It's only fitting that Jorn Lande would end up releasing a covers album, considering the former vocalist of Ark, Masterplan, and about a billion other projects obviously worships at the feet rock vocal heavyweights like David Coverdale, Ronnie James Dio, and Phil Lynott. He's offered up a few covers before, but this is his first official cover album. Here's what you get:
1. On and On (MSG) - This was originally intended for a Millenium covers album (Jorn was briefly a member of that band).
2. Fool for Your Loving (Whitesnake) - I don't think this one surprised anyone. Jorn has the kind of voice that would make even David Coverdale do a double take. I'd have preferred Still of the Night, but this is good too.
3. Cold Sweat (Thin Lizzy) - Is there any frontman from this generation that wasn't influenced by Phil?
4. Lonely is the Word/Letters from Earth (Black Sabbath) - The first of two Dio covers on this album. If you ever wondered what David Coverdale fronting Black Sabbath might sound like, here's your answer.
5. Burn (Deep Purple) - Coverdale again. Jorn covered this one on Starfire, but this is a new recording.
6. Feel Like Makin' Love (Bad Company) - This is probably my least favorite Bad Company hit, but Jorn manages to give it a bit more spirit. Too bad he didn't choose the song Bad Company.
7. Kill the King (Rainbow) - The second Dio cover on this album. I guess after Lonely is the Word Jorn is entitled to rock out a bit!
8. Perfect Strangers (Deep Purple) - It's Deep Purple again, but at least it's not Coverdale again. Jorn's version of my favorite DP tune is on par with Dream Theater's version from A Change of Seasons.
9. Naked City (Kiss) - Here's another one from left field. Who picks this Kiss song to cover?
10. The Day the Earth Caught Fire (City Boy) - Another one that was previously on Starfire. Again this is a more recent recording.
Unfortunately that's all there is. I expected to see the other two covers from Starfire (Journey's Edge of the Blade and Foreigner's Break it Up), and would have been happy with a second disc full of covers. Still, I have no problem at all with the material that made it to Unlocking the Past. This collection is a great introduction to Jorn Lande and the kind of vocalist he is, and it gives you an idea of what to expect from his solo albums (which are all great, by the way). It's a must-have for all Jorn fans, and a should-have for anyone who has heard his name and wondered what all the fuss is about.
No school like the old school
Jorn Covers Some Awesome Stuff
