GO!

As noted here in this very blog, Newport Beach's the Jakes are playing a Tuesday night residency all May long at eVocal in Costa Mesa--check back here later for lead singer Sameer Gadhia's thoughts on last night's show. To celebrate the gig, eVocal is providing a free t-shirt on their Web site.

The shirt was designed by eVocal "featured artist" Jesse Miller, features the other bands playing with the Jakes during the residency, and is, as stated earlier, free. Think of all the great places you may find yourself wearing such a shirt. Buying toiletries at Target on a Sunday afternoon!  Eating tacos on a Tuesday evening! Sitting at home watching the American Idol final tonight! Or doing other things!