The Weeklings back with Studio 2 Album

Strongly inspired by The Beatles, The Weeklings have released their highly anticipated second album entitled "Studio 2". The album takes the listener on a sonic journey that evokes the kind of excitement contained in early Beatles recordings.

To accomplish this feat, The Weeklings flew to England to record at Abbey Road Studios in June. They discussed ideas with former Beatles recording engineers Ken Scott and Alan Parsons, and then recorded in the very room, called Studio 2, where The Beatles had worked with the legendary producer George Martin.

"Studio 2" is the result of such painstaking efforts. The album contains eight new Weeklings songs and four ultra-rare Lennon/McCartney bonus tracks.

"Some (Lennon/McCartney compositions) are only now seeing the light of day as finished recordings," Zeek Weekling said. "The album completely embodies the magical legacy of the original British Invasion ... We recorded all tracks live, standing where The Beatles stood, with all vintage 60's equipment."

The band's debut album, "Monophonic", received heavy rotation on many radio stations since its release in March 2015. The song "You Know What To Do" earned the title of "Coolest Song in the World" on Sirius/XM's "Little Steven's Underground Garage" channel. In addition, The Weeklings recorded an hour long "Loft Session" for legendary DJ Mike Marrone on Sirius/XM Channel 30.

The Weeklings are:

Lefty (Glen Burtnik), bass guitar/vocals: platinum and gold record awarded songwriter, composed songs for John Waite, Styx, Randy Travis, Marshall Crenshaw, Patty Smyth and Don Henley. Portrayed Paul McCartney in the Broadway production of Beatlemania, and went on to perform as a member of major international acts including Styx and The Orchestra (composed of former members of ELO).

Zeek (Bob Burger) rhythm guitar/vocals: gold record awarded song writer whose credits include Styx, Donnie Iris, HBO pictures, Kasim Sulton and others. Performed with Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi.

Rocky (John Merjave) lead guitar/vocals: longstanding member of The Fest for Beatles Fans house band, Liverpool, performed with Billy Preston, Donovan, Ronnie Spector, Billy J. Kramer, Denny Laine and many others.

Smokestack (Joe Bellia) drums/vocals: He has been the drummer with Southside Johnny, Dave Mason, Marshall Crenshaw, Bruce Springsteen, Nils Lofgren, Rick Derringer, Jon Bon Jovi and many others.

"Studio 2" was released on November 18 and is available on CD and vinyl formats

The Grip Weeds Announce April 7 CD Release of "How I Won the War"

In 1967 John Lennon starred in a cult film called "How I Won The War." In 1988, a pop/rock band from New Jersey derived their name from Lennon's character in the film, Musketeer Gripweed. In 2015, The Grip Weeds devised an album of the same name as the film that delivers on the promise of the film's lofty title.

Actually, "How I Won The War," is the sixth Grip Weeds studio album of new material, with more emotional depth and a greater plot than the film of the same name. Like any great piece of art, the themes explored by The Grip Weeds in this 'concept' album are universal, yet there is plenty of room for the listener to insert themselves into the proceedings.

Featuring vocal harmonies that would make CSNY envious and muscular musicality on par with The Who, "How I Won The War" (out April 7 on Jem Records) is the edgiest Grip Weeds album to date. There is no shortage of visceral stompers ("Rise Up", "Follow Me Blind"), but "How I Won The War" is no one trick pony. "Other Side Of Your Heart" is an acoustic-driven slice of modern psychedelia that early-era Pink Floyd fans are sure to enjoy. "Life Saver" is pure power pop with an introspective bent, while "Rainbow Quartz" and "Over And Over" take wistful looks back to budding relationships and salad days. The pounding groove of "Force Of Nature" alone will remind Mods young and old what attracted them to rock and roll in the first place.