With less than a week to go before the worldwide release of one of the most coveted new Blues albums of the year, “Temple Of Blues II” out this Friday, April 3 via Cleopatra Records, drum legend Carmine Appice and Cactus also unveil one of its most anticipated tracks as their latest single.
Originally recorded on Cactus’ 1972 album “Ot and Sweaty,” this piledriving reimagining of “Bad Stuff” features guest vocals from Joe Lynn Turner, veteran of both Deep Purple and Rainbow, alongside his own massively successful solo career, while fellow Purple alumni Steve Morse adds his own characteristic guitar alchemy. The result, as Turner explains, is explosive.
Stream “Bad Stuff” via the Spotify player below:
Purchase and Stream “Bad Stuff” here: https://orcd.co/cactus_badstuff
“When Carmine asked me to contribute a vocal to the new Cactus album the first question was ‘what song?’ He said a bluesy rock song called ‘Bad Stuff’ that would be perfect for me. And when I heard about the amazing lineup of Steve Morse, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, and, of course, Carmine, I was completely sold! The result is a low-down dirty blues track that moves and grooves with a sexy voodoo swagger. I’m very proud to play a part on this killer album!”
The lineup is completed by Appice’s Guitar Zeus bandmates: bassist Tony Franklin and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), as well as Cactus’ own Artie Dillon on guitars.
“I always loved ‘Bad Stuff’ back in the day, and still today,” continues Carmine Appice. “I always loved the groove and the lyrics. And with the new all-star version, I love it even more!!”
The long-awaited sequel to Cactus’ last album, “Temple of the Blues,” “Temple Of Blues II” echoes its predecessor’s star-studded line-up of guests, with Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Ted Nugent, Billy Sheehan, Bumblefoot, and Pat Travers all returning from last time around, alongside an all new wave of heavy hitters including Morse, Turner, Melanie (a truly transformative rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze”), Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot), Alex Skolnick(Testament), and a whole lot more!
Elsewhere on this thunderous adventure, Ted Nugent and Bob Daisley (Rainbow) join forces for an astonishing “Spoonful” — one of no less than seven Dixon/Wolf classics on the album — the others include the band’s last two singles, “The Little Red Rooster” (featuring Snider and Guns) and “Back Door Man,” with Eric Gales and Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big).
But of course there’s more, and every one of the songs expand the raw Blues-Rock vision of volume one with even more fire, swagger, and authority. And Appice anchors the proceedings with his unmistakable power, groove, and feel, driving every track and reaffirming his status as one of the most influential drummers in Rock history.
Purchase CD and Vinyl Version here: https://cleorecs.com
Purchase Digital Version: https://orcd.co/cactus_templeofbluesii
Tracklist:
01. Back Door Man Pt. 1 & 2 feat. Eric Gales, Billy Sheehan
02. 300 Pounds Of Joy feat. Ty Tabor
03. Moanin’ At Midnight feat. Pat Travers
04. Down In The Bottom feat. Dug Pinnick
05. Token Chokin’ feat. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
06. Bad Stuff feat. Steve Morse, Joe Lynn Turner, Derek Sherinian, Tony Franklin
07. Tail Dragger feat. Rudy Sarzo & Alex Skolnick
08. The Little Red Rooster feat. Dee Snider, Tracii Guns, James Haslip
09. Purple Haze feat. Melanie
10. Spoonful feat. Ted Nugent, Bob Daisley
Bonus Track [CD Only]:
11. Feel So Good feat. Billy Sheehan, Britt Lightning, Tommy Thayer