I’m honored to be one of the first to have listened to
Liberty N’ Justice’s soon-to-be released double-disc 26-song opus “The Cigar
Chronicles: Volume 1 & 2.” This
album features the talents of Justin Murr , JK Northrup, and CJ Snare, along
with approximately 70 guest musicians from bands such as Guns N’ Roses,
Firehouse, Warrant, LA Guns, Winger, Quiet Riot, Cinderella, Twisted Sister,
Great White, Nelson, Alice Cooper, Stryper, Slaughter …the list goes on and on. This truly
is a rock collaboration unlike any other.
The first volume includes 13 unlikely cover songs of past pop
and rock hits. These cleverly constructed arrangements by Northrup and Murr are
sure to have you singing along with MMMBop and rockin’ out to Ice Ice Baby. All of these covers are respectable, but a few
standout tracks for me are (in no particular order):
-
“I Can’t Dance”
- “Queen of the Night”
- “Iris”
- “Ice Ice Baby”
- “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”
- “Stayin’ Alive”
- “YMCA”
The second volume consists of 13 original songs written by
Justin Murr and JK Northrup (with additional co-writing help from Gunnar Nelson
on “Cupid’s Gonna Bleed” and Rick Stitch on “Sucker Punched”). Now, one might think that a collection of
original songs wouldn’t be capable of measuring up to an album full of proven
hits, but that’s not the case here. Murr and Northrup churn out hit after hit
after hit. A few highlights (which exclude the song I provided vocals on, “The
Greatest,” - obviously a hit) are:
- “Devil His Dues”
- “Under Construction”
- “Cupid’s Gonna
Bleed”
- “Sucker Punched”
- “Sin”
- “Daddy Long Legs'
A few notes:
CJ Snare mixed/mastered Volume 1 (covers)
JK Northrup mixed/mastered Volume 2 (originals)
Mucho kudos to JK Northup for being such a huge part of the production,
performances, and success of this album!
And good luck to Mr. LnJ himself, Justin Murr, trying to top
this masterpiece. Actually, fans won’t have to wait too long following “The
Cigar Chronicles” before another magnificent chapter for Liberty n’ Justice unveils :)
Come support Liberty n' Justice here: Liberty n' Justice official facebook page
View track listing and musicians involved here: "The Cigar Chronicles" track listing
