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Andrew’s Judgmental Album Reviews: The Winery Dogs – III (2023)

We’ve got a Supergroup in the JAR! Fans of Mike Portnoy know Winery Dogs, but how does the new album stack up when judged?

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Finally a band I have some prior knowledge to, beyond just YouTube rabbit holes and general fishing around. The Winery Dogs is a supergroup, and I only really know about them because I’m a big Mike Portnoy fan. So whenever he does a side project, be it Porcupine Tree, Adrenaline Mob or even filling in on drums for OverKill during Gigantour cause the drummer had to take a piss; I’m here for all of that.

The other two members are no slouches either, both very accomplished in their own right; hence why this is considered a supergroup. That being said, we should be in store for some great hard rock, a little bluesy, but a lot of just great musicianship and quality all around.

The Winery Dogs are: Mike Portnoy (Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals), Richie Kotzen (Guitar, Keys, Lead Vocals), Billy Sheehan (Bass, Backing Vocals)

  • Artist: The Winery Dogs
  • Album: III (2023)
  • Label: Three Dog Music LLC
  • Total Track Time: 50:48

Xanadu has a nice quick pass, great bass frills and the singer will remind people of Chris Cornell from Soundgarden. I also really love the slight drop out during the chorus for the clap, which is just a great wrinkle throw in the song for crowd participation during live shows. This is just a fun song, taking the concept of Xanadu, but adding a little bit of a rocker edge to the reaction and lyrics makes this a banger and a half. One of the best lead off songs for an album I’ve heard in a long time. Mad World has a level of commentary or the insanity that we live through in today’s age.  The lyrics paint in the abstract where it touches just a bit on hive minds, paying for the poor decisions of leaders and/or those who’ve come before us. It has a nice midtempo beat colored with bright tons and occasionally faster fills and solos. But it also helps to illuminate the mad world aspect of things being all over the place and crazy. “So get what you can, They’ve got you compromised, You wanna laugh and bе dancing in the street, But you’re being finеd, You’ve got to sacrifice, They make mistakes and we’re the ones who pay” – just for an example of the abstract imagery but lyrics that most of us can find a correlation to. Breakthrough starts off sounding like a Rick Springfield song, and maintains an interesting 80s vibe. “And now I’m having a breakthrough, And now I know what I’m facing is the truth, We’re falling and breaking yeah yeah yeah, Now I realize because we’re who we are, We’ll never be what we were, You can leave and I can learn, You know I’m having a breakthrough”, I really love this chorus since it hammers home this concept of moving on and growing up; no amount of nostalgia or retracing steps will ever make things go back to how they were. So a song all about something or someone trying to pull the singer back, but he fights the desire and breaks through. Could be a former love, could be a former addiction; another prime example of amazing lyrical talent to evoke thoughts from different people and experiences.

Rise opens with fantastic runs and groovy blues inspired licks, hits me like something from King’s X off of Dogman. The chorus hits you with this nice rising arrangement, which is perfect since the whole song is about rising above bitterness, toxicity and the bad vibes. Which everything about this song works to perfection. The general groove and tempo is funny and faster, while the chorus hits you with that slightly slower but soaring moment of success.  Stars hits you with some interesting lyrics immediately. “I’ve been in a condition of doubt, I don’t know if I’m in it or out, Don’t say that I disappoint you, Or I’m the reason, Maybe we both expect too much?”. So another song about reaching for something or trying to potentially suppress something but it wells about ready to burst. It continues that hope flavored tempo and tone, so its most likely the former of reach for the light at the end of the tunnel. But again, the lyrics mixed with just masterful arrangements, solos, runs, fills and general musicianship makes this a trip I almost forgot to be critical over. The Vengeance is an interesting take on a toxic relationship of some kind and revenge. There’s a line in the song about the weak seeking revenge and he’ll just suck it up and see how it all plays out. So with the first two thirds of the song being about struggling in this life and situation, then leaving things up to karma to decide implies this weight being lifted off the person. All the struggles of life, hatred, pain…alleviated with the notion of they’ll get what’s coming to them eventually.

Pharoah is definitely unique in the approach to what seems like a groovy love song. Musically it sounds like a mashup of a few different Pearl Jam songs, but this concept of going into a relationship like its a battle, but she quells his aggression and worships him like a… Pharoah? Imagery is a little weird, not gonna lie, song itself is still fun but the lyrics leave me wondering what exactly is happening in this song. Gaslight opens with the most prog opening they’ve done so far this album. A little erratic but as soon as the drums click in we rush into the lyrics and its gives off this muddled chasing vibe; which fits a gaslighting song amazingly. “Right from the start you’re bringing crazy, That’s how you like to play, Twist up the mind and keep it hazy, Do what you wanna do but don’t gaslight me”; the chorus speaks volumes and I do definitely enjoy the more Dream Theater moments of this song to hammer across the gaslighting vibe. Lorelei caught me by surprise. Its such a beautifully depressing song. Instrumentation is like a combination of 50s rock and great BB King blues. I love the chorus; “Sugar coat my heart, Lead me from my woes, A siren story’s told, Oh Lorelei, oh Lorelei, Sing me a song, I’d rather die than go on”.  The Red Wine is just a rock & roll church revival style song. The lyrics are definitely meta about the band just wanting you to celebrate, partake in the celebration and wine. So things end on a fun and very light song, no heavy lyrics, no intricate chord progression; just an old fashion song about celebrating together.

There’s a lot to love about this album. Some great musical work, fun arrangements that bring some songs to life and even songs with a tangible point. Pharoah still sits weird with me, and the last song is just a fun festival song; so there’s not really a lot of critique since it knows what it is. I do also enjoy the more abstract lyrics a few of the songs have. Abstract lyrics allow for listeners of all backgrounds and beliefs to have the song mean something different to them. So its a wonderful concept to not alienate potential fans.

If you like some of the bands mentioned, or just really damn good bluesy hard rock – this is an album for you. It’s going to be sitting at the top of my list currently, but it’s only February. Lets see how long it lasts up top in Xanadu.

Final Judgment: 9/10

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Bandwagon Nerds #288: Disney In The Desert

Disney makes a controversial decision about where it is building its 7th theme park. Plus, loads of trailers, Thunderbolts* news, DCU updates, and more!

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Bandwagon Nerds Mario

Patrick returns to the show this week and leads the guys through a stacked Trailer Park, including the most recent previews of Old Guard 2, The Long Walk, Peacemaker Season 2, and Stick. Patrick also shares his thoughts with Dave and Tunney about Thunderbolts* and addresses some interesting rumors about what didn’t make it into the film. Meanwhile, Disney makes a very divisive decision about a 7th theme park, and President Trump’s trade war targets the film industry. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. If you are curious, we have answers, so make sure you tune in!

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Chairshot Radio Network

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Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)

June will be electric!

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Prepare for the most electrifying even of the HPW calendar!

While the stage is set for Blood & Thunder 4 and the HPW World Trios Championships, HPW must also address the return of KAGE!

 

Thundra Plateau is ready.

Wrestling is Life, but life has its stormy weather. The rain is going to be hot in June, but will the reign continue through the Summer? The Dark Forces may have failed to take the Undisputed Triforce World Championship from Zelda, but they still have the World Trios Championships. Harlequin, Lupay & Glutko will step inside the double ring, double cage to defend their gold. On one side, Arrow Club’s special combination of Fin Balure, Torbevito & Bad Croc Scaly. On the other, a new combination of its own in Cia, Lana & Midna.

 

Speaking of Cia, Lana & Midna…

The three of them are together, dressed in workout attire, in what appears to be a dance studio. This is a collaboration stream for Midna and Lana as they’re both big presences on the internet, aka “influencers.” Lana and Midna wave and say hi, and they give introductions, including Cia, who is reluctant to be standing there. Cia doesn’t know why they need to do this. Lana says they have to improve their teamwork. They may have won against Los Taros Locos, but it was really sketchy there for a second. Midna adds that doing a dance routine together is great for their timing and coordination.

Cia says she didn’t mean that, she meant having to stream it! Oh, well obviously, combining Midna’s viewing audience with Lana’s, and HPW’s overall, this makes huge numbers! So? And huge money…! Cia raises her eyebrow and says, “Oh really?” The trio sets up, and Lana says obviously they first have to learn the steps. Midna brings up, “Wait, what song are we dancing to?” Oh, good point. Lana was thinking something from Lulu. Cia asks, “Lulu? From the Indigo-Go’s?” Midna says Lulu’s got a great solo album. Lana agrees! That’s so great that they like the same music. Cia isn’t as familiar with her solo stuff, so she’ll rely on them for this.

Lana suggests they go with Energetic Me. For one, it has the most energy, duh. And it still has a dance vibe, which is the whole point. Midna says she might’ve gone with Royal Discotheque or Ten Outta Ten, but she sees Lana’s point. Lana shows them the dance moves she has in mind. Left arm up, bent at the elbow, and the hand up against the side of the chest. Then they switch so the right arm goes up to mirror that position while the left hand goes back to the hip. Maybe add a little hip pop as that happens. Do that a couple times, and then turn to the right. This puts the left hand on the back of the hip, right hand on the back of the neck for a sexy pose.

Then you turn to flip it the other way, then do a 360 with a big neck whipping, hair flipping move. Then finish with feet apart and double V’s up by the eyes, maybe with a wink. Cia says, “Yeah, okay…” while Midna says, “I like it!” Midna says she’ll set up in the middle. Cia asks why Midna is in the middle, and Midna says it’s symmetry. She’s the tallest, Cia and Lana are about the same, it makes sense. Yeah, but it also means Midna is the center of attention. Well, that’s just coincidental. Lana says it doesn’t matter, the point is them doing it all in synch. Cia sighs and says, “Fine.” Midna is in the middle, Cia is on her right, and the music plays.

Left arm, right arm, left arm, right arm, pose to the right, pose to the left, 360 spin and neck whip, then double V. Midna nailed it, but Cia was lagging. Cia defends she was not, but Lana says it’s alright, they’ll just keep trying. They run through it a couple more times, they do tighten it up, and all three feel really good about how that went.

The Dark Forces are watching.

They aren’t impressed by the “little dance party.” Harlequin says the Faces of Evil are way better anyway. Especially with the classics like the Thriller dance and Macarena. Zant says, “The Macarena? Pfft, and people think I’m a dork…” Harlequin says, “Don’t you dare mock the Macarena!” Harlequin changes tabs on the computer and starts playing the song! After the introduction, he lifts his right arm up flat, then his left. Then he turns the right hand up, the left hand up, puts his right hand on his left shoulder, left hand on right shoulder, then moves right hand up behind his head, and then his left.

Now his arms crisscross, right hand on left hip and left hand on right hip, to then switch so right hand on right hip and left hand on left hip. And of course, he swivels his hips in one big circle to go with “HEY~ Macarena! AIGHT!” Zant rolls his eyes while Harlequin keeps going, jumping 90 degrees to his left. Ganon walks in, Ghirahim following behind, and he tells Harlequin to “turn that crap off.” Harlequin pouts but he does as told. Ganon seethes as he takes a seat in his big arm chair. “Needless to say… Wrestling is Life didn’t go how I’d hoped. What was Kage even doing there?! Did either of you have any idea he was going to betray us?!”

Zant and Ghirahim are a bit flustered. Zant isn’t even sure Kage was part of The Dark Forces at the time Ganon took ownership. He’d kinda gone rogue at some point, didn’t he? Ghirahim agrees, it didn’t seem like he was even aligned with Cia and the others. All the more reason for Kage to keep his nose out of Ganon’s business! If Kage cared about the Dark Forces, then he would’ve helped them fight back at HyruleMania, or any time since. Kage clearly just wants the title, same as Ganon, so he’s a dead man walking. Speaking of that… Where’s Kevin? He came back in April, why isn’t he here?

 

Somewhere dark and spooky…

Heavy footsteps can be heard echoing as Kevin Gibdo moves down the hallway. He speaks with a low, airy voice, “Majora… Your madness… spread like wildfire… You thought by setting me ablaze… I would crumble into ash… You were wrong! Instead, I have been purified…! Purged of flaws and weaknesses… I now come forth… as gold!” There’s a light at the end of the hall, and Kevin enters a grand hall, with treasure gleaming in the light. At the center is the sarcophagus. Kevin walks up to it, opens it, and then his burnt and tattered bandages fall away before he steps inside. The sarcophagus closes, then the eyes on it begin to glow… Then the entire thing glows!

The glowing becomes a shining light, and that shining becomes so bright that nothing can be seen. It is clear things between Kevin and Majora are not over. Will the Masked Monster even stand a chance once the Gibdo of All Gibdos is restored to full strength?

 

Back to the Dark Forces…

Shabonne says, “I’m sure Kevin is just fine doing whatever Gibdos do on their time off.” Tali says, “What matters is what I’m about to do to that tiny little weasel with the Goddess Championship. If The Dark Forces is gonna have all the gold, then I need to squash her like a bug and take that title off of whatever’s left!” Ganon nods and says he likes the initiative. Tali will start on her own Triple Crown as the Dark Forces will make Hyrule Pro-Wrestling their kingdom! The group cheers while raising a toast! And then Harlequin gets Glutko and Lupay to join in on the Macarena, to which Ganon groans and facepalms.

 

And so, the ThunderStruck card is set!

The double ring, double cage will rattle with Blood & Thunder as the HPW World Trios Championships are on the line! The Gerudo Ace looks to settle a grudge with the Hero’s Shadow! And now, the Million Rupee Championship and HPW Goddess Championships will also be on the line! Will the Dark Forces absolutely dominate the Summer? Be ready to endure the heat on Friday, June 20th!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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