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James LaBrie biography
Kevin James LaBrie - Born on May 5, 1963 (Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada)
You may recognise James LABRIE as being the vocalist from progressive metal giants, DREAM THEATER. James LABRIE has been their excellent vocalist since their cLassic "Images and Words" album and now he has his own solo project, like many other past and present DREAM THEATER members. His solo music will definetly be enjoyed by DREAM THEATER fans, yet it also serves as something different and fresh as he plays with a different cast of musicians here.
James LABRIE's 2005 album, "Elements of Persuasion" features Matt Guillory on keyboards, Marco Sfogli on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass and Mike Mangini on drums. Their sound is similar to DREAM THEATER as well as the albums themes and lyrics, but each band member has their unique styles. This music will fit very nicely alongside anybody's DREAM THEATER collection. This will probably be enjoyed by experienced DREAM THEATER fans, yet it is still original progressive metal so try it out even if you don't like DREAM THEATER. For those who are not familiar with James LABRIE's vocals, he has an excellent range as he puts in so much passion between his changing emotions, whether he is singing angry gruff vocals or touching, soft singing, James LABRIE remains as one as the best and most original vocalists in Progressive rock.
: : : Frenchie, ENGLAND : : :
See also: MULLMUZZLER ; and HERE
JAMES LABRIE Videos (YouTube and more)
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Buy JAMES LABRIE Music
Original Album Collection-Discovering James Labrie
Insideout Music 2015 $10.58
Prime Cuts
Magna Carta 2014 $7.78
Impermanent Resonance
Inside Out Music 2013 $18.65
Elements Of Persuasion
Mullmuzzler 2
MAGNA CARTA RECORDS 2014 $16.06
Static Impulse
James Labrie - Static Inpulse +2 [Japan CD] MICP-10953
MARQUEE $31.22
James LaBrie's Mullmuzzler - Mullmuzzler 2 (CD) (2001, Magna Carta) USD $11.44 3h 15m
Tim Donahue Featuring James LaBrie Madmen & Sinners Japan CD Dream Theater USD $24.99 6h 9m
CD JAMES LABRIE'S MULLMUZZLER Mullmuzzler 2 MICP10254 AVALON JAPAN OBI PROMO USD $11.96 7h 27m
JAMES LABRIE-STATIC IMPULSE (SIGNED DIGIPACK CD)N.MINT USD $62.63 11h 14m
James LaBrie - Prime Cuts [CD] USD $12.32 13h 59m
Dream Theater CD- METALLICA-Master Of Puppets-YTSEJAM006 Spain 2002 James LaBrie USD $27.99 1 day
Unweaving the Rainbow Frameshift CD 2001 Prog Rock autographed James LaBrie USD $35.00 1 day
Elements of Persuasion, James LaBrie, Good USD $6.74 1 day
James LaBrie-Discovering James LaBrie (UK IMPORT) CD NEW USD $13.45 1 day
JAMES LaBRIE [Dream Theater] | "Static Impulse" limited ed. digipak CD +2 song USD $5.01 [0 bids]
JAMES LABRIE - ORIGINAL ALBUM COLLECTION:DISCOVERING JAMES LABRIE 3 CD NEW+ USD $17.59 2 days
James Labrie's Mullmuzzler - 2 Japanese CD / MICP-10221 USD $13.00 2 days
Winter Rose / ST JAPAN James LaBrie Dream Theater T-A3 USD $47.49 3 days
DREAM THEATER Japan tour book/ticket stub/flyer in Sendai in 1995 James LaBrie USD $99.99 4 days
JAMES LABRIE ELEMENTS OF PERSUASION 2005 INSIDE OUT GERMANY IMPORT SLIPCASE USD $9.00 4 days
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James Labrie, Mullmuzzler 2, 2001 Magna Carta Dream Theater ** Like New ** USD $14.99 5 days
TIM DONAHUE Madmen & Sinners CD 2004 Japan import DREAM THEATER James LaBrie OOP USD $9.99 6 days
James Labrie - Prime Cuts - CD - New USD $14.11 6 days
James Labrie - Impermanent Resonance - CD - New USD $12.52 6 days
James LaBrie - Static Impulse CD (2010, Inside Out) Import; New USD $26.60 6 days
Elements Of Persuasion by James LaBrie CD USD $7.99 6 days
Elements of Persuasion by James LaBrie (CD, Mar-2005) Dream Theater USD $7.00 7 days
JAMES LABRIE - Elements Of Persuasion CD 2005 Insidious Dream Theater USD $6.66 8 days
DREAM THEATER - JAMES LABRIE *RARE CD ' ELEMENTS OF PERSUASION ' 2005 EXC USD $5.67 8 days
James LaBrie - Prime Cuts ( CD 2008 ) NEW / SEALED Dream Theater USD $3.77 8 days
JAMES LABRIE - PRIME CUTS. / DIGIPAK. IMPORT. MAGNA CARTA SESSIONS. USD $9.10 8 days
JAMES LABRIE'S MULLMUZZLER 2 CD FROM 2001 DREAM THEATER MAGNA CARTA PROGRESSIVE USD $24.99 8 days
Impermanent Resonance, James LaBrie, Audio CD, New, FREE & Fast Delivery USD $12.65 8 days
James LaBrie - Prime Cuts [CD] USD $12.46 9 days
James Labrie - Original Album Collection - Discovering James Labrie (NEW 3CD) USD $21.34 9 days
James Labrie-Prime Cuts (UK IMPORT) CD NEW USD $10.57 9 days
James Labrie-Prime Cuts (UK IMPORT) CD NEW USD $11.15 10 days
James LaBrie - Original Album Collection Discovering James LaBrie [CD] USD $20.07 10 days
James Labrie 3CD LOT: Impermanent Resonance, Elements Persuasion, Static Impulse USD $38.00 10 days
JAMES LABRIE Elements Of Persuasion + 1 JAPAN CD Dream Theater Frameshift Prog USD $39.99 10 days
JAMES LABRIE Static Impulse + 2 JAPAN CD Dream Theater Frameshift Mullmuzzler USD $39.99 10 days
DREAM THEATER The Number of The Beast CD 2005 NEW Iron Maiden James LaBrie USD $29.99 10 days
=JAMES LABRIE Static Impulse (CD 2010 InsideOut Music) (SEALED) 0445-2 USD $111.99 11 days
Mullmuzzler 2 by James LaBrie (CD, Aug-2001, Magna Carta) USD $3.75 11 days
James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance CD + 2 (2013, Inside Out Music) 14 TRACKS USD $18.11 11 days
Tim Donahue : Madmen and Sinners( Featuring James Labrie ) CD (2004) USD $4.70 11 days
Static Impulse by James LaBrie (180g LTD Vinyl +CD),2013, Universal USD $59.95 11 days
JAMES LABRIE - PRIME CUTS (NEW & SEALED) CD Dream Theater USD $5.01 12 days
JAMES LABRIE - Impermanent Resonance - CD - **Excellent Condition** USD $15.95 12 days
Tim Donahue Featuring James LaBrie ?- Madmen & Sinners CLP 1431-2 US CD E260-40 USD $6.99 12 days
Elements of Persuasion, James LaBrie, Dream Theature vocalist 2005 USD $6.99 13 days
JAMES LABRIE - Static Impulse - 2010 Dream theater prog rock metal USD $6.99 13 days
DREAM THEATER Master Of Puppets CD NEW Metallica John Petrucci James LaBrie USD $28.99 13 days
JAMES LABRIE - Prime Cuts DIGI CD BRAND NEW & SEALED! Dream Theater USD $10.50 13 days
James LaBrie : Elements of Persuasion CD (2005) USD $6.73 13 days
Elements Of Persuasion, James LaBrie, Good USD $5.98 13 days
James Labrie - Static Impulse [CD New] USD $13.95 14 days
Tim Donahue Featuring James LaBrie Madmen + Sinners Japan CD w/obi TOCP-67366 USD $16.99 14 days
JAMES LABRIE - IMPERMANENT RESONANCE * 12" VINYL RECORD * NEW & SEALED USD $18.84 14 days
FRAMESHIFT - UNWEAVING THE RAINBOW SEALED JAMES LABRIE DT PROJECT USD $9.36 14 days
JAMES LABRIE-STATIC INPULSE-JAPAN CD BONUS TRACK F75 USD $28.50 15 days
JAMES LABRIE-IMPERMANENT RESONANCE-JAPAN CD BONUS TRACK F75 USD $28.50 15 days
Madmen & Sinners - Tim Donahue (CD Used Very Good) Feat. James Labrie USD $16.03 16 days
N.T.O.A.H.M JAPAN CD w/OBI AL PITRELLI JAMES LABRIE TONY HARNEL TED POLEY 42368 USD $10.99 18 days
N.T.O.B.H.M JAPAN CD w/OBI AL PITRELLI JAMES LABRIE COREY GLOVER TED POLEY 42268 USD $10.99 18 days
James Labrie - Static Impulse - Digipack - James Labrie CD FMVG The Fast Free USD $20.32 18 days
James LaBrie-Discovering James LaBrie CD NEW USD $14.33 18 days
James LaBrie : Impermanent Resonance CD (2013) USD $6.49 19 days
JPN w/Obi _ James LaBrie's Mullmuzzler ?- Mullmuzzler 2 _ MICP-10254 USD $8.99 19 days
James LaBrie : Static Impulse CD (2010) USD $4.46 19 days
JAMES LABRIE - STATIC IMPULSE 2010 MISSING COVER-CD USD $8.99 20 days
FRAMESHIFT Unweaving The Rainbow 2004 JAPAN w/OBI OOP James LaBrie DREAM THEATER USD $11.49 20 days
Tim Donahue - Madmen And Sinners (CD,2004, Frontiers Records,Italy) James LaBrie USD $8.99 21 days
CD JAMES LABRIE ELEMENTS OF PERSUASION BRAND NEW SEALED DREAM THEATER USD $13.95 21 days
CD JAMES LABRIE STATIC IMPULSE BRAND NEW SEALED DREAM THEATER USD $13.95 21 days
James LaBrie-Impermanent Resonance CD NEW USD $14.81 22 days
Tim Donahue / James LaBrie - Madmen And Sinners? RARE COLLECTOR'S NEW CD! USD $18.00 22 days
MullMuzzler (James LaBrie) - Keep It to Yourself CD (1999, Magna Carta) USD $9.56 23 days
James LaBrie - Static Impulse CD (2010, Inside Out) Import USD $19.95 23 days
JAMES LABRIE Elements of Persuasion CD 2005 BRAND NEW Dream Theater Prog Metal USD $4.58 23 days
JAMES LABRIE-IMPERMANENT RESONANCE-JAPAN CD BONUS TRACK USD $35.35 23 days
James LaBrie's Nightmare cinema CD Vol 2 Magna Paper ?New 0026245905627 USD $16.78 24 days
Tim Donahue ft James LaBrie - Madnen + and & Sinners CD USD $10.51 25 days
James LaBrie Prime Cuts CD NEW SEALED 2008 Dream Theater Billy Sheehan USD $2.50 25 days
James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance [CD] USD $11.68 25 days
DREAM THEATER Made In Japan CD 2006 NEW Sealed John Petrucci James LaBrie USD $37.99 26 days
JAMES LABRIE - IMPERMANENT RESONANCE CD 12 TRACKS HARD & HEAVY / METAL NEW+ USD $19.36 26 days
EXPLORERS CLUB AGE OF IMPACT CD -- TRENT GARDNER JAMES LABRIE JOHN PETRUCCI USD $3.50 26 days
James Labrie - Original Album Collection: Discovering James Labrie Xcd #96940 USD $20.18 27 days
JAMES LABRIE - IMPERMANENT RESONANCE * 12" VINYL * NEW & SEALED * USD $23.87 27 days
DREAM THEATER Images & Words JAMES LABRIE John Petrucci Portnoy Autograph SIGNED USD $239.99 27 days
JAMES LABRIE - Prime Cuts -DIGI- CD BRAND NEW SEALED!- Dream Theater USD $14.99 27 days
James Labrie - Static Impulse - CD (Inside Out 0504452 2010) USD $14.00 29 days
James Labrie-Static Impulse CD NEW USD $37.29 29 days
james labrie elements of persuasion cd promo germany dream theater USD $10.49 29 days
James LaBrie-Impermanent Resonance (UK IMPORT) CD NEW USD $11.06 29 days
FRAMESHIFT ~ UNWEAVING THE RAINBOW ~ JAMES LABRIE ~ 2004 ~ IMPORT MINT CD USD $7.99 29 days
James LaBrie - Elements Of Persuasion CD Inside Out Music Dream Theater USD $4.20 29 days
MullMuzzler - Keep It to Yourself - James LaBrie Dream Theater Magna Carta Prog USD $9.99 29 days
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JAMES LABRIE discography
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JAMES LABRIE top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
3.52 | 144 ratings
3.54 | 93 ratings
JAMES LABRIE Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
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3.00 | 9 ratings
I Will Not Break
JAMES LABRIE Reviews
Showing last 10 reviews only
Studio Album, 2005
James LaBrie Progressive Metal
Review by martindavey87
Having ditched the Mullmuzzler moniker of his previous solo outings, world-renowned vocalist James LaBrie of Dream Theater assembled a new line-up and released his first "official" solo album. Whilst it may come as no surprise that it certainly sounds a lot like Dream Theater and makes use of a lot of the prog metal characteristics that the band pioneered, a steady influence of nu metal, "groove metal" and electronic elements give this album enough of its own identity so that it doesn't sound like "just another Dream Theater album"... while still sounding somewhat similar to the prog metal icons.
One of the biggest differences that set LaBrie's solo work apart from his main band is that the songs are a lot more straightforward and stripped down. The song structures are more akin to standard heavy metal. But with that said, the similarities are still there. Guitarist Marco Sfogli is an absolute beast on the guitar, yet his tone pretty much replicates John Petrucci's perfectly. Matt Guillory's keyboard playing never disappoints, and drummer Mike Mangini must have impressed someone, as he would later go on to join Dream Theater!
There's nothing fancy to say here, and no overly critical insults. 'Crucify', 'Alone', 'Lost' and 'Drained' are all solid tracks that make this a good, quality progressive metal album.
Posted Tuesday, January 10, 2017 | Review this album | Report (Review #1678082)
Review by Prog Leviathan
James LaBrie, the voice of the top rated prog-metal band here on Prog Archives, delivers his third solo offering with Impermanent Resonance. It continues LaBrie's tradition of creating music that is more melodic and straight-forward than the intricate and ambitious songwriting of Dream Theater. Moreover, he's worked with the same group of musicians in this solo effort long enough that he's developed a recognizable style. The result is an enjoyable hard-rock experience that features his trademark vocals, very well-sung.
Let's get the Dream Theater comparison out of the way right away: Impermanent Resonance is not a Dream Theater album... not by a long shot. If you read my reviews of DT's recent offerings, you'll see that for me this is a very, very good thing. LaBrie has essentially phoned in his Dream Theater performances over the past half- decade (or longer). His vocals here are powerful, soulful, genuine, and all around superior to anything we've heard him on in Dream Theater, at least since Octavarium. The thing that will strike you most is the melodies and hooks, which LaBrie nails here. If you're DT fanboy and enjoy his singing, you'll love Impermanent Resonance, guaranteed.
Lyrically this is familiar ground for LaBrie. He's singing about F'd up human experiences, often with a glimmer of optimism or defiance hidden amid the gloom.
But what about the rest of the music? Well, it's pretty damn good, actually. Going into the experience knowing that it isn't strictly "prog" music will help your enjoyment though. This is very modern hard-rock/metal, with somewhat more artistic sensibilities than you'll hear when compared to more well-known groups. Don't expect lengthy instrumental passages, dueling keyboard/guitar solos, or crazy time signature changes mid-song. This is a hard-rock album without delusions of grandeur, and it's very good at accomplishing what it's going for.
In general the tone is heavy and aggressive. Songs are short and punchy, not necessarily following the conventional verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus pattern, but still fitting into their 3.5 - 5 minute running times nicely. This gives you a quick dose of a memorable combination of hooks and melodies, then moves you right in to the next one. There are tempo and dynamic changes mixed into the track list, but most of this nuance comes from LaBrie himself. One surprise is the aggressive screams and growls of backing vocalist Guillory, which is a punchy addition. Sfogli's guitars bear special mentioning as well. This is his third collaboration with LaBrie, and at this point his riffing and soloing brings as much to the experience as LaBrie's singing itself. Sfogli is exceptionally competent, creating the tapestry of riffing that accompanies the melodic singing; unfortunately we aren't given enough time to enjoy his soloing more than a few short highlights.
In my mind Impermanent Resonance is a weak "prog" release, but I don't think it's going for an epic metal experience. This is LaBrie's chance to make the music he's interested in making, giving him the opportunity to break with the songwriting mediocrity of recent Dream Theater. That's not to say that the songwriting in this solo album is going to knock your socks off... but it stands on its own strongly, and LaBrie simply sounds like he's having fun singing, which is a welcome feeling.
Recommended for LaBrie fans, of course, for those like me who love classic DT and feel the pangs of heartache at their recent offerings, and for anyone who just needs a good kick in the teeth with some good, clean, heavy rock.
Songwriting: 3 - Instrumental Performances: 3 - Lyrics/Vocals: 4 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 4
Posted Friday, October 9, 2015 | Review this album | Report (Review #1474247)
Review by TCat
This album is James LaBrie's first solo album after being one of Dream Theatre's vocalsits. The album is definitely not as adventurous as Dream Theatre, though there are a few hints at the sound of the band. The songs are shorter for the most part, are more rock-oriented with hardly anything adventurous enough to be considered progressive.
There is a lot of variety here which is probably the main thing the album has got going for it. There are a good share of great guitar solos, no doubt about that. But everything is pretty straightforward for a pop/rock album. There are hard driving songs and there are pop songs, but nothing really that interesting.
Instead of a track by track analysis which I usually don't like to do, I will take a few examples that are representative of the songs all throughout the album. "Alone" is okay, but the drums are programmed and they sound that way. It's okay to use programming for certain effects, but they take over pretty much all of the rhythm section on this track. At least there is a decent guitar solo.
"Lost" is merely a pop-oriented song of which there are several on here. Nothing stands out here at all, not even the vocals. It's just another song to get lost in the endless list of radio friendly music that never really even makes it to the radio.
"Pretender" is just straight ahead hard rock track that really doesn't stand out. It's one of many instances of this on the album.
In other words, these are all just ordinary songs that can pretty much be listened to alone. That fits in well with the digital download age, but not fit for those who love album oriented rock.
There really isn't nothing on here that you can't hear on other rock albums. The production is great, the vocals and instrumentals are good, but there is nothing challenging and nothing stands out when the album is over. There is nothing progressive about it other than the lead singer being in DT. I haven't really listened to his other solo albums to see if they are more prog oriented, but as of this album, there is nothing much that can be considered progressive here. It's a good listen, but there are so many good listens out there already that this album just easily falls in between the cracks that lead to ambiguity. 3 stars. For DT fans that don't mind if the music is watered-down and for straightforward rock fans who don't mind a non-challenging album.
Posted Saturday, January 10, 2015 | Review this album | Report (Review #1343013)
Review by arcane-beautiful
For those who don't know who this guy is, he's basically the lead singer of one of the biggest unheard of band's on the planet. Now, I know that is a paradox, but let me explain. Dream Theater in the prog world are one of the biggest bands in history, but in the mainstream world, they are barely anything. They got nominated for a Grammy last year, and even then people where wondering who these guys where.
The best way I can describe James' solo career is much like Bruce Dickinson's solo career. It is very odd to learn, but yes, these two do have solo careers, even though they are the voices of 2 of the biggest metal bands on the planet. But instead of basically doing what there previous bands are doing, they offer something a little bit different to the table.
I was shocked to read the linear notes of the album and discover that in fact a lot of the songs where not even written by James himself, and instead most of the songs where written by writing partner Matt Guillory. I'm not sure if this is 100% correct, but either way I'm not too phased by it, because it doesn't take away the impact of the material.
Now, musically James has now been able to create a new sound and a staple for himself. The last album "Static Impulse" did flirt with melodic death metal ideas and bringing in death growls from Peter Wildoer did give the album a certain flair, but on this album those ideas have been melded with a bigger focus on songwriting, giving the album a more pop laced feeling. I mean it, the best way to really describe this album is a weird hybrid of Soilwork and One Direction.
The albums lead single "Agony" is one of the main highlights. Whenever this got released, I was so surprised at how much I liked this song. Having not not read the lyrics to the song, I was just enjoying it for the catchy moments, but after getting the album and having a read...yea...pretty dark stuff (it's about domestic abuse by the way).
"Back On The Ground" could easily be a One Direction song. I really mean it, this song is so poppy and catchy that James & Matt could have easily sold this off to Simon Cowell. The guitar sound is surprisingly heavy as hell as well, which does make the song a little bit more enjoyable. A great and diverse vocal performance from James too.
"Destined To Burn" is probably the best lyrical moment on the album. A song about racism...yea sometimes this can either be alright, terrible or just very cheesy ("Ebony & Ivory" comes to mind). It is pulled off very well and has some great riffs and melodies throughout.
"Say You're Still Mine" is also another great pop meets metal collaboration. A brilliant uplifting chorus and total cheese.
I recommend getting the Digipack version because there are two bonus tracks "Unraveling" and "Why", and they are great songs that could have even been on the album and wouldn't affected it in any way.
In conclusion, this is definitely James' strongest solo effort to date. With some of his most memorable tracks and some of the catchiest songs I've heard in metal for a long time, this really is going to challenge a lot of what is to come on the new Dream Theater album. Brilliant album with some timeless classics in my opinion.
Posted Monday, July 29, 2013 | Review this album | Report (Review #1008092)
Review by theknife1970
I give this album 3 stars but I still believe it's worth a listen. The guitar playing, the vocals and the lyrics themselves make this album worthwhile. As for Labrie, I find that he shines on this album. It's far different from what he's done with DT which makes it worthwhile. This record covers a wide range of styles going from the heavier side to the more mellow. All in all, the reason why I like this album is because the songs don't go into all these different movements. It's straightforward with great lyrics, great vocals, great drumming and killer guitar solos. I recommend this album to anyone. Not a disappointment for me at all!
Posted Sunday, July 15, 2012 | Review this album | Report (Review #788428)
Review by Wicket
Even though I usually spent a lot of time on the computer, I seem to have run out of things to do on here lately, for I actually managed to get all of my day's homework without actually touching my computer or the desk it's sitting on.
No applause, please, just some nice feel good music.
Obviously this record won't be the first on everyone's mind, but in reality, this record reminds me of BMW's X6; it shouldn't work. The car itself is a frankenstein, a sporty SUV trying to look like a coupe. In fact, Mike Portnoy even stated in a "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" interview that he wanted a death metal-esque growl on "A Nightmare To Remember". While I would've loved that instead of Portnoy's "roooaaar"-ing sound, the other members didn't think it worked. I'm guessing the blastbeat at the end (first and only time Portnoy ever did that on a DT recording) was compensation.
Judging from that interview, you'd think LaBrie of all members (maybe Rudess) would be anti-metal. Yet, what do you get once you start up "One More Time"? Screaming, bone- crushing riffs, and a blastbeat at the end (sort of, although it's definitely more pronounced on "Mislead". "Jekyll And Hyde" starts off in similar fashion, almost sounding like a dark power metal group. Yet, even with this sharp change of direction in sound, it, well, sounds...normal. Actually, though. Maybe I'm just used to screaming and death metal growls (not the genre in general), but it kinda makes sense.
Maybe this was just further development in that dark ominous, heavy sound DT had developed since "Train Of Thought" and continued with "Systematic Chaos" and BC&SL. In fact, there are many elements from LaBrie's debut solo record (3rd if you're counting the Mullmuzzler albums) that foreshadow a heavier approach, especially "Crucify" (containing one of the most epic guitar solos ever).
"Mislead" almost definitely sounds like something Divinefire would create. It's fast in that power metal aspect, yet it contains that dark, ominous, symphonic element that provides depth and atmosphere to an otherwise heavy and brutal (somewhat) track, yet LaBrie sounds at home here (although I think the screaming here is overdone), which is quite unusual since LaBrie is really one of the more anti-metal vocalists you'll ever see. I always considered him as the "Geddy Lee" of prog metal, simply because he's infamous for his falsetto and an amazing voice (at least for prog metal, because he really doesn't pull off most cover songs well at all).
Even though you don't hear it immediately, Marco Sfogli is really good. You can definitely hear on "Crucify", but he continues to make an impact on this album (is it me, or does LaBrie really like to work with guitar masterminds?). Sfogli managed to make enough noise working on LaBrie's solo work that he even had enough momentum to release a solo record of his own (and a pretty damn good one at that).
Then I get to Euphoric. This seems completely foreign to me, as LaBrie goes for an alternative metal approach right from the start. No long intro, no complex rhythms or time signatures, really nothing of interest for a prog metal fan. Yet, it still seems to work, but why? Well, LaBrie isn't unknown to this genre as he has recorded similar songs (most recently "Wither" on "Black Clouds & Silver Linings". The heavy approach is there, but Matt Guillory saves the day with his keys, which almost remind me of Kevin Moore's playing style (which fits for this song, as it's a light string midi sound, quiet, almost haunting throughout the entire track). What in most cases would turn into a disaster has managed to be diverted by LaBrie himself, which is why he's one of my favorite prog vocalists of all time.
"Over The Edge" is another sharp blade of metallic force that once again comes equipped with clever and fantastic lyrical performances by LaBrie. It's another heavy song that, while it is short like just about all his other stuff, imstrumental performances are still abound, highlighted by Sfogli once again. Same can be said for "I Need You" which once again starts out in a modern power metal fashion, this time resembling more like Masterplan, it just seems like old hat this time around, so it's really not a favorite of mine, especially the sporadic screaming and stop-and-start drum patterns (although the chorus is fabulous as always).
"Who You Think I Am" is a quite heavier track than normal, not necessarily more metal. It really sounds like it should be on "Elements Of Persuasion", as that record is more of that heavier, ominous sounding metal, while this record is straight up metalcore, alternative, catchy lyrics, catchy choruses and, in my opinion, more accessible. Even though both records are similar, Sfogli seems to have more showtime on "Elements" even though he still shines on here. Peter Wildoer actually gets some action on "Who You Think I Am", a little breakdown of complex rhythms and spastic punk, although I prefered Mike Mangini who lit up on "Elements" (which could make perfect sense on why he replaced Mike Portnoy for DT's drummer. Or, maybe the band just likes drummers named "Mike".)
Guess I'll never get an opportunity to audition for Dream Theater now. :(
Now, even though LaBrie will forever be known as a progressive metal singer, "Static Impulse" broadens the genre, whereas "Elements" still maintained a significant element of prog metal in there. Here, the fiercesome fury of metalcore is unleashed on "This Is Was" (with another blastbeat by Wildoer) and "Superstar", while LaBrie's softer side comes out on "Coming Home" and "Just Watch Me", while a third side, evidence of alternative metal, is creeping in on songs like "I Tried".
All in all, though, LaBrie hasn't lost a beat in almost twenty years, and the high notes he hits on "This Is War" is almost positive evidence that's still healthy enough to make more music, and easily explains why he, like the rest of Dream Theater (except Portnoy), wanted to continue making music and head to the studio again. Now, while this record is not exactly "Six Degrees Of Separation", this record defines LaBrie as one of the best singers in the music business today.
Move over, Kesha. Disco balls and cocaine can't kill a psychotic madman like James LaBrie.
Posted Thursday, September 8, 2011 | Review this album | Report (Review #517676)
Review by nikow
James LaBrie's 2005 album Elements of Persuasion showed that when it comes to modern sounding proggy metal, he's a force to be reckoned with. In 2010 LaBrie returned with a new album Static Impulse, this time with a bit different sound arsenal.
Retained from EoP was his writing partner Matt Guillory and the Italian guitar prodigy Marco Sfogli, giving some continuance to the overall sound. Especially Guillory with his guitar-like keyboard solos is as much a part of the sound of LaBrie albums as LaBrie himself. The new boys this time are the Swedish drummer/vocalist Peter Wildoer who along with the drumming also handles the growl vocals (!), and bassist Ray Riendeau.
And what about the music then? Well, 12 tracks of melodic metal, with some prog and death metal thrown in to spice things up. At the same time Static Impulse manages both to follow its predecessor and be different enough. LaBrie's singing is top notch, and Wildoer's growls seem to fit very well into the tapestry, which I really didn't expect. The instrumentation overall is of expected quality, and the stars (like with EoP) are Guillory and Sfogli, creating some very memorable solos.
In the end we are left with 12 quality songs, with strong, good melodies and enough crunch to satisfy us who like metal. It might not be a very complex album, but it's not just any straight metal either. 4 stars.
Posted Sunday, August 21, 2011 | Review this album | Report (Review #506792)
Review by Phoenix87x
Solid album from beginning to end and puts Dream Theater's past 5 albums to shame. It blows away Six Degrees, Octavarium, Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds and Silver Growling. But It can't hold a candle to Train of Thought though. Which is really sad really on DT's part.
So.. Its pretty good, but that really is the problem. Its just good and maybe very good in some places, but never transcends to a level of excellence or brilliance (like Images and Words for example).
Now when I first bought this album way back in the day, I absolutely loved it, but over time I kinda forgot about it, and honestly I just listened to it again for the first time since probably 2007, so I guess that really says it all. I forgot about it. Something like Images and Words won't allow itself to be forgotten, it will burrow its way into your brain and DEMAND to be listened to. Yes it has its highlights such as Slightly Out of Reach, which is fantastic, but after just listening fresh, I have to say it kinda has a Strait Forward heavy rock sound, and maybe I'm just progged out of my mind at this point, but it just feels like Generic Meh.
3.5 Stars or B Grade
Posted Saturday, June 18, 2011 | Review this album | Report (Review #464158)
Review by Andy Webb
Special Collaborator Retired Admin
Slightly out of touch
James Labrie's solo effort began in the late 90s with his project/side band Mullmuzzler. The band released two official albums, one in 1999 and one in 2001. Labrie then took a break from the solo field, before coming back in 2005 with an entirely solo (with his name on the cover) album, Elements of Persuasion. The album was released shortly before Octavarium, and the album actually leaked onto Limewire prior to its release, and many mistook the album for Octavarium. The album, while sharing the same singer, has a starkly different and significantly darker feel than Labrie's home band Dream Theater. Although the progressive metal aspect of the album is shared between the band, Labrie's solo project is much more electronic, thrashy, and by leaps and bounds more heavy than Dream Theater. Laden with near metalcore breakdowns and near thrash metal riffs and blast beats as well as mellow ballad like tracks to contrast these, the album is a high stakes, non-stop album, full of energy and fury as Labrie and his band (which included future Dream Theater drummer Mike Magini) crafted a rather interesting, if not just a bit generic, album.
One thing that really hit me while listening to this album was the heavy accessibility Labrie is obviously striving for on this album. The odd electro beats that open many of the songs, the synthesized atmospheres encasing many of the songs, and much more of the electronic aspects of the album also add to this odd popularly leaning feel of the album. Whether this adds or detracts from the album, I still can't decide after listening to the album for a number of years now. It's obvious that Labrie was looking for some kind of pay with this, but was still looking to keep that progressive edge that Dream Theater is well known for (probably to attract more fans of the band; that is how I found this album!).
The great guitar work of Marco Sfogli adds both a fantastic and a bit detracting edge to the album ? at times his playing is perfect for the atmosphere and feel of the song, yet at others his senseless shredding really doesn't fit the music he's soloing over. The whole atmosphere he has created, however, is a nice change of pace from Labrie's traditional work, even if it is a bit on the heavy and popularly-leaning side.
Of course, this intense heavy metal is essential to get DT fans, which were just exposed to Train of Thought in 2003, to like the album. Whether Labrie was intending to produce a near progressive thrash metal album or not, the fusion of this thick music with techno-ish sounds makes for a more unique progressive metal sound. Although it still has the obvious leanings of someone who is intent on making a progressive metal album, it still is a bit of a change of the more virtuoso-esque Dream Theaterian music. Again, whether this is good or not, I can't really tell. I like the more mature compositions of the aged Dream Theater song writers, but Labrie's compositions aren't all that bad. Although his lyrics are even cheesier than some of Dream Theater's, at times they are pretty damn good.
The odd contrast to the heavy metal tracks on the album are the near cheese wheel ballads that dot the album, covered in cheesy electro beats and stereotypical Labrie ballad melodies. Although they are nice, I can't help but laugh. The steady beat, low, breathy vocals, and lyrics so cheesy they could supply a busy deli, most of these songs are just too much for me to take. If one ignores the obvious clichés of the music, they make for nice melodious tracks, but in the end they are quite silly.
In the end, this album receives a very mixed feeling from me. Although the majority of the album is a decent progressive metal album, the album balances out with both equally cheesy and fantastic songs. Labrie, no stranger to the progressive metal genre, has crafted what many bands seem to have failed to do ? a good Dream Theater clone album. Of course this may be biased seeing as Labrie is Dream Theater's singer, but overall the music on this disc isn't all that bad. Overall, the album is just slightly out of touch with a truly good album, yet is better than a non-essential album. I think this is a fantastic addition to any Dream Theater fan's collection, but isn't really necessary elsewhere. 4- stars.
Posted Thursday, June 2, 2011 | Review this album | Report (Review #456073)
Review by FarBeyondProg
When i first heard of this album, and that it was gonna feature 'growling' i laughed, really, i thought 'well this album is gonna be completly ruined' not that i hate death metal vocals or anything, i love them, just within the right context, but when i heard this album they just felt right, this is a brilliant wee album chocked with 12 highly melodic songs, some progg (ish) and some settle nicely within the 'melodeath' genre which i have to admit im a fan of. The second i heard the intro ONE MORE TIME i was floored, very powerful chorus as does over 80% of these songs, other examples include EUPHORIC, I TRIED and THIS IS WAR, the final track COMING HOME is a beautiful accoustic song and kinda ends the album on a slight downer, but a good downer in the least, La Brie's voice is the most powerful its been in years as well;
One More Time - 10/10 Jekyll Or Hyde - 8/10 Mislead - 8/10 Euphoric - 10/10 Over The Edge - 9/10 I Need You - 8/10 Who You Think I Am - 9/10 I Tried - 10/10 Just Watch Me - 9/10 This Is War - 10/10 Superstar - 8/10 Coming Home - 10/10
CONCLUSION; a solid solid release by the Dream Theater frontman and highly enjoyable
Posted Tuesday, April 5, 2011 | Review this album | Report (Review #428121)
Thanks to ProgLucky for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates


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Canada Road Trip
This summer I spent a few weeks travelling around central and western Canada in an attempt to catch up with some 'long lost' members of my family. My grandmother lived on Vancouver Island for many years, emigrating before I was born, and it is a regret that I was never able to visit her before she died.
Starting in Calgary we headed north towards Edmonton with a small diversion to the fabulous Drumheller Hoodoos in the Alberta Badlands. This is dinosaur country and the Red Deer River valley is also known as Dinosaur valley.
The highway leading through the town passes the World's largest fibreglass dinosaur, standing 86 feet tall, as you cross the river. Just north of the town you find the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology which has to be seen to be believed, it houses a fantastic collection of dinosaur remains.
Moving north again via Edmonton we headed for the world's first UFO landing pad at the town of St Paul. Unfortunately we arrived on the Canada Day public holiday and so all the visitors must have been busy celebrating elsewhere.
This incredible concrete structure was built as a centennial project in 1967, at the height of the space race, in an effort to attract both tourists and 'Martians' to the town. The pad consists of a raised platform with a map of Canada made from stones provided by each province of Canada and a visitors centre.
A sign at the pad reads: "The area under the World's First UFO Landing Pad was designated international by the Town of St. Paul as a symbol of our faith that mankind will maintain the outer universe free from national wars and strife. That future travel in space will be safe for all intergalactic beings, all visitors from earth or otherwise are welcome to this territory and to the Town of St. Paul."
Next stop was the hamlet of Wabasca. This is within the wonderfully named Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 and located beside the North and South Wabasca Lakes, approximately 75 miles northeast of Slave Lake. Wabasca has a population of about 3,500 which is largely native Canadian including Indian reserves of the Bigstone Cree Nation and this includes my uncle Bruce and his family.
Bruce emigrated from England in the 1940's and still runs the tyre garage in the town even though he is 80 years old. Over the years he became a well respected member of the community, so much so that they named the fire hall after him in recognition of his years of service.
During our stay the travel plans had to be adjusted after a beaver dam caused the main highway to collapse. Luckily uncle Bruce was able to take me to the scene, past a couple of road blocks, to have a close look !
Despite a diversion followed by a long drive along the 'Grizzly Trail', where we saw no signs of any wildlife, we were soon heading into Jasper National Park. A stunning cruise through the Rocky Mountains was followed by a trip along the Icefields Parkway towards Banff.
The wildlife and scenery were spectacular. Within minutes of entering the national park we saw four elk paddling in the Athabasca River. A river the width of some lakes in England. Brown bears, black bears, deer, mountain goat and eagles appeared regularly as if they were booked to provide the tourists with photo opportunities.
Brewster Travel made sure I had fantastic access to their latest tourist attraction, the newly built Glacier Skywalk. Following a short bus ride from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre we reached the glass-floored observation platform 900 feet above the Sunwapta Valley. Visitors walk out beyond the cliff edge for about 100 feet over the valley and Sunwapta River. The stunning views show how the region has been shaped by immense glacial power.
Brewster Travel then took us on their Glacier Experience tour. A massive Ice Explorer vehicle specially designed for glacial travel took us to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Ice Fields.
An experienced driver-guide shared a wealth of information about glaciers, icefields and their impact on our environment during the journey. Passengers were allowed to step out onto the glacier and take in the most stunning alpine and glacial vistas and I got chance to shoot a quick 360 degree picture for Mail Plus.
Next stop was Banff and a trip up Sulphur Mountain, using Brewster Travel's Banff Gondola, to see the spectacular panoramic view. The summit ridge provides views both westward up and east down the Bow Valley. There is a superb view of Banff and the world famous Banff Springs Hotel below.
There is also a path on the north side of the gondola station to the top of Sanson's Peak (7,402 ft). But, if you want to be picky, the true summit of Sulphur Mountain can be found on the southern side on a scrambler's route.
Sulphur mountain has been the site of two research facilities. A meteorological observatory building on Sanson Peak still exists and visitors can look through a window to see its interior complete with rustic furnishings. A plaque marks the site of The Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, built by the National Research Council to study cosmic rays as part of Canada's contribution to the International Geophysical Year in 1957.
The hot springs at the base of Sulphur Mountain are home to the endangered Banff Springs snail as well as a rather spectacular hotel.
The final part of our journey through the Rockies took us past the seasonal forest fires via the Saskatchewan River Crossing, which had to be evacuated the next day. Apparently these fires are standard for a Canadian summer and an occupational hazard for the locals.
We arrived in the town of Sparwood, following in the footsteps of another distant relative who had emigrated to British Columbia to work in the mines in the early 1900's.
The local economy is still heavily dependent on coal mining, one of British Columbia's primary industries. A large part of the population either works in the mines or as tradesmen and labourers in related support industries, such as trucking or as mechanics.
Sparwood also happens to be the home of the world's largest truck, a Terex 33-19 "Titan". This was built as a prototype off-highway, ultra class, rigid frame, three-axle, diesel/AC electric power train haul truck. Designed by the Terex Division of General Motors and assembled at their Diesel Division's London, Ontario assembly plant in 1973.
Only one 33-19 was ever produced and it was the largest, highest capacity haul truck in the world for 25 years. After 13 years in service, the 33-19 was restored and is now preserved on static display as a tourist attraction in the centre of the town next to a car park.
The fabulous thing about my job is that I get to meet plenty of characters; the type of people who make this country unique.
John Gill and his staff at Crazy Coffins are a fine example. They aim to take the very serious subject of death and allow people to design their own send off in a fun way. Lets be honest, we are all going to die and we may as well let other people have a little smile on a very sad occasion.
Have you even thought about being buried in a skateboard shaped coffin ? Probably not, but if you do, Crazy Coffins produce bespoke coffins and urns in any shape and size requested by the customer. Over the years they have produced ballet shoes, mobile phones, skips, narrow boats, corkscrews and even an aeroplane.
Crazy Coffins is an offshoot of Nottingham firm Vic Fearn & Company Ltd a manufacturer of veneered and solid timber coffins. The company's first decorated coffin was made in 1990. It was so unusual at that time, with its stags and swags of flowers, that in featured in a national newspaper. Such decorated coffins are now commonplace.
John Gill told me how an elderly Scotswoman turned up at the door about 10 years later clutching a part built Red Arrows coffin. She asked if they could finish it. A month later, the coffin was complete. They heard no more; but slowly complete strangers came forward with requests. A man wanted a canal-boat coffin, followed by a second for his wife. They built a sledge coffin, and a coffin modelled on a kite.
Orders trickled in and art galleries approached Crazy Coffins, with a view to staging exhibitions, leading to a two week exhibition at the Royal Festival Hall.
They still to build conventional coffins but the Crazy Coffin market continues to develop and with it the market in decorative ashes urns. At the time I visited the workshop was building a coffin in the shape of a bottle of Jack Daniel's which can see on the image below.
Over in deepest Lincolnshire you can find Ron 'the gnome' Broomfield.
The 79 year old retired window cleaner has over 1,700 gnomes in his collection and he even dresses like one to do his shopping. His collection started It started 50 years ago when Ron was on his way to watch a football match at Tottenham Hotspurs, seven gnomes caught his eye at a garden centre so I he ordered them and collected them after the match.
Ron's home, gnome cottage, is full of gnomes in all shapes and sizes. During the summer he sets some of them out in his garden. Each winter he repairs and re-paints his collection to keep them in top condition.
Ron told me he first started bringing them into the house because he was worried they might get broken outside. Friends and family like to buy him gnomes for his birthday and Christmas but they struggle to remember which he already owns so he does get some duplicates.
When he first started buying the gnomes they cost about £1 each but they now cost up to £250 each. He is terrified by the thought of how much he must have spent over the years.
Ron's biggest gnome is a German four-footer, and the smallest a cake decoration. He takes them around in his gnomemobile, a converted shopping trolley, to raise funds for the NSPCC.
I recently joined fans of the cult 1960's TV show "The Prisoner" as they returned to "The Village" for the "Portmeiricon" Prisoner fan convention.
The Prisoner was probably one of the most influential pieces of television of the 1960s not only in the UK and USA but also in France, Australia and many other countries. Even The Beatles were fans. Its cult status was confirmed with the establishment in the 1970s of the official Prisoner Appreciation Society, Six of One.
Patrick McGoohan not only starred as Number Six, the leading role in The Prisoner, he was also the creator and driving force behind the 17 episode series. Many well known actors had guest roles in the series: Leo McKern, Peter Bowles, Eric Portman, Patrick Cargill, Mary Morris, Paul Eddington and Donald Sinden to name but a few.
"PortmeiriCon" is the name given to Six of One's regular Prisoner Convention. This unique event is staged at the original filming location at the hotel village of Portmeirion in North Wales. The gathering has a full programme of activities and entertainment for members of Six of One and visitors. Everyone can watch outdoor events, but the indoor programme was for society members only.
The conventions started in 1977 when Six of One met with Portmeirion's creator, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The star of the show Patrick McGoohan became Honorary President until his sad passing in 2009, and the event has been supported by numerous stars over the years.
Events include a protest march in support of number 6 and several games of human chess. Click on the images below to see them interactively, but watch out for Rover !
Luckily I managed to escape in time to get the pictures into the Mail Plus edition of the Daily Mail – as the prisoner said: "I am not a number. I am a free man".
Join me in the workshop of one of the last master coopers left in England. The art of barrel making is a tradition being preserved in Burton-on-Trent at the Marston's Brewery by cooper Mark Newton.
When Mark first started his apprenticeship at H & J Buckleys in Manchester, aged just 17, there were hundreds of coopers plying their trade across England. With aluminium casks offering a cheaper and speedier alternative to make and mass produce, coupled with the rising cost and dwindling availability of timber, a once thriving profession, dating back to Roman times, is in decline.
Nearly all of Mark's time is now spent repairing the 260 oak 'Union' barrels at Marston's in Burton-on-Trent. Each one holds 140 gallons of Pedigree, as well as an assortment of Marston's ales.
Mark has also become a bit of a celebrity after his picture appeared on beer bottles and the company vehicles. On the day I visited to shoot for the Mail Plus iPad edition, Mark was waiting for a pop video to be filmed in his workshop !
Marston's were founded in Burton-on-Trent in 1834, they moved to the Albion brewery in 1898. They have been there ever since, using the same brewing techniques. Burton was chosen because the water apparently gives the beer a unique underlying depth of flavour and character with crisp refreshing bitterness.
Marston's Pedigree is the last beer still brewed using the unique Burton Union System where double rows of casks are mounted on a frame with a long trough running above to ferment the beer and generate yeast for brewing more later.
This expensive, complicated process, is the only reliable way to give Pedigree its unique taste. Unfortunately Marston's is now the only brewery still brewing beer in the traditional way, but Burton-on-Trent remains an important commercial centre for the brewing and pub industry.
Take a look at the students and staff at the internationally renowned Newark School of violin making. This wonderful place provides a wide range of practical instrument making skills for violin, viola and cello. It also teaches professional techniques for the repair and restoration of stringed instruments covering the main requirements of the violin trade, they even know how to repair your bow.
The ambiance and atmosphere in this wonderful building takes you back in time. Students learn skills that are as much in demand today as they were 300 or 400 years ago and travel from all over the world to study in Nottinghamshire. There is a rich and diverse range of experience, age and culture.
These 360 degree images appeared in the Mail Plus for iPad App recently. Make sure you look carefully around the drying room where instruments are left to hang in ultraviolet light in order to 'age' and colour the wood.
Although the college is located in the centre of Newark it is actually part of Lincoln College. Over the years the school has developed close links with many professionals and organisations within the industry including the BVMA, Luthiers Sans Frontiers and the Italian violin making centre of Cremona (home to the maker of the famous Stradivarius). Graduates find employment in violin workshops around the world and many have progressed to become leaders in the fields of instrument-making, restoration and dealing in rare instruments.
There are places I remember
I have been extremely lucky with my career, it has taken me all over the world. But every now and again I get to experience one of those days that are just a little bit special. Last week I travelled over to Liverpool to join Cavern City Tours on their Magical Mystery Tour around the city.
As a Beatles fan this was always going to be labour of love. We toured the famous haunts of the fab four visiting their birth places, old homes, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and several concert venues before the highlight of my day – a trip to The Cavern Club.
I have been into the club several times and it always has a fantastic atmosphere. Beatles tunes fill the air and fans flock from all over the world. Even on a wet autumn monday afternoon there was a decent crowd in the club.
Following a session by solo acoustic artist Jon Keats I was allowed onto the stage to shoot a few images from the bands viewpoint. As I was pottering away doing my work 'I saw her standing there' started playing in the background. Just for a few moments I had to join in, I forgot what I was supposed to be doing before spotting one of the crowd laughing at me. I just had to do it, how many times do you get to stand on the stage at The Cavern.
Luckily for the audience the mic was turned off. With a silly grin on my face I moved over to make way for John Lennon, otherwise known as tribute act Jimmy Coburn.
The 360 panoramic images from the shoot were featured in the Mail Plus for iPad app on Saturday 9th November – 52 years to the day since a music shop owner called into The Cavern Club to check out a group because he was getting a lot of requests for a German recording of 'My Bonnie'. The shop owner was Brian Epstein who became the manager of that group, The Beatles, and the rest is history…..
It really is a small world
When I was building this website I was joking about the small planet images and saying just how small our world really is.
Following on from my shoot with England Ashes cricketer Joe Root, the bat manufacturers Gunn & Moore kindly featured the assignment on their website (see picture & click on it to read full story). When I visited the site to check my moment of glory I was surprised to see an old friend featured on the previous news item.
Many, many years ago I was a useful lower league cricketer for my home town club, Keswick in Cumbria. At that time we used to buy our equipment from another local player who has started up his business in the neighbouring town of Penrith. Dickie Spruce was a very useful cricketer who was always happy to help the local clubs. He brought top class equipment to Cumbria at a time when most sports shops in the area carried one cricket bat.
Nothing was too much trouble and he went out of his way to find the best and most up to date equipment for his Sportscraft shop. I was delighted to see Dickie collecting his award from another Cumbrian cricket legend Paul Nixon after his years of service to the game and Cumbria.
So almost thirty years since I last saw Dickie I met up with him in cyber space – you see it is a small world….
PS: I can't claim to know Paul but I played many games against his dad !
Root set to batter Aussies
England cricketer Joe Root visited the Gunn & Moore bat factory in Nottingham last week and I was invited along to shoot some 360 degree interactive panoramic images for the Mail Plus iPad app.
The Gunn & Moore craftsmen produce English willow bats from start to finish at the Nottingham factory, this is the only place in the UK to complete the full process.
Joe picked the new GM Six6 for Test Matches and the GM Octane for ODIs and T20s.
The Ashes tour party fly out tomorrow with the first test at The Gabba in Brisbane on November 21st followed by further fixtures in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
Click on the images below to look around the factory.
A monument for a King
As the fight goes on to find a final resting place for Richard III I visited the Bosworth battlefield in Leicestershire.
Members of Les Routiers De Rouen, the resident re-enactment group met me at the top of Ambion Hill near the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. The site has a walk-through sundial which features the thrones of Richard III, Henry Tudor and Lord Stanley.
They portray the Gloucester household personnel retinue to King Richard III, sworn to protect his honour and good name. They claim to be 'devout yorkists and only serve the white rose and for our King we took the oath to stand to the last !'Les Routiers De Rouen are made up of people of all ages and from all walks of life and they were holding a Soldier's Camp at The Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park. Allowing visitors to meet medieval soldiers and families preparing for battle; with weapons, armour and costumes with the aim to give the public the experience of life in the 15th century.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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61st Air Base Wing
Get 61st Air Base Wing essential facts below. View Videos or join the 61st Air Base Wing discussion. Add 61st Air Base Wing to your PopFlock.com topic list for future reference or share this resource on social media.
Inactive US Air Force wing
C-124 Globemaster II at Hickam AFB in 1967
1948-1951; 1966-1980; 1994-2010
Air Force Space Command
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
61st Air Base Wing emblem (Approved 30 November 2006)[1]
61st Military Airlift Wing emblem (Approved 4 May 1966)[2][3]
The 61st Air Base Wing is an inactive wing of the United States Air Force, last stationed at Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California. The 61st was the host unit at Los Angeles Air Force Base, and commanded all the Air Force support groups and units assigned to the base. When active. the wing is entitled to temporary bestowal of the history and honors stems of the 61st Troop Carrier Group.
Its mission was to provide base operating support to Los Angeles Air Force Base customers.
The wing was first activated as the 61st Troop Carrier Wing by the United States Air Forces in Europe in 1948 to control C-47 Skytrain and C-54 Skymaster units. The wing was the host organization at Rhein-Main Air Base, West Germany. It also operated Tempelhof Air Base, in Occupied Berlin until 5 November 1948 and Tulln Air Base in the American Occupation Zone of Austria until 10 December 1948.[1]
Its initial mission was to coordinate Berlin Airlift operations for USAFE in conjunction with units deployed from the United States and the Royal Air Force.[] With the end of Berlin Airlift operations in 1949, flew theater airlift missions within USAFE and participated in numerous exercises.[1] With the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, wing deployed its operational component, the 61st Troop Carrier Group to Ashiya Air Base, Japan on 21 July 1950 to reinforce Far East Air Forces transport units and perform combat transport operations within South Korea and Japan. With the group deployed to Japan, the wing was inactivated in West Germany in June 1951.[1]
The wing was reactivated as the 61st Military Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in 1966 under Military Airlift Command, replacing the discontinued Military Air Transport Service 1502d Air Transport Wing in January 1966. It "provided air transport and support functions for airlift operations in the entire Pacific Ocean area, Alaska to Antarctica, and the United States to Southeast Asia. Supported airlift, primarily in support of United States military forces in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.[1] The Hickam Aerial Port was a primary destination for United States military personnel on Rest and Recreation leave from South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, the 61st MAW operating the aerial port and coordinating flights by civilian contract airlines to and from bases in South Vietnam.[]
The wing's assigned airlift squadrons were inactivated in 1968 and 1969, after which became the 61st Military Airlift Support Wing[1] for Military Airlift Command flights within Pacific Air Forces as well as Naval and Marine Transports supporting their respective organizations in Hawaii.[] Inactivated 1 April 1980[1] and is equipment and most personnel being reassigned to the 834th Airlift Division.
On 1 August 2006, it was reactivated as the 61st Air Base Wing, a non-flying unit at Los Angeles Air Force Base under Air Force Space Command.[1] It supported the Space and Missile Systems Center from 2006 to 2010, when it was inactivated and base support assigned to the 61st Air Base Group.[]
Established as the 61st Troop Carrier Wing, Medium and activated on 1 July 1948
Redesignated 61st Troop Carrier Wing, Heavy on 15 August 1948
Inactivated on 2 June 1951
Redesignated 61st Military Airlift Wing and activated on 27 December 1965 (not organized)
Organized on 8 January 1966
Redesignated 61st Military Airlift Support Wing on 22 December 1969
Inactivated 1 April 1980
Redesignated 61st Air Base Wing on 20 June 2006
Activated on 1 August 2006[1]
Inactivated on 30 July 2010
United States Air Forces in Europe, 1 July 1948
Attached to: Berlin Airlift Task Force until 29 July 1948
Attached to: Airlift Task Force (Provisional), 22 July - 4 November 1948
Attached to: 1st Air Lift Task Force, 5 November 1948 - 9 July 1949
1st Air Lift Task Force, 10 July 1949
United States Air Forces in Europe, 26 September 1949
Twelfth Air Force, 21 January-2 June 1951
Military Air Transport Service, 27 December 1965 (not organized)
Twenty-Second Air Force, 8 January 1966 - 1 April 1980
Space and Missile Systems Center, 1 August 2006 - 30 July 2010[1]
Groups[4]
60th Troop Carrier Group: attached 26 September 1949 - 2 June 1951
61st Air Base Group: 1 July 1948 - 2 June 1951[5]
61st Maintenance & Supply Group: 1 July 1948 - 2 June 1951
61st Station Medical Group (later 61st Medical Group): 1 July 1948 - 2 June 1951, 1 August 2006 - 30 July 2010
61st Troop Carrier Group (later 61st Military Airlift Group, 61st Air Base Group, 61st Mission Support Group): 1 July 1948 - 1 January 1951 (attached to 1st Airlift Task Force 5 November 1948, Airlift Wing (Provisional) 20 November 1948, 7497th Airlift Wing 10 January 1949 - 9 July 1949, Military Air Transport Service 21 July 1950, North Pacific Wing (Provisional) 26 July 1950, 1705th Air Transport Wing 24 August 1950, Far East Air Force Combat Cargo Command (Provisional) 10 December 1950 - 1 January 1951); 1 August 2006 - 30 July 2010
65th Military Airlift Group (later 65th Military Airlift Support Group): 8 January 1966 - 1 January 1972
513th Troop Carrier Group: attached 10 July - 16 October 1949
1422d Air Transport Group, Provisional: attached 2 August - 5 November 1948
7350th Air Base Group: 1 July 1948 - 5 November 1948
Tempelhof Central Airport, Berlin
7360th Air Base Group: 1 July 1948 - 10 December 1948
Tulln Air Base, Austria
C-54 Troop Carrier Group, Provisional: attached 1 July - 2 August 1948
6th Military Airlift Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 June 1968 (not operational after 16 May 1968)
50th Military Airlift Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 22 December 1969 (not operational after 1 December 1969)
6th Aerial Port Squadron: 1 March 1975 - 1 June 1975
61st Aerial Port Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 22 December 1969
602d Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 1 November 1975
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
603d Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 July 1966, 1 January 1972 - 1 April 1980
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa
604th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 July 1966, 1 January 1972 - 1 June 1975
Clark Air Base, Philippines
605th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 July 1966, 1 August 1972 - 1 April 1980
Andersen Air Force Base, Guam
606th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 July 1966
Mactan Island Airfield, Philippines
607th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 1 October 1980
Naval Air Facility Midway
608th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 July 1966, 1 January 1972 - 30 April 1972
Cam Ranh Air Base, South Vietnam
Yokota Air Base, Japan
Osan Air Base, South Korea
616th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 July 1966, 1 January 1972 - 26 March 1973
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam
Detachment 1 Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam
Detachment 2 Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam
617th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 8 January 1966 - 8 July 1966, 1 January 1972 - 1 October 1972
Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam
Detachment 1 Pleiku Air Base, South Vietnam
618th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 1 January 1972 - 1 June 1975
U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand
619th Military Airlift Support Squadron: 22 December 1969 - 30 April 1972
Det D, later Det 2, Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand
Military Airlift Support Squadrons were support units that had no aircraft of its own, but rather supported the forward operations of aircraft from other MAC units, principally from the CONUS. Furthermore, the support squadron was a consolidation of all the operations and maintenance functions that state-side airlift wings had organized as separate units.
Rhein-Main Air Force Base (later Rhein-Main Air Base), Germany (later West Germany), 1 July 1948 - 2 June 1951
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, 8 January 1966 - 1 April 1980
Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, 1 August 2006 - 30 July 2010
Primarily C-47, 1948, C-54, 1948, 1949-1950; and C-82, 1949-1951; but also flew (in single or small numbers) B-17, 1948-1949
C-47 Skytrain, 1949-1951
C-119 Flying Boxcar, August 1950
C-54 Skymaster, 1951
C-121 Constellation, 1966
C-124 Globemaster II, 1966-1969
^ a b c d e f g h i j Robertson, Patsy (29 October 2009). "Factsheet 61 Air Base Wing (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 2015.
^ Ravenstein, pp. 97-98
^ The wing adopted this emblem from the 1502d Air Transport Wing. It is entitled to the history honors of the 1502d, but not its lineage.
^ All components stationed with wing headquarters except as noted
^ This group is not related to the 61st Air Base Group (originally 61st Troop Carrier Group).
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.
Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977 (PDF). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-12-9.
Rogers, Brian. (2005). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. Hinkley, UK: Midland Publications. ISBN 1-85780-197-0.
A History and Memory of the 610th Military Airlift Support Squadron (610 MASS)
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