THE DOORS – Here at Metal Odyssey, we TOTALLY dig the Roots Of Rock ‘N Roll and are never bashful about blabbing about it! Recently, The Doors released a very cool &newapp for iPadwith factual information on their Rockin’ history. Read on below for more information found on this iPad app!
For 10 Things You Never Knew About The Doors, click on that very cool link below! It will take you to BuzzFeed Community; a whiz-bang website that will get you hooked!
BLACK STAR RIDERS have revealed the official video for Hey Judas, taken form the band’s new album All Hell Breaks Loose. The video was filmed on May 27th with Northern Irish photographer, music video director and typographical designer MarkHylands at The Marshall Theatre in Milton Keynes.
Can Anyone Explain To Me, Why After ALL These Years, CHEAP TRICK Are NOT Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? Shameful, Shocking And Embarrassing, It Truly Is. It’s an INSULT to Cheap Trick and ALL Knowledgeable Rock Music Fans Worldwide.
So Let It Be Metal Written, So Let It Be Metal Told: This Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ‘Good Old Boys Politically Bias Club’ Has Gotten Very Old.
As reported on the KISS Facebook page ( June 13, 2013):
Ready to Rock and Roll All Night? KISS is coming! One of the best LIVE bands of all time is LIVE on AXS TV, June 20th at 3pE with an encore presentation at 11pE!
You don’t have to wait for your chance to win a signed guitar. Sign up here, http://bit.ly/13I9IqG and share with your friends to increase your chances of winning! Now go ahead and party every day!
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* For more info on KISS, click on the links below! Whoa!
Where: Sandstock – Virginia Beach Music Festival - 17th Street Park, Virginia Beach, VA
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Houston, TX – Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Gregg Rolie, best known for his vocals and keyboard work with legendary music groups Santana and Journey, will be performing at ‘Sandstock’ Virginia Beach Music Festival on June 22, 2013. TheGregg Rolie Band will be playing electrifying versions of several Santana classics such as “Evil Ways”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Soul Sacrifice”, “Jingo” and “No One To Depend On” as well as tracks from Rolie’s previous studio effort ‘Roots’, along with new songs. The Gregg Rolie Band consists of Adrian Areas (son of original Santana percussionist JoseChepito Areas) on Timbales, drummer Ron Wikso (The Storm/David Lee Roth/Richie Sambora), Elliot “Toby” Borrero on congas, Rocket Ritchotte on guitars, internationally acclaimed bassist Gary Brown and former Jean Luc Ponty keyboardist Wally Minko.
From his work with Santana and Journey, Gregg Rolie is no stranger to great musicianship. Given his experience and his desire to make the music the best it can be, he has chosen some of the best musicians in the world to bring his band and its music to life. Gregg was determined to resurrect the sound he helped shape and make famous as Santana’s original lead singer and keyboard player, while at the same time bringing it forward to the 21st century. To do that required finding just the right mix of experience, musicianship and chemistry. Having worked with some of the biggest names in music over the years and having toured the world many times over, these musicians have the skills to interpret this music in the way it is meant to be interpreted, as Gregg so intimately knows.
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Says Gregg: “The band is great because we all really enjoy each other, and I think the sound reflects the fun we are having.” The Gregg Rolie Band will also be performing this summer at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on June 28th and the Bluesfest International Canada on July 13th.
In other news, after a successful tour with Ringo Starr’s All Star Band in the Pacific Rim, which included dates in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, Gregg Rolie will be touring with Ringo and the band again this fall! Gregg, along with Steve Lukather, ToddRundgren, Richard Page, Mark Rivera, Gregg Bissonette and of course, RingoStarr, will head to Latin America for 14 shows, with two dates in the US, at The Palms in Las Vegas just before Thanksgiving.
Listen to and watch Santana and the Gregg Rolie Band (Live) below!
Taken from one of Gregg and Alan’s duo performances at the esteemed Iridium Club in New York City, this Live CD captures the essence of the duo in action, in an intimate setting. Gregg brings stories of the glory days of Santana, the early days of Journey, and great new arrangements of classics like “Look Into The Future”, “Evil Ways”, “Anytime” and “Black Magic Woman”. Also included, brilliant new material from his recent solo project, including the touching “If I Went Home”, a song 30 years in the making about his falling out with the band Journey. Armed with a Steinway grand, and Texas Strat-slinger Alan Haynes, Gregg Rolie transforms his stadium rockers into an exciting and personal night club show.
Our fans are the are the most loyal fans in the world. We are totally grateful and feel very blessed! - Mark Kendall
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The story of Great White has many twists and turns; rising to a hard-earned status of world-wide popularity in the 80′s, with millions of albums sold, resulting in an instantly recognizable and branded band name, a 1990 Grammy nomination, touring across the globe with the industries biggest name bands, tragedy, a media intensified change in lead vocalists, lawsuits and then… Elation. With the arrival of Terry Ilous as the new frontman for Great White, a whole new era of Rock ‘N’ Roll spirit was ushered in as well for this legendary band.
Mark Kendall, Great White’s founding member, guitarist and songwriter, has recently took the time from his packed schedule to be interviewed by me; for which I extend a tremendous thank you to this talented and legendary gentleman of Rock. Mark elaborates on what the current vibes within Great White are like, the band’s newest studio and live albums, the changeover with lead vocalists and of course the fans. Here is what Mark Kendall had to say:
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Stone: What was (until now) the untold “big break” that Great White encountered during the early days of the band?
Mark: One of our first big breaks was meeting our Manager Alan Niven and making our first 5 song EP. This was such a huge moment for us. Michael Wagener was brought out from Germany to Engineer and Produce it and we already knew of him because of his work with Accept. Then when airplay followed on the 2 biggest Radio Stations in Los Angeles on KMET and KLOS we had really started to get excited.
Stone: After all these years, can Great White declare a feeling of Elation, just as your new album title reads?
Mark: Absolutely! We are really enjoying ourselves at the moment and the energy within the band is very positive!
Stone: During the exit period of Jack Russell was there ever a time when you thought Great White was “on the ropes”?
Mark: I never felt the band was on the ropes, but I felt Jack was. It’s very difficult to watch a person self destruct and you can’t do anything about it. I have never put that much energy and attention into trying to get a person sober and healthy in my entire life. It just wears on you and it’s a very difficult thing when someone just won’t accept help. His addiction unfortunately is winning and it has literally destroyed his body. He has this huge extended stomach, skinny little legs and just looks so sick, it’s very sad. I asked people who have 30 plus years sobriety is there anything I am missing or is there something else I can be doing for him. I was told that if an addict is not ready to surrender to his addiction there is nothing anyone can do. I work with a lot of struggling addicts and alcoholics on a daily basis, as well as I am involved with the Grammy Foundation through MusiCares to give back to the program and help people. What I have found is the ones who do well and are successful are the ones who want it more than anything! One can only hope he finds help before it’s too late..He remains in our prayers…
Stone: Is there a new-found feeling of brotherhood within Great White, now that Terry (Ilous) has become your new lead vocalist?
Mark: Everything is just easy and fun. We are having fun again without any drama. That alone is worth its weight in gold! Terry leaves it on stage every night and always brings everything he has to our live shows. He is a pleasure to be around and always has a positive vibe. He makes you feel good when you’re around him. The brotherhood is totally intact and our creative juices are flowing like crazy! I can’t wait to do the next record.
GREAT WHITE:
Mark Kendall – Guitar Michael Lardie – Keyboards & Guitar Scott Snyder – Bass Audie Desbrow – Drums Terry Ilous – Vocals
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Stone: Mark, how did it all unfold as Terry becoming the lead vocalist for Great White?
Mark: He filled in when Jack was on his path of self-destruction. Jack had to pull out of a tour with more than 30 dates on the books. To save face with the promoters we asked Terry to fill in. Terry had already filled in for one show. We actually had Jani Lane fill in for a few shows as well. When Jack reached the point of no return and announced he was moving on, Terry was a no brainer. We loved the man. Terry is such a good singer and a total pro. He is very dedicated and wants to work very hard all the time and is always very motivated. He vibrates at a frequency that’s a little higher than your average person!
Stone: Of course money is essential to live, however, what is more important, selling multi-millions of albums or playing the music that you love, live for your fans?
Mark: Playing live is everything to us!! Selling music has nothing to do with anything as far as just pure enjoyment. The great thing if you are selling millions of records though means your music is reaching a lot of people. That probably means more people will be at the shows and that’s very cool. Playing live is my favorite thing about making music though. Nothing else even comes close!
Stone: I look upon your newly released “30 Years – Live From The Sunset Strip” (Frontiers Records) as not only a celebration of Great White; I look upon it as a band that has persevered and showcases one of America’s greatest live Hard Rock Bands of yesterday and today. Did you guys have to be prodded for this live anniversary album or was it always in the cards?
Mark: No we didn’t. This is a tremendous milestone and we really wanted to celebrate it. We felt what a great way to do it by bringing it back to where it all started for us on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood California! It was such a great night. All our friends, fans and family came down to the show. We brought the video cameras out and recorded the show.
Stone: Media and fan response to “Elation” and your hit single “Hard To Say Goodbye” has been phenomenal. What were your expectations with the release of “Elation”? I look upon it all as a tremendous fresh and new start for Great White.
Mark: The feedback from everyone has been absolutely amazing!I think it’s a very great first effort. It was a lot of fun to make and we are all happy. I think the album is consistent and for writing, recording, mixing and mastering the album in 35 days we can’t complain. I really look forward to doing the next one. I am ready to make a statement and the next album I feel is going to be our strongest ever. I am setting my goals high and I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe it. This is a new chapter in the Great White book and we are enjoying riding the wave. Our fans are the are the most loyal fans in the world. We are totally grateful and feel very blessed!
Listen to and watch “Hard To Say Goodbye” below!
Stone: Frontiers Records has continuously signed the crème de la crème of 80’s Rock and Hard Rock bands. Were you approached by Frontiers or did you approach them?
Mark: We approached them and a few others. I think it’s great that there are labels that help get rock and roll music to the people. It’s a different world now than it was back in the day. We no longer have all the mediums like MTV and Radio, so it’s harder to get our music to the people. I just want people to hear our music. Everything is internet now so you really need a good team of people who know how to network.We have a great staff who are doing a wonderful job!
Stone: Mark, could you pinpoint the greatest moment you’ve experienced as a musician, regardless of how small or large the moment was?
Mark: For me it was having a musician father that encouraged me. I had some natural ability and there was always music in my house. I think having a Mother and Father that encouraged just about anything I did musically was a great experience and I don’t think anything else could really compare to that.
Danbury, CT – Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of Rock, kicks off the North American leg of their 2013 tour on February 28. The group returns to these shores following a successful spring tour last year to celebrate the release of their highly acclaimed studio album, Elegant Stealth, and on the heels of the RoadWorks 3 release, a collection of live performances.
During the Elegant Stealth Tour of 2012, Wishbone Ash played to full houses in the Northeast and Midwest. The upcoming North American Tour features many familiar venues plus several new stops, including dates on the West Coast and in Canada.
Released in November 2011 by ZYX Music, Elegant Stealth represents a benchmark in the evolution of Wishbone Ash. Signature twin-lead melodies and a powerhouse rhythm section frame 11 new tracks that reflect a diverse realm of styles and moods.
Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has more than 20 original studio recordings and several live albums to their credit. On Elegant Stealth, the group coalesces around strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member AndyPowell handles lead vocals and trades licks with Finland’s guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 15-year veteran of the band and in-demand studio musician, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers, having played with Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson. The band demonstrates its versatility on Elegant Stealth, from the Pop/Rocker “Reason to Believe” to the gentler vibe of “Give it Up” to tunes like “Warm Tears” and “Big Issues,” where the band gets to stretch out and flex its musical muscles.
Below, listen to and watch the music video forReason To Believe:
Classic Rock Revisited’s Jeb Wright called Elegant Stealth “one of the best albums in Wishbone Ash’s 42 year career.”
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck of MuzikReviews.com said, “This band is like a fine wine that just keeps getting better with age and this is one of their strongest studio releases in years.”
“The songs are catchy, very technical, but there is a soul in what Wishbone Ash is doing!” said Mark Kadzielawa of 69 Faces of Rock.
Citing Wishbone Ash as an influence on their style, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Southern Rock outfits like Lynyrd Skynyrd and, more recently, heavyweights like Opeth and some of the guitar- based Indie/Alternative bands, have all taken a little something from the legendary twin-guitar approach of Wishbone Ash. Truly, there is no other Rock band on the planet that has done more with the twin guitar concept than the Ash.
Wishbone Ash North America Spring 2013 Tour Dates:
February 28 – Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry, NH
March 1 – Towne Crier, Pawling, NY – Featuring Argus Live
March 2 – Record Collector, Bordentown, NJ – Featuring Argus Live
March 3 – Ukranian American Cultural Center, Whippany, NJ
March 4 – Iron Horse, Northhampton, MA
March 5 – Bridge Street Live, Collinsville, CT
March 6 – Bull Run, Shirley, MA
March 7 – Sellersville Theatre, Sellersville, PA
March 8 – Iridium, New York, NY
March 9 – Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe, PA
March 10 – Wellsboro House; Wellsboro, PA
March 11 – Winchester Music Hall, Cleveland, OH
March 12 – Callahan’s, Auburn Hills, MI
March 13 – Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn, IL
March 14 – Pabst Theater – Turner Hall, Milwaukee, WI
March 16 – Festival Place, Sherwood Park, Alberta, BC
March 19 – The Venue, Alberta, BC – Featuring Argus Live
March 20 – Jazzbones, Tacoma, WA – Featuring Argus Live
March 21 – Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR – Featuring Argus Live
SKID ROW – Check out below the U.S. and international tour dates (with venues & cities) for the legendary American Hard & Heavy Rock Band… SKID ROW! Metal be thy name and… WHOA!
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03.22.2013 The Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
04.04.2013 The Railway – Ispwich, England
04.05.2013 White Rabbit – Plymouth, England
04.06.2013 Great Hall 2 – Cardiff, Wales
04.07.2013 HRH AOR Festival – Rotherham, England
04.09.2013 Yardbirds – Grimsby, England
04.10.2013 Fibbers – York, England
04.11.2013 NQ Live – Manchester, England
04.12.2013 Leamington Assembly – Leamington, England
04.13.2013 Islington Academy – London, England
04.15.2013 Meet Factory – Prague, Czech Republic
04.16.2013 KD Frydek Mistek – Czech Republic
04.19.2013 M15 Concert Bar & Grill – Corona, CA
04.20.2013 Pima County Fair – Tucson, AZ
06.08.2013 Sweden Rock Festival – Solvesborg, Sweden
Sweet will be giving away a Free Live album on their website (www.thesweet.com) starting the 1st of January for one week only. The album is called: 100% Live 2010
The recording is 100% LIVE, no studio trickery or over dubs, just a stereo mix from the FOH mixing desk plus a stereo audience microphone. There are 11 tracks from the 2010 show, plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks.
I am not a curmudgeon when it comes to cover songs. Actually, I’ve always embraced a good (and sometimes) excellent cover song and/or album of such songs. I like to look upon a cover song as celebrating the Rock historical impact of its respective original. When a Classic Rock band “re-records” their own songs from the past, they are essentially covering their own songs. The preceding sentence sounds a tad silly huh?
My admiration for a multi-vast number of Classic Rock bands is real and I’ll use four current and legendary bands as examples for this post, all in which have toured extensively while releasing new studio albums in recent years: KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx. No doubt, I’ve enjoyed listening to all four of these bands re-recorded compilations. The classic quote “what’s old is new again” can seriously be applied to the recent re-recordings of these highly influential bands.
The above mentioned bands each have a catalog of albums that span four decades plus, therefore, breathing a newfound energy and modern relevance into their classic songs is not such a negative move. Or is it? I don’t want to come across as hypocritical when I say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” or “nothing beats an original”, especially after I’ve stated that I’ve enjoyed these bands rejuvenated greatest hits. Certainly there is money to be made from these four bands re-recording their classics, however, the generations of new fans that are recruited, due to the lure of these re-recordings, is what really matters. In turn, these new fans will (hopefully) keep the Classic Rock flame burning for many years to come.
Even though I spend the money on re-recorded greatest hits from these bands, it doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the original material and look upon it as dated. Truth be told, I’d much rather listen to the original (1978) Pieces OfEight by Styx and Foreigner’s (1978) Double Vision albums before I reach for the newly re-recorded comps. I’m old school, yet I’m also for moving forward as well. Numerous Classic Rock bands have moved forward, with lineup and lead vocal changes being an inevitable part of the Rock business model. Longevity doesn’t guarantee that an original lineup stays intact and re-recording songs from long ago unites the past with the present.
KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx each have earned a brand recognition in the global music marketplace, each carrying on their unique style of Classic Hard Rock, without compromising the quality I have grown to expect from them. I guess when it’s done right and with reverence to the song, any Classic Rock band can re-record their classics for the world to hear and enjoy. At the end of myMetal day, re-recordings from these four bands I’ve discussed or from any Classic Rock band for that matter, is history that I don’t mind hearing and being repeated. Of course I may not like every re-recorded song (or cover song) out there. What I do like is knowing the door to Classic Rock’s past will never be closed anytime soon.
Today, Jimmy Ronnie (guitarist and founding member of Scotland’s Hard Rock pioneers IRON CLAW) commented to Metal Odyssey on the recent departure of vocalist Gordon Brown. Thank you Jimmy! Here is what Jimmy had to say:
“As far as Gordon’s departure goes I haven’t really got much more to add, beyond that has already been said by Gordon himself. There is no bad feeling between us and we wish him good fortune in his future musical endeavours. Gordon has done a fine job on the album and that remains for all to hear. It’s just that the time had come for us to go in separate directions and when it came down to it we found ourselves in complete agreement on that point”.
“Iron Claw is still very much alive and looking forward to working with the next lead vocalist. There are plans to take the live show to audiences both here in the UK and abroad and Ripple Music have confirmed their desire to release another album in a year or so. Many thanks to Metal Odyssey for your continuing support”.
Jimmy Ronnie, Guitarist, Iron Claw – October 24th, 2011
Above: Jimmy Ronnie – By permission of Jimmy Ronnie
Above photo taken at first gig after Iron Claw reformation, at ”Comlongon Rocks”, a charity one day festival in South West Scotland.
Click on the large header link below, to read what Gordon Brown had to say, regarding his leaving Iron Claw, (originally posted on Metal Odyssey October 21, 2011):
CHICAGO – Yes, on a very frequent basis I do rant, regarding the obvious omissions of legendary bands/musicians that the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame are embarrassingly guilty of not inducting for membership. Believe me, this is not the first time nor the last, that I am ranting about the ignorance and politics of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
The 500 “Rock Scholars” and/or whatever else they’re called, over there in Cleveland, Ohio, should all put their heads down in shame about ignoring this legendary American Rock Band: Chicago. Read the musical achievements below about Chicago and maybe you too will agree… Chicago is a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Band!
* The following facts about Chicago are taken from this source: Classic Rock Presents AOR Magazine, Issue 3, July 2011
IRON CLAW – Step aside, Anvil… there’s a Rock n’ Roll comeback story that blows yours into the stratosphere. IRON CLAW is the Rock n’ Roll comeback story of legend. We’re looking at a band that hasn’t released new material in nearly forty years and now A Different Game will be set loose upon the Rock Music world on October 4th, 2011, on Ripple Music. For IRON CLAW, it is “a different game” and they haven’t a thing to lose, only amazing praise to gain from anyone who respects and enjoys beyond memorable Classic Hard Rock and vintage Heavy Metal.
You see, IRON CLAW was playing their brand of Heavy Rock at live gigs when Heavy Metal was just getting it’s name. The early 70′s were the building blocks for the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal that we all cherish deeply in 2011… and IRON CLAW was there… planting the seeds. Touring during the early years with the legendary likes of TheKinks, Spencer Davis and Pink Fairies, (to name a few), IRON CLAW easily can be considered an important underground player within the structure of the British Rock Movement. Without a “coveted” record contract, the Rock history books have overlooked too many silent legends, the pioneers of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock such as IRON CLAW. With A Different Game, their role in Rock history shall never go unspoken again.
Stone at Metal Odyssey won’t overlook IRON CLAW, no Metal way. If you have even a sliver of Hard Rock or vintage Heavy Metal in your Rock n’ Roll soul, you too will not overlook IRON CLAW and their forthcoming Hard Rock gemstone: A Different Game. Life is funny and filled with surprises. IRON CLAW has been my most personal biggest Rock n’ Roll surprise I’ve ever encountered in my entireMetal lovin’ and Hard Rockin’ life. With all this said, you can’t possibly short change yourself from being a part of what I consider to be “one of”, if not “the biggest” Rock n’ Roll comebacks in Rock Music history and it’s IRON CLAW – A DifferentGame.
(Photo courtesy of IRON CLAW)
(L to R: Jimmy (guitar), Gordon (vocals), Ian (drums) and Alex (bass))
These Rockin’ dudes from Scotland would never have considered even an attempt at a comeback, if they felt this new album wasn’t their best work of their lives. It is their best work. A Different Game contains the thick and muscular riffs from Jimmy Ronnie’s guitar that will guarantee to make the iconic Tony Iommi nod with approval and pride. Jimmy can jam, so go spread the Rockin’ word. As I listen to Jimmy Ronnie play guitar on this album, I realize that a new page must be added to any and all coffee table books on Rock guitarists. Add a chapter for this entire band in any Rock Music encyclopedia… right now. Their songs are that fantastic.
A Different Game is a reminder that Rock n’ Roll was born from the Blues and Gordon Brown’s vocals will have you searching to see if he ever “once” sang for Deep Purple. So fluid, so classic is the voice of Gordon’s that I swear he has a famously storied Rock career, one that VH1 would have a documentary on… only it’s all heard and told here on A Different Game. Alex Wilson on bass and Ian McDougall on drums play in rhythmic old school unison, fostering those visions of a world without big brother watching you and FM programming returning to AOR formats.
The relevance of IRON CLAW lies in the Hard Rockin’ and Bluesy sound they are so gifted at playing and is what countless bands of any age are trying to capture to this very day. Before I sat down to write this review on A Different Game, I wondered how inappropriate it would be to not call out individual songs and break ‘em down. Then, the realization poured over me: what in the hell is there to point out, other than this IRON CLAW album holding it’s Hard Rock merit valiantly as a whole? IRON CLAW is a band that was bred when listening to an album from front to back was second nature. My album review here is one of totality and A DifferentGame is the total Classic Rock package.
A Different Game must be listened to and enjoyed from beginning to end. The underlying and deliberate rawness of sound, coupled with this bands old school style and musicianship, may hopefully be utilized one day as a blueprint to a young band’s future, while also serving as a reminder to us seasoned Rockaholics that the past is never a closed book. Instead, the roots of Rock are a never ending gateway and guide to where Rock Music is today and tomorrow. IRON CLAW has returned and their unfinished business might just Rock your world… It’s Rocked mine.
IRON CLAW:
Gordon Brown – vocals
Jimmy Ronnie – guitar
Alex Wilson – bass
Ian McDougall – drums
A Different Game – Track Listing:
What Love Left
Saga
The Traveler
A Different Game
Angel Woman
Southern Sky
Falling Down
It’s Easy
My Way Down
Love Is Blind
Targets
See Them Fall
Closing In
* For more info on IRON CLAW, click on the links below:
DOOBIE BROTHERS - On September 28, 2010, the Doobie Brothers released their thirteenth studio album titled - World Gone Crazy, via HOR Records. Classic Rock is named such due to it’s ability to cross generations and make us revisit the songs and albums that became the building blocks of what Rock and Hard Rock is today… and Classic Rock continues to build that solid foundation in which Rock finds it’s stability to this very moment. World Gone Crazy is as fine an example of a Classic Rock foundation block as I could ever point out. The Doobie Brothers are Classic Rock warriors, returning with fire and melody in their sound that needs to not just be listened to, their new album needs to be celebrated.
For a new Doobie Brothers album to have what I consider to be my new “favorite all-time” song from them is quite a Rockin’ thrill to tell. You see, China Grove from their third album The Captain and Me, released back in 1973, has forever been my favorite Doobie Brothers song. No more. Now my favorite Doobie Brothers song is My Baby. The Rock infectious melody coupled with the trademark Doobie Brothers chorus is spellbinding to my ears. Listening to My Baby is like I’m taking a journey back to 1978, I’m a young lad once more and I’m listening to the radio… and being introduced to Rock ‘N’ Roll all over again.
I know I can’t just continue on about My Baby the whole time here, however, this song has brought back something to my senses that has been missing for quite some time… and this song just makes me feel so goooooooooood. This song is like the fountain of youth to my ears. Tom Johnston, you wrote one incredible song with My Baby… take a Rockin’ bow. Alright, onto the rest of World Gone Crazy. I’m crazy about this album. Get it? World Gone Crazy… I’m crazy about it? Whatever.
A Brighter Day opens up this Doobie Brothers gem, packed with enough Caribbean flavor oozing from it’s sound, to send my day dreams longing for that island in the sun. The musical flirtation with Funky grooves summons up this song’s positive theme to even greater heights. The title track, World GoneCrazy is a Doobie Brothers take on the state of our economy, (with the way things are going in 2011, you can take your pick on global or U.S. economy). This song, as with the entire album, glistens with every Classic Rock aspect and nuance that The Doobie Brothers are world famous for.
Far From Home is a mid-tempo ballad that beholds some very inspirational lyrics. Far From Home combines it’s soothing lyrics, cool melodies and harmonious vocals to make it a mellow winner among some hot Rockin’ Doobie Brothers numbers. Young Man’s Game is what Doobie Brothers Rock ‘N’ Roll is all about, with a Classic Rockin’ guitar solo and plenty of foot stompin’ piano, all mixed into a non-stop and up-tempo groovin’ listen on this album.
Don’t Say Goodbye features the legendary and former Doobie Brother, Michael McDonald. This song is a mid-paced and easy listening experience, which fits right into the musical scope of what The Doobie Brothers have ventured into in the past. The only drawback to this song is that Michael McDonald’s vocals are “featured” as background and chorus. Initially, I was expecting a Michael McDonald performance where he takes center stage on vocals, with both lead and background.
With the legendary Country Outlaw we all know as Willie Nelson, his “featured” vocals on I Know We Won are utilized for both lead and background. This song’s lead vocals are shared by both Pat Simmons and Willie Nelson, their duet, if you will, is as fabulous as I could have ever expected. Old Juarez embodies a latin Rock sound and vibe that has me seeking out my Santana albums. I’d swear Carlos Santana plays a lick or two on this song, only his name does not appear in the liner notes. The Doobie Brothers are not falling short on Rock diversity with World Gone Crazy, the shifting of Rock gears makes this album smoke.
Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons both sound excellent on vocals. This Doobie Brothers band has proved to me, they are still a major player in the world of Rock, a Classic Rock icon of a band they truly are. Yes… The Doobie Brothers can still play and jam the Rockin’ lights out. There is comfort food… then there is comfort Rock. The Doobie Brothers epitomize what feel-good Classic Rock sounds like to my ears. Metal be thy name.
In the event I have to recommend that “one” ClassicRock album from 2010 to purchase, (and I guess that this is the event), it is World Gone Crazy. The Doobie Brothers may have let nearly an entire decade pass without a new studio album, yet they have more than made up for the long recess between albums. If The Doobie Brothers are to substitute quality over quantity, then they have unquestionably succeeded, for World Gone Crazy is top tier, Classic Rock quality… magnified ten times.
Doobie Brothers:
Tom Johnston - acoustic & electric guitars, vocals, background vocals
Michael Hossack – drums & percussion
John McFee – acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, percussion, violin, electric guitars, resonator guitars & vocals
Pat Simmons – acoustic & electric guitars, vocals & background vocals
Other World Gone Crazy Info:
* Bob Glaub plays bass on all songs except I Know We Won. (There’s no bass on this song, that’s why)
* World Gone Crazy was produced by the legendary Ted Templeman and The Doobie Brothers.
* Ted Templeman plays tambourine on Chateau. (I Thought you’d want to know).
* Nobody is a remake from The Doobie Brothers single Nobody, taken from their debut/self-titled album released back in 1971 on Warner Bros. Records.
* For more info on the Doobie Brothers, click on the link below:
HEART – Ann and Nancy Wilson have revived their very own Classic Rock roots, to such an extent that Red Velvet Car is unmistakably 100% pure Heart Classic Rock. I don’t think I can hear a single note on this new Heart album to tell me otherwise. Released on August 31, 2010, on Sony Legacy, Red Velvet Car is the thirteenth studio release from Heart. This new album of Heart songs won’t reveal an Even It Up from 1980′s Bebe le Strange, nor will you hear anything remotely close to What About Love, from their 1985 self titled album Heart. What I hear is Ann and Nancy Wilson making a triumphant return to the sound that captured my very own heart, some thirty plus years ago.
Throughout the decades, I’ve listened to so many bands try to reinvent themselves, through sound, style and/or persona. Sure, Heart may have dabbled in some of their very own “change” in the mid 1980′s, only it was never drastic enough for these two incredibly talented sisters to cease making memorable Rock Music. I went along for that stylistic ride back in 1985… seeing Heart in the arena setting of The Hartford Civic Center, with the ever charismatic Autograph as the opening act. There was always a place for Heart… in my Metal heart, ever since my first album of theirs was spinning on my turntable, that album being Bebe le Strange.
While there are those bands that changed and never recovered, there are still other’s that seem to have forgotten their Rock ‘N’ Roll roots with an almost defiant glee in their eyes. Not Ann and Nancy… not Heart. These two gals have taken not just a piece of their Rock ‘N’ Roll past for Red Velvet Car, they have taken it all and this album essentially salutes it with a double high five… throughout all ten songs. As I took a ride inside the Rock Music of Red Velvet Car, I not only took a ride into the Classic Rock past, I am also taking a ride into the Classic Rock present of Heart for as the legendary Bob Seger has sung… “Rock ‘N’ Roll never forgets”.
Ann Wilson’s vocals on each and every song she sings comes through with the same spirit and resonance as the earliest of Heart albums. To listen to Heart’s 1976 debut album, Dreamboat Annie, immediately following Red Velvet Car is quite the Rockin’ treat, realizing that both albums are nearly 35 years apart is astonishing. The same can be said for Nancy Wilson’s guitar, being over three decades removed from Dreamboat Annie doesn’t seem real when the similarities in sound, style and fresh energy are so comparable.
There is even a slight demo-esque feel and quality about Red Velvet Car that makes it all the more alluring to me, whether this is intentional or not, the end result separates this album from having that overly polished and deliberate commercial gloss. From the onset, There You Go sets the tone as to the exact direction Red Velvet Car steers towards. There You Go is acoustically brash with an attitude usually reserved for a hungry up and coming Rock band, only this is Heart in 2010 and thus they are rejuvenated with their song writing. It only get better…
WTF has Nancy’s guitar tone emanating the feeling and desire of 1977′s Barracuda, making me wish I owned a vintage Chevy Nova jacked up and ready to go for that Summertime road trip to the beach. If WTF doesn’t grab you, then you have never listened to Heart before. Ann sounds as invigorated and Rockalicious as ever on the song Red Velvet Car… velvet vocals and all. If I am to drift off into Heart never, never land… then this is the song to bring me there.
Alright, this is the “stand up” and get your groove on portion of Red Velvet Car… Queen City is now playing. When Ann cry’s out – “yo-ho, yo-ho gotta keep afloat” it’s enough to make me feel like Heart has taken back what once was old and made it new again. Let’s not forget that Nancy Wilson can sing with a sparkle like a dew covered peach in the morning Summer sun. Hey You is an acoustic, up-tempo, semi-sweet ballad that carries it’s Rock fragrance of Heart with it’s infectious melody and Nancy’s sweet harmony.
Wheels and Safronia’s Mark both have the atmospheric sound and sensory feel of all things glorious about Classic Heart. Ann and Nancy please, take a bow now for you both have put me on a Classic Rock cloud that is drifting me further away from the lame-o and negative laced Rock Music that devoured everyone in the ’90′s. Hallelujah and Metal be thy name.
I’m going to make it a point to listen to Death Valley and Sunflower, while laying on the grass of my backyard on one of these last hot Summer days… and stare up at the blue sky and puffy white clouds with a retro grin on my middle-aged face that stretches from ear to ear. Is it wrong for my classifying Red Velvet Car as a Classic Rock gem? Calling out Heart’s return to Classic Rock prowess? I don’t think so. Exemplary Rock Music will always rise to the top, despite what is being played on radio or (gasp) MTV. Classic Rock exists for it will never go away, as it rears it’s triumphant head whenever a legendary band such as Heart brings it to life through their albums… both past and present with Red Velvet Car.
Classic Rock has rescued me once again, thank you Ann and Nancy. Red Velvet Car has the Classic Rock ‘N’ Roll fuel and I’m telling anyone whose listening to hitch a ride. Heart has pulled up in their Red Velvet Car and taken me for ride that I’m looking forward to taking again on a consistent basis… for a very, very, long time.
*I have not yet obtained any bonus tracks from the European release of Red Velvet Car, nor was I aware of the two bonus tracks found on the Target version of this CD, until it was too late. (I bought Red Velvet Car at f.y.e. before knowing of the “Only At Target” release).
THE DOORS- Today was a gorgeous late Summer day where I live. Eastern Pennsylvania has had it’s fair share of oppressive humidity the last few months, so taking advantage of more mild temperatures with little to no humidity is essential for the mind, body and soul. Outdoor activities are once again in the fold for Stone and his family! So, the family and I set out for some mini golf this afternoon. My wife found what I consider to be the cleanest and most fun mini golf course I’ve ever seen or played. Sittler Golf Center is quite the place… with a driving range, pro-shop, take-out window and of course, mini golf. This cool place is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
There are those many moments in my life, where being somewhere and hearing a song sparks a memory. Today there were two songs I heard being played at Sittler Golf Center, they were Touch Me and Light My Fire by the beyond legendary – The Doors. Listening to these kind of Rock Classics while playing mini golf makes Stone very happy. The memory these two songs sparked in my mind were of the first vinyl album I ever owned by The Doors, which was 13.
It was an immediate vision in my minds eye, the album 13. I could see it as plain as day as I moved about the mini golf course today. 13 is a slab of classic vinyl I wish was still in my collection. All I kept thinking to myself as the vision of this album drifted through my mind was… why did I get rid of so many damn great albums years ago? This question gets brought up by me so frequently and the answers are always the same. CD’s were invented and I traded or sold many of my vinyl albums so I could buy… more vinyl albums and/or CD’s! It was an economic cycle I was in for years, buying and then selling my favorite albums. I guess now I know better, the collector and nostalgic parts of me helps to keep my collection intact.
Yes, I did not own a studio album from The Doors until after this “greatest hits” of 13 ran it’s Rockin’ course through my young Rock ‘N’ Roll hungry veins and consciousness. 13 was as terrific a starting point as I could ever ask for in exploring The Doors. I believe I bought 13 sometime around 1983. I remember choosing this 13 album over The Doors Greatest Hits album, due to my liking the album cover of 13 much better. 13 has all four members of The Doors on the cover, with of course Jim Morrison taking up the majority of the cover… and rightfully so. I can honestly remember, holding both albums, debating which one to buy, while standing in the record aisle at the Caldor department store.
Here is what The Doors – Greatest Hits looks like:
Granted, both album covers have a fantastic photo of Jim Morrison. My thinking back in ’83 was to get the “greatest hits” of The Doors that everyone else was passing over. Thinking back, it seemed most of my friends and cousins had bought the Greatest Hits from 1980. L.A. Woman, Not To Touch The Earth, Break On Through and Riders On The Storm are not on 13 and on the Greatest Hits from ’80. However, 13 did have… 13 songs versus the 10 songs heard on the “original” Greatest Hits album from ’80. So, three more songs plus I liked the album cover better, making 13 my first album of choice in adding The Doors to my record collection and life.
It’s funny, yet as I played 13 over and over again back then, my favorite song on this album was You’re Lost Little Girl. Why it’s funny is that this song was never a huge hit for The Doors. I can recall hearing this song being played on WCCC, WHCN and maybe WPLR up in very expensive Connecticut while growing up, only very rarely. Heck, compare this song to the timeless classics of Light My Fire, L.A. Woman, Riders On The Storm and Hello I Love You and forget about it… these songs were staples in the FM rotation of any reputable station back in the 80′s, today as well for some.
What lured me in first and foremost, upon my initial listening experiences of 13 was the voice of Jim Morrison. Whoa. Jim Morrison sounded like no other dude I was listening to of any band at the time. This wasn’t Rob Halford, Ozzy, Paul/Gene/Ace or Peter of KISS, Dennis DeYoung, Lou Gramm, Tom Petty, Bon Scott, Brian Johnson, Jeff Lynneor Robin Zander. Nope. This was a more mysterious voice I was being exposed to at this time of my young life. The previous names I mentioned were all being digested by my ears and mind around 1983, slightly before my “real” exposure to the Thrash Metal movement that enriched my life to this very moment. All of these vocalists I named off are extremely unique and I admire them all greatly.
The voice of Jim Morrison to this day, makes me wonder as to what exactly was going through his mind as he sang. The only other vocalist that I could consider mysterious, with an unreal alluring X -factor, is the late and so sadly missed by me and countless others… Ronnie James Dio. To me, the voice and persona of Jim Morrison was Rock ‘N’ Roll in it’s most profusely exposed state. Sure, I could rant on about the drugs and misfortune of Jim Morrison here, only that’s not what I take from this legend of Rock ‘N’ Roll. Just knowing at that young age back in ’83, that drug abuse defeated Jim Morrison was enough for me to understand the consequences of living such a lifestyle.
13 motivated me to buy this amazing book:
This fabulous biography, No One Here Gets Out Alive, was written by Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman and was printed back in 1980. I remember being mesmerized by the content that I absorbed from these pages. Whoa… was I becoming schooled on the life and times of a Rock ‘N’ Roll legend. I was so fascinated by this book, that I can admit to reading it several times over before I graduated high school. I can remember that my mom was just happy that I was reading a book at all! So many kids had this book under their arm, in their locker or tucked away in their stash back in those early ’80′s that it was alarming.
My memory of watching this album, 13, spin around on the turntable seems like yesterday to me. Yes, I held that album jacket and stared at The Doors. I even read No One Here Gets Out Alive as this album played. Listening to Ray Manzarek on keyboards, Robby Kriegeron guitar and John Densmore on drums was a lesson in how American Rock Music was formulated in the late 1960′s and into the early 1970′s. I remember back in ’83, as I still do now, the feeling of amazement that The Doors released their debut album in 1967… when I was only 22 days from turning 1 years old!
The Doors and their 13 album only enlightened my adoration for Rock ‘N’ Roll, making me all the more better prepared for the onslaught of Metal Music that has been an important part of my life for so long now. This is not nonsense about The Doors actually pushing me head first into exploring so many other cool and historical bands when I was a teenager. I actually took a keen interest in listening to The Animals, The Rolling Stones, The Who and a slew of other Rock Music heavyweights back in those early to mid ’80′s due to this remarkable album called… 13.
* The Doors – 13was released back in November of 1970, on Elektra Records.
* The Doors – 13 was their first “greatest hits” album release.
* Apparently, 13 has never been released on CD. I’m going to find it on vinyl again someday… hopefully in the same mint condition as I once owned it!
SANTANA – I am guilty of associating many songs, albums and even bands/musicians to a certain season of the year. In the past, I wrote that RUSH is my Winter band… a band I turn to when I’m driving in snowstorms. Maybe the whole music imbedding “thing” comes into play here. When I used to live in Northwestern Connecticut, the snowstorms were very generous and very consistent, couple that with RUSH being a super HUGE band in that area of the world and maybe the exposure factor really left it’s mark with me.
Come Wintertime, it just felt as if FM stations played RUSH every 5 minutes while I was growing up, in very expensive Connecticut. Therefore, I gather that all the parameters were lining up for my RUSH/Winter imbedding many years ago.
I led with my RUSH and Wintertime “vibe” (as I’ll now call it), to introduce what is my Summertime “vibe” band… or musician… take your pick for it’s Santana. Yes, we all know that Santana is an exemplary musician and yes, Santana has always had a fabulous band behind him, (the original Santana band lineup is in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame). Therefore, referring to Santana as either a band or musician can go both ways. Now, if you want to get picky, I can say… Carlos Santana, the exemplary and legendary guitarist. I’ll just stick to “Santana” and hopefully we can all agree.
Since I was a young lad, Santana always had an open sound to his guitar tone… a feeling of sunny days and hot weather just seems to drift over me when I hear him play. Driving to the beach comes to mind each time I listen to Black Magic Woman. This song has me seeing visions of ocean waves slapping against the hot sand of the beach, while I feel my feet burrowing into the deeper depths of the cool sand. Black Magic Woman has always been a Summer chill-out song for me… so listening to it while driving in a snowstorm would ruin it’s ambiance, in my own mind.
Santana can tell a story with his guitar, having a lead vocalist on his songs proves to be a bonus for my ears. If there ever was a song that Santana speaks that mystical guitar language through his playing, it is Black Magic Woman. Captivating is the word.
Back in the Summer of 1999, my wife was expecting with our twin daughters… and so was I expecting too. We were on the threshold of a forever life changing event, the birth of our daughters with a target date of late September. That Summer of ’99 was extremely hot and humid… abnormally humid as the “weather experts” were saying back then. (You know those “weather experts”… they get it right every time). One album that kept my wife and I from going bananas during that period in our lives was… Santana – Supernatural.
As Metal as my witness, this Santana album chilled us out, as well as it lifted our spirits and made us feel very comfortable… on our journey to becoming first time parents. This Supernatural album just cast a magical spell on us… we would listen each day and night to those Summer Grooves and melodies of Santana’s guitar and be glad we did. Our favorite song from Supernatural was of course, Smooth, with Rob Thomas on lead vocals. That song is a quintessential Summertime Santana song if there ever was one. The music video for Smooth was a hit back in ’99 too… it radiates Summertime cool in the city streets.
It has gotten to the point, that when I see a photo of Carlos Santana, I think of Summer. Carlos “Summertime” Santana. Gee Metal whiz… it’s just me I guess. The same can be said for Jimmy Buffet, only equating Summertime and the ocean to Jimmy is way too obvious. Jimmy Buffet is all about songs that stir up images of the Tropics and fun in the Summer sun. However… I can never eat a cheeseburger without thinking of Jimmy Buffet… (I don’t drink Margaritas by the way).
I never want to resist or ignore the positive memories and images that music provides me. Just as I equate a song, album, musician or band to a season, I can equally equate them to specific moments in my life. Santana just happens to be an example of just how good music makes me feel.
* Santana (entire original band), was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998.
* For more info on the ever legendary guitarist, songwriter, musician and Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer – Carlos Santana, just click on this link:SANTANA – Official Web Site
* For more info on my favorite Wintertime band, RUSH, click here:RUSHAw, heck, RUSH is a favorite of mine all year long.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD – The always and forever legendary, Lynyrd Skynyrd will be interviewed and performing live on A&E – Private Sessions this Sunday, August 1st, 2010! Lynyrd Skynyrd will be jamming out their Southern Hard Rock Classics: Free Bird (extended version), Sweet Home Alabama, God & Guns and Still Unbroken. As an added Rockin’ bonus… Bret Michaels makes a surprise stop to visit Lynyrd Skynyrd and chat about their tour! Stone will be tuning in… that’s a Metal promise.
* A&E Private Sessions airs on Sunday, 9 AM EST, 8 AM CST. The host of A&E Private Sessions is the super cool Lynn Hoffman.
* To find out more info on A&E Private Sessions and this Lynyrd Skynyrd appearance, just click on this very helpful link: A&E PRIVATE SESSIONS
* For more info on Lynyrd Skynyrd, all you have to do is click this link below:
*On October 2, 2009, I reviewed the latest Southern Hard Rock album classic from Lynyrd Skynyrd, God & Guns. You can read all about it… by clicking the big header link below!
* Lynyrd Skynyrd – God & Guns was also chosen as Metal Odyssey’s Hard Rock album of 2009! On December 26, 2009, the Metal Odyssey Top Ten Hard Rock Albums of 2009 were revealed… you can check it out by clicking the oversized header link below!
ORION THE HUNTER – Let’s go back to those good ol’ ’80′s… again. When Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal seemed to mesh together for me, just like chocolate-caramel-fudge swirl ice cream. It was a decade when FM Radio really was the one-stop listening destination for great music. MTV proved to be the same for music videos. I can recall vividly hearing So You Ranon the FM dial… and I was hooked. Sure, it wasn’t a Heavy Metalsong I was hearing, nonetheless, it was Rockin’ along with a melodic sound that made me feel alright… and still does.
This Orion The Hunter album is yet another great piece of vinyl that I let go many Metal moons ago. It was released back in 1984 on Columbia Records. Now, from what I have seen, the CD sells “new” from $50 to $125 (U.S.). It appears Orion The Hunter is… out of print.
Orion The Hunter was: former Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau, Boston vocalist Brad Delp on backing vocals, future Boston vocalist Fran Cosmo, Bruce Smith on bass and Michael DeRosier on drums.
Convict me of being sentimental sometimes… yet this song just brings back some good memories of being a young dude, with no bills and high taxes to pay.
URIAH HEEP – Back in 1983, Uriah Heep released their 15th studio album – Head First. Granted, this was not the original Classic Rock lineup of Uriah Heep. The sound and style of Uriah Heep had changed considerably as the ’70′s came to a close and the colorful ’80′s came reeling in. With the 1982 Uriah Heep album – Abominog ushering in a new lead vocalist in Peter Goalby, Head First would be the second of three albums that this vocalist would be fronting. (Equator from 1985 would be the third and last Uriah Heep album featuring Peter Goalby as lead vocalist). For comparison purposes, the class of Rock/Hard Rock vocalists that best fits alongside Peter Goalby are: Lou Gramm, (Foreigner), Kelly Hansen, (Foreigner/Hurricane) and Brian Howe, (Bad Company/Ted Nugent), to name just a few.
I consider Head First, to be a Hard Rock swirling with early ’80′s commercial Heavy Metal album. Head First is AOR for certain and is not lacking with melodic Rockin’ songs. This is not a blockbuster of a heavy album by any means. Instead, Head First is an album of songs that gives off some cool vibes… vibes that I still find appealing after all these years. My favorite song on this album is hands-down: The Other Side Of Midnight. When I first heard this song played on FM back in ’83, I was hooked. This song is very much a psyche-you-out listen, with it’s up-tempo and melodic Hard Rock sound.
In 1983, I was a junior trying to survive in High School and working part-time as a grocery store bagger and shopping cart gopher. The supermarket I worked at was named Finest… only there was nothing very fine about it. One cool aspect about working for this dingy and depressing supermarket was it’s next door neighbor store… Bradlees. This department store had a semi-impressive records & tapes department, so I used to spend most of my $20 – $30 paycheck there on music. I bought this Head First album there… only I don’t have it on vinyl anymore. (itunes cured my hankering for this album though).
Stay On Top and Sweet Talk are two other extremely melodic and accessible songs that probably made it to the FM airwaves way back then. I just can’t say for certain. Stay On Top is “kinda like” an anthem represented on Head First. This song has a bit of toughness about it… early ’80′s Heavy Rock toughness that is. Sweet Talk is dominated by the keyboards played by John Sinclair. It’s the keys that really makes Sweet Talk elevate with it’s pumped-up tempo and mood. During his musical career, John Sinclair was also the keyboardist for The Babys and Ozzy Osbourne.
Bob Daisley plays bass on Head First and is most famous for his Rock ‘N’ Roll stints with Rainbow and Ozzy Osbourne. Longtime Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake was on board for Head First. Lee Kerslake was also the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne’s 1980 debut album – Blizzard Of Ozz and 1981′s Diary Of A Madman.
Lonely Nights is the Bryan Adams cover song that Uriah Heep plays a bit heavier than the original. Not by much though. Lonely Nights is from the Bryan Adams 1981 sophomore release titled – You Want It You Got It. Both the Bryan Adams and Uriah Heep version of this song just screams with that early ’80′s Rock sound, feel and… may I add vibe? No, no, no… I HATE the word “dated”. It makes ME feel… um, uh… old. Regardless of my rhetorical nonsense here, Lonely Nights is undisputedly a very emotional and inspirational song, in my Metal opinion.
If there has ever been that #1 constant with Uriah Heep, since day one, it is lead guitarist Mick Box. A founding/original member of Uriah Heep, Mick Box seems to have quietly become a Rock legend in his own much deserving right. Ever since the 1970 Uriah Heep debut album – Very ‘eavy… Very ‘umble, Mick Box has been on lead guitar. Fast forward to 2008 and Uriah Heep have released their 21st studio album – Wake The Sleeper. Uriah Heep is still Rockin’ the lights out live in 2010 from what I have read and been told… a Rock historic band that I would love to see live sometime soon. Then, I could boast that I have seen Mick Box play guitar… in real time.
Classic Rock, 1980′s mainstream Heavy Metal & Hard Rock, Melodic Rock, Progressive Rock and AOR fans should take a keen liking to Head First from Uriah Heep. This is a band that stretches across quite a few Rock genres, both past and present.
* For more info on Uriah Heep, just click on the link below:
If you are a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the "ALBUM REVIEW" section below.
