Musical Reasons to be Excited About Early 2014

There are two very different albums coming out in early 2014 in which I am very excited to hear.

The first, by release date (January 28) is Jake E. Lee's new band Red Dragon Cartel.

I realize some people don't have a clue as to who Jake E. Lee is. Let me give you some history.

Jake replaced the immortal Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne's band after Randy's tragic death. Jake played guitar and wrote most of the songs (though credit is not given in the re-issues, thanks Sharon) on Ozzy's Bark at the Moon and Ultimate Sin albums Then he went on to form one of the most underrated bands of all time in Badlands with singer Ray Gillen (RIP), bassist Greg Chaisson and drummer Eric Singer (now playing the part of Peter Criss in KISS). Here is a sample.

After a 20-year hiatus Jake E. Lee is back with a new band, new album. I've heard a couple of tracks from the new album, and it sounds just like Jake E. Lee.

The next album is scheduled for a February 4 release date. That is Whiskey Myers' Early Morning Shakes.

Whiskey Myers made their name with constant touring on the Texas Country music scene. But to me they are pure, straight up Southern Rock. Along with Blackberry Smoke, they are keeping Southern Rock alive and well in 2014.

Whiskey Myers have already released a couple of singles off of Early Morning Shakes, the first one being Home.

Pure Southern Rock from some East Texas boys. I'm excited to here the entire album.