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CINDERELLA “Long Cold Winter” – A Look Back To 1988 and A Multi-Platinum Selling Gem

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CINDERELLA – Back in May of 1988, Philadelphia’s very own Cinderella released their sophomore album: Long Cold Winter. While the Hair/Glam Metal invasion was sprouting from The Golden State’s Sunset Strip, Cinderella was carving out their own niche within the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal communities; with Pennsylvania as their springboard to Heavy Rock stardom.

Even after I first listened to Cinderella’s 1986 debut album Night Songs, I knew this band’s only link to Hair Metal was their look and not their sound. Cinderella was far too bluesy from the get-go to be a bona-fide Hair Metal band, at least that’s what I thought back then and still do now. Anyone who wants to call Cinderella a Hair/Glam Metal band might as well label AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses that as well. Besides, Cinderella’s third studio album, 1990′s Heartbreak Station, only further solidified them as a blues-driven Heavy Rock band.

I first bought Long Cold Winter on vinyl from Strawberries Records & Tapes. As years, (gulp), decades have passed, that slab of cool vinyl is gone and since replaced by a CD, within my collection. From what I’ve researched, the RIAA has Long Cold Winter documented as selling 3 million + units. That’s Triple Platinum! (I know that sounded rather giddy of me).

Tom Keifer’s vocals were never stuff of fluff; that’s probably why I have always been a sucker for this album’s chart-topping ballad: Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone). The grainy vocals that Tom Keifer has been trademarked with is another reason why Cinderella stood out amongst the sea of Hair. Gypsy Road is a song that sticks inside my brain for days after I listen to it. Now that’s a song I can easily accuse of being Heavy Rock Blues.

I was attending a Community College back in 1988 and having the time of my life. Simply put, I was hell-raising for a Metal hobby. Party Central was my commuting terminal back then. Good times. I began hanging out with Scott Coverdale back around 1988 too and that only added to the “hell-bent for leather” attitude that I succumbed to. Good times. I’d swear Scott and I made our Guardian Angels work overtime for us, back then.

It was on August 4th, 1989; Scott Coverdale, my future wife and (late) sister went to see Cinderella together (for the first time) at the Springfield Civic Center. Winger and BulletBoys shared the stage with Cinderella that night too. Check out my ticket stub from that Metal memorable night, below:

I’ve been very fortunate to catch Cinderella live a couple more times since that Springfield show, with the 2010 M3 Rock Festival being the last time I’ve seen them perform. Yes, Scott Coverdale was by my side at that M3 Rock Festival… otherwise I had no damn ride home. We had a grand Metal time of times at that M3 Rock Festival too. Whoa, we did. No… thank you Klaus!

In a Metal walnut-shell, no red-blooded Rock, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Glam/Hair Metal or 80′s Heavy Metal fan can go wrong by revisiting or being introduced to Long Cold Winter. A 1988 Multi-Platinum Gem from Cinderella. Metal be thy name.

CINDERELLA:

Tom Keifer – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, National Steel and harmonica

Eric Brittingham – bass, twelve string bass and background vocals

Jeff LaBar – guitar

Fred Coury – drums

Additional Players:

Cozy Powell – drums

Denny Carmassi – drums

Kurt Shore – keyboards

Jay Levin – pedal steel guitar

Paulinho da Costa - percussion

John Webster – keyboards

__________________________________

LONG COLD WINTER – Track Listing:

Bad Seamstress Blues / Fallin’ Apart At The Seams

Gypsy Road

Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)

The Last Mile

Second Wind

Long Cold Winter

If You Don’t Like It

Coming Home

Fire And Ice

Take Me Back

________________________________________________________

* For more info on CINDERELLA, click on the link below!

http://cinderella.net

LONG LIVE CINDERELLA.

Stone.

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Wanna See My Mötley Crüe Button I Bought? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mötley Crüe - I recently bought this Mötley Crüe button at an antiques mall. I can’t verify if it’s actually from the early 80′s or not; yet the Too Fast For Love era of this legendary band is obvious from the photo. There are no markings printed on the back or edge of this button either. I’ll have to say, it just looks and feels like it’s from the early to mid 80′s though. I paid $4 (U.S.) for this button. How could I resist?

Over the years (or is that decades) I’ve compiled a dandy collection of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal buttons. Some I’ve picked up from concerts and others were found in odd places like this Mötley Crüe button. Maybe it’s no longer that odd to find 80′s Heavy Metal items at an antiques mall, for the years surely have moved along rather quickly.

Wait a second! I almost forgot to mention the size of this button: 2 1/8″ in diameter.

Thanks for checking out my Mötley Crüe button. I’m always on the lookout for in-expensive and cool Rock ‘N Roll finds, I just cannot help myself! Metal be thy name.

Mötley Crüe:

Mick Mars – Guitar

Nikki Sixx – Bass

Vince Neil – Vocals

Tommy Lee – Drums

_______________________________________________________

* For more info on Mötley Crüe, click on the link below!

http://www.motley.com

Long Live Mötley Crüe.

The word “dandy” was once again used on Metal Odyssey.

Stone.

7 Comments »

WIG WAM “Wall Street” – Glam! Bam! Hot Damn! It’s Dazzling, Anti-Greed Rock ‘N Roll!

Posted in glam metal, glam rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

WIG WAM – Winners of the Eurovision Song Contest with In My Dreams in 2005, touring heavily at home and internationally and achieving Gold and Platinum selling success, Norway’s WIG WAM is back at it again with a solid album of dazzling Rock ‘N Roll and it’s titled: Wall Street. This is WIG WAM Glam style. Wall Street was released on May 18th, via Frontiers Records. This is an album that brings the 80′s bright lights and color, while combining the spaciously loud atmosphere of yesteryear’s Arena Rock with Hair Metal attitude, style and sound.

The admirable accomplishment  here with Wall Street, is that WIG WAM ties in plenty of relevant vibes within their songs, steering away from being just another Glam tribute band to a decade long gone. Just when it seems like the world doesn’t need one more loud 80′s influenced Glam band, WIG WAM is reminding the masses that this genre isn’t going away and its music is being gobbled up by generations of fans. A miracle? Nope. Blame it on the spirit and mystique of Rock ‘N Roll.

Yes, WIG WAM carries their 80′s and early 90′s Glam/Hard Rock influences on their sleeves and good for them. WIG WAM have written songs with substance; lyrically in much better taste than Steel Panther and that’s always a plus with Stone. A Norwegian sliver-of-sound will undoubtedly be heard and felt from WIG WAM; Victory Is Sweet is just that song which summons up the spirited Hard Rockin’ sound from that part of the world… and it’s exhilarating to hear.

As with the title track and The Bigger The Better, these are songs that point out social excess when it comes to money, greed and materialistic wants. The album cover alone should be an indication that there will be a greed theme hidden within the lyrical content heard here. I’m not going to get political here, only I applaud WIG WAM for sounding out on the strive for excessive wealth; that same excessive wealth in which no one can take with ‘em when they’re dead and buried anyways.

Teeny on guitar lays down more licks than my neighbors dog abby (when she is greeting anyone that goes near her). Glam on vocals is no Bret Michaels, Vince Neil or Steve “Sex” Summers. Nope. He’s Glam. It’s so refreshing to not hear a carbon-copy vocalist and even more refreshing when such vocalist like Glam is as damn good and cool to listen to. A talented bunch of Glam Rockers are these dudes from Norway. WIG WAM = (gulp) fun, fun, fun and they can surefire Rock the gilded palace down!

The album closer Things Money Can’t Buy is a heightened instrumental, getting its muscle from Teeny’s guitar. Just those sweet vibrations and tones alone tell the whole story here for me, it’s as if I can insert my own lyrics to this song and they would include family, friends, Metal Buddies and special, personal, memorable moments in time… all “things money can’t buy”.

__________________________________

WIG WAM:

Glam – vocals

Flash – bass

Teeny – guitar

Sporty – drums

________________________________________

WALL STREET – Track Listing:

Wall Street

OMG! (Wish I Had A Gun)

Victory Is Sweet

The Bigger The Better

Bleeding Daylight

Tides Will Turn

Wrong Can Feel So Right

One Million Enemies

Try My Body On

Natural High

Things Money Can’t Buy

_________________________________________________________

* For more info on WIG WAM, click on the links below!

http://www.wigwam.no

http://www.myspace.com/wigwamania

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE WIG WAM.

Stone.

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VIXEN – New Album and Tour Planned For 2012! Launches: ‘The Vixen Chronicles’ and Kickstarter Project!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, hair metal bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on Vixen’s Official Website:

The first issue of The Vixen Chronicles, our monthly newsletter, is now available. Sign up here to receive it by email.
 We have launched a brand new Kickstarter project that we hope will be the most effective way for us to bring our new music
   back to our fans.

As you will see, some of the things we’re offering include a never-before-released Vixen song, as well as advance copies of a
   new Vixen album and live concert video. There are also some one-of-a-kind items and opportunities, like the chance to own the
 actual desk used on the cover of “Live & Learn” or a guitar signed by all the Vixen foxes or even a pizza date at the Rainbow
 Bar & Grill with all of the girls!

You can now follow Vixen on Facebook and Twitter.

_________________________________________________

* For more info on VIXEN, click on the link below:

http://www.vixenrock.com

LONG LIVE VIXEN.

GO GET ‘EM VIXEN!

Stone.

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Mötley Crüe – A Visual History: 1983 – 2005 – I Bought It At A Bargain!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal books, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music books, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mötley Crüe - As I wandered about a (somewhat) nearby Barnes & Noble last Friday, I came face-to-face with a very large hardcover book that I couldn’t resist buying. Mötley Crüe – A Visual History: 1983 – 2005. The sticker price was $9.99 (U.S.) and it was on… clearance! Metal be thy name, I love that magic “C” word.

Now, it only gets better. With my Barnes & Noble club card, I saved an additional 10%. Whoa. Why am I getting all psyched out about this price I paid, you may be pondering? Just take a look at what Amazon.com is asking for the same book in “new” condition: $37.95. Whoa! You read that correctly too. Plus, Amazon.com only has one new book currently in stock, with no used editions for sale!

Stone saved BIG here my Metal brethren. Rounding it out, it’s about saving $29.00 when you compare the Barnes & Noble price to that of Amazon.com. Honestly, this Mötley Crüe book is in pristine condition too. Usually those “clearance” books are kinda beaten around the edges. Not this time. Ring that Metal bell, cause Stone scored a Metal deal!

This Mötley Crüe book is a keeper. A Heavy Metal coffee table book it is. Legendary photographer of all things Rock ‘N Roll, Neil Zlozower, has compiled one stunning visual history of Mötley Crüe with his work here. The foreword is by Nikki Sixx. There are over 250 amazing photos to take in. This book measures (approximately) 9.25″ x 11.25″. Former Mötley Crüe co-manager/manager Doug Thaler lends some interesting anecdotes on one page as well.

Stone’s Metal Tip #1: Always shop around for your Metal stuff. When you see a Metal bargain, nail it!

Stone’s Metal Tip #2: You, yes you, can also own this cool Mötley Crüe book at an amazing bargain price. It’s selling at Barnes & Noble (BN.com) right now for $8.98! Take that expensive Amazon.com!

_______________________________

* Book cover photo credit: Neil Zlozower

* For more info on Mötley Crüe, click on the link below: 

Mötley Crüe

Long Live Mötley Crüe.

Stone.

2 Comments »

WARRANT – Cherry Pie 21st Anniversary Tour With Special Guests FIREHOUSE & TRIXTER!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 19, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

 

WARRANT – Here is a WARRANT tour to look forward to in 2012! With special guests FIREHOUSE and TRIXTER, the CHERRY PIE 21st Anniversary Tour looks to ROCK like there’s no tomorrow! Tour dates and venues are currently  being booked. Once dates and venues are confirmed, Metal Odyssey will have ‘em posted!

WARRANT will be out once again supporting their kick-ass, 100 proof and Hard Rockin’ 2011 album: ROCKAHOLIC.

FIREHOUSE will be touring is support of their latest album – Full Circle.

TRIXTER will be having their brand new studio album New Audio Machine releasing via Frontiers Records. Look for an April 20th, 2012 release date in Europe and an April 24th 2012 release date in North America! This is the first new album from TRIXTER in 2 decades!

______________________________________________

Stone Says: A Message to The Grammy Awards and anyone affiliated to not acknowledging the late Jani Lane at the 54th Grammys: You should all be embarrassed for the omission of this talented vocalist, musician and songwriter. Jani Lane helped shape Hair Metal and late 80′s Hard Rock, while being a major part as to why Warrant sold multi-millions of albums. The Grammys exhibited a true act of irresponsibility by being so oblivious to Jani Lane’s passing.

________________________________________________

* For more info, click on the links below:

WARRANT ROCKS

www.firehousemusic.com

http://WWW.TRIXTERROCKS.COM

LONG LIVE WARRANT.

Stone.

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M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 4 – Tickets On Sale February 3rd, 2012 – Bands Listed & Details!

Posted in classic rock, glam metal, glam rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Tickets On Sale Friday, February 3, at 10AM EST Through Ticketfly

Back for its fourth year with another 2-day festival dedicated to all things Hair, Glam and ROCK, M3 Rock Festival will be Kix-ing off on Friday, May 11th with headlining sets from Baltimore Hair Metal legends Kix, Night Ranger and more! But make sure to save plenty of Aquanet and spandex for an all day Metal slam on Saturday, May 12th featuring two non-overlapping stages and a Festival Village with tons to check out! Indulge in a weekend reliving one of the greatest times of shred-tastic Rock with an all-star 80s lineup for M3-4 at Merriweather Post Pavilion this May!

Purchase your M3 Rock Festival 4 tix here: ticketfly – M3 Rock Festival 2012

Don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the Rock & Bus!

Shuttle service from Powerplant Live! in Baltimore and other locations around the DMV to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Drink specials & parking validation available at Powerplant Live! before and after the show!

(Source: 9:30 Club)

* For more info, click here: M3 Rock Festival – facebook

LONG LIVE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL.

Stone.

4 Comments »

Britny Fox – Bite Down Hard: Can You “Name The Babe” On The Album Cover?

Posted in glam metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on October 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

BRITNY FOX – Back in 1991, Britny Fox released their third studio album and first without “Dizzy” Dean Davidson as the lead vocalist. Tommy Paris was now the new lead vocalist for Britny Fox on Bite Down Hard. The original core of Michael Kelly Smith (guitar), Billy Childs (bass) and Johnny Dee (drums) returned on Bite Down Hard, making this a memorable Britny Fox album for me. Bite Down Hard is a damn good and Hard Rockin’ album from Britny Fox, an album that shouldn’t be overlooked by this seminal Glam Metal band.

Fast Facts About Bite Down Hard:

The Metal guitar warrior known as Zakk Wylde plays a solo on the track: Six Guns Loaded. The planetary and interplanetary famous drummer for Poison, Rikki Rockett, appears on the track: Midnight Moses.

Now, with all that out-of-the-way… onto “The Babe”. No, not Babe Ruth. The babe on the album cover for Bite Down Hard that is! Who was that blonde gal that had herself photographed only from the nose down for this cover? Trust me, she is famous. Trust me, she does deserve her “babe” status too. Can you guess who she is? Here are some hints that “maybe” will assist you along:

Hint #1: She is German born, back in 1972.

Hint #2: This babe has appeared in Playboy several times.

Hint #3: An accomplished actress, she has appeared on numerous television shows. An abbreviated list: Friends, Boy Meets World, General Hospital, Beverly Hills, 90210, The Commish and Xena: Warrior Princess. For motion pictures, she has appeared in: Airborne, That Thing You Do! and Stacy’s Mom.

There is no prize if you can “Name The Babe”, only a loud congratulations for the correct response will appear as an update in this post. Hey, that’s pretty damn cool stuff too. Good luck in trying to guess!

LONG LIVE THE ROCKIN’ LEGACY OF BRITNY FOX.

LONG LIVE BABES ON ALBUM COVERS.

Stone.

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KING KOBRA – Turn Up The Good Times: Official Music Video and Words To Live By

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, music videos, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , , on October 1, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KING KOBRA – We unfortunately live in a world that could use a ton more peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll. You don’t need to be a Deadhead and follow psychedelic bands to understand that. Being a Metalhead, I can relate quite well to peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll and why wouldn’t I? There already is enough hate, envy and mean people around us all, so why shouldn’t I spread the Hard Rockin’ and positive vibes of the legendary KING KOBRA today, with their music video: Turn Up The Good Times.

The self-titled comeback album (and fifth studio album overall) from KING KOBRA, has reminded me once again that there still are Hard Rock bands that want to write and record a feel-good album. KING KOBRA is led by founding member and ultra legendary drummer: Carmine Appice. Rounding out KING KOBRA is: Paul Shortino (vocals), David Michael-Philips (guitar), Mick Sweda (guitar) and Johnny Rod (bass).

* KING KOBRA was released on April 15th, 2011 in Europe and May 5th, 2011 in North America on Frontiers Records.

TURN UP THE VOLUME ON KING KOBRA’S TURN UP THE GOOD TIMES BELOW!

* Directed by Mario Ruiz/Spain

* For more info on KING KOBRA, click on the links below:

KING KOBRA – Official facebook

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

FRONTIERS RECORDS


LONG LIVE KING KOBRA.

TURN UP THE GOOD TIMES EVERYONE.

Stone.

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Jani Lane – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on August 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Odyssey extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, band mates and fans of Jani Lane. The former lead singer of Warrant and Saints Of The Underground passed away on August 11, 2011. Jani Lane was only 47.

As a lead vocalist, songwriter and lyricist for Warrant, Jani Lane’s Hair Metal and Rockin’  identity could never be denied, especially on such Warrant album classics as 1989′s Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich and 1990′s Cherry Pie. Jani Lane’s music will live on for generations to enjoy. God Bless Jani Lane and may he rest in peace.

Stone.

3 Comments »

SALTY DOG – Every Dog Has Its Day: This Hard Rockin’ Album From 1990 Has Its Day On Metal Odyssey

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on August 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SALTY DOG – Going back to 1990, here is a band that I Rocked out to and was reminded about while rummaging through my “vintage” cassette collection late last night: Salty Dog. I remember buying the cassette for Every Dog Has Its Day instead of the CD due to my not having a CD player in my car. Cassette players in cars ruled the day back then. Heck, back in 1990, who did have a CD player in their car? No one in my crowd!

Holding onto the cassettes of my past enables me to go back in time and listen to albums that I never upgraded to CD. Many of my cassettes are not even available on CD either due to the “out-of-print” syndrome that seems to affect so many cool bands and albums of decades past. My apologies for often times overstating this annoying music industry fact.

Salty Dog may have been ahead of their time or time was just standing still for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in 1990. Take your pick. The Rockin’ tenure for Salty Dog was 1986 to 1991, with Every Dog Has Its Day being their album of note. Looking back, 1990 was not a generous time for up and coming bands of Heavy Music. With that said, there were and always will be an audience of fans and supporters for the kind of hard-edged Rock and Roll Salty Dog created and played. I’m living proof and I know I’m not alone.

Every Dog Has Its Day was originally released on Geffen Records in 1990. That was a tough year and time period for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands, with so many record labels looking for the next Nirvana. I wonder out loud, just how popular this Salty Dog album would be if it were “newly” released today? Gambling with my guess, I’m leaning towards Every Dog Has Its Day as being a hit. Why not? The Bluesy, Hard Rockin’ sound of Salty Dog should be appealing to the Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Classic Rock fans of 2011.

This is an old school, party till it’s four in the morning album… that comes with a spinning back kick of Hard Rockin’ relevance. (To my ears anyways). I remember the song Come Along like it was yesterday and it’s easily my favorite on this album. I looked up the availability of Every Dog Has Its Day on Amazon.com and used copies are available for around $13 (U.S.). Trust me, these “used” CD prices for this title go even higher! However, new or unopened copies of this original CD fetch a far bigger price: upwards to around $100 (U.S.). A 2010 reissue on a label called Bad Reputation has the new price floating at the $30 level (U.S.).

For a one album band, Salty Dog is surely remembered as delivering some memorable Rockin’ goods. Check ‘em out by picking up this CD. Only get it at a decent price!

BELOW: Is a very cool & rare promo bio picture sheet that was distributed by Geffen Records back in 1989. This Salty Dog promo is courtesy of Metal Buddy Kinger over at Demolish Fanzine – 1980′s Heavy Metal Revival. Thanks Kinger!

SALTY DOG:

Jimmi Bleacher – vocals

Pete Reveen – guitar

Michael Hannon – bass

Khurt Maier – drums

Every Dog Has Its Day – Track Listing:

Come Along

Cat’s Got Nine

Ring My Bell

Where The Sun Don’t Shine

Spoonful

Just Like A Woman

Sim Sala Bim

Keep Me Down

Heave Hard (She Comes Easy)

Lonesome Fool

Slow Daze

Sacrifice Me

Nothin’ But A Dream

(CD Back Cover)

LONG LIVE SALTY DOG – EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY.

Stone.

10 Comments »

Rock And Roll Plus Food = One Big Unnecessary List

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, lists, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Rock And Roll Plus Food - When I sift through my music collection or go online to look at what’s around for tunes, I always get the biggest kick out of bands, albums and songs that are named after food. Sometimes I’ll find a musician that has a food name too, as you’ll see below. In essence, this is really one unnecessary list I’ve compiled here. Regardless, there are times in life when I feel the need to accomplish unnecessary tasks. Feel free to comment any other songs, albums, bands or musicians that have food names… if you feel it is as unnecessary as I do.

The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers (1971)

Okay, so the Rock Classic Brown Sugar is on this vintage Stones album. I realize brown sugar is not an exact food, however, you can still digest it and it is an ingredient. Isn’t this what the song is really about anyways? Eating brown sugar from Aunt Mabels pantry?

Bee Gee’s – Cucumber Castle (1970)

Whoa! I’ve never been to Cucumber Castle before! Do they serve cucumbers there? Is this castle shaped like a gigantic cucumber? Is there a “pickled cucumber castle” as well?

limp bizkit – chocolate starfish and the hot dog flavored water (2000)

Um… I’ll pass on the chocolate starfish. I’ll especially pass on the hot dog flavored water. Sounds much too gassy.

David Hamburger – plays blues, ballads & a pop song (2008)

David Hamburger. Could there be, by process of elimination, a person out there with the last name of “hot dog”? Plus, could you imagine, if a Hamburger married a hot dog! Man, what would the children look like?

Vanilla Fudge – out through the in door (2007)

Vanilla Fudge ROCKS. Why? Cause the legendary Carmine Appice plays drums and sings for Vanilla Fudge… that’s why. Anyhow, vanilla fudge is something we can eat and listen to at the same time. Metal be thy name.

Zac Brown Band – The Foundation (2008)

On this particular Zac Brown album, apparently there is some “chicken fever” going on. Two songs have “chicken” in their respective title. They are: Chicken Fried and Sic ‘Em On A Chicken.

David Lee Roth – Skyscraper (1988)

Skyscraper is a very good David Lee Roth album, in case you never gave it a listen. I remember partying to this album like there was no tomorrow. Okay, the food song on Skyscraper is: Hot Dog and a Shake. Just think about it for a Metal second… it can’t possibly be that easy to write a song about a hot dog and a shake. Regardless, David Lee Roth and Steve Vai were able to.

Soul Asylum – Clam Dip & Other Delights EP (1989)

Um, I’ll eat the Clam Dip only I’ll pass over on the “other delights” thank you.

Jimmy Buffet – Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978)

C’mon. If you’ve never sang along to Cheeseburger in Paradise while two sheets to the wind, you’re either lying or destined to do so.

Van Halen – Van Halen (1978)

Vintage Van Halen here. This album started it all for this beyond legendary band. The food song heard on Van Halen’s debut is: Ice Cream Man. I always felt is was so cool, that Van Halen acknowledged a hardworking Summertime dude… like the ice cream man.

* That concludes this One Big Unnecessary List on Rock And Roll Plus Food. Thank you for stopping by and please come back again.

LONG LIVE FOOD.

LONG LIVE ROCK.

LONG LIVE HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL.

Stone.

7 Comments »

WARRANT – ROCKAHOLIC: Hard Rock Glory Has Risen Again!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WARRANT –  With a new vocalist in place to front the multi-million selling Hard Rock band we all know and embrace as Warrant, Rockaholic (Frontiers Records) comes at me with a new-found attitude and revved up Hard Rock sound that crunches. Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Cry Of Love) is now the voice behind Warrant and it’s a return to Hard Rock glory for this group. The stereotypical Hair Metal posturing of years gone by is not the sheen of elegance anymore with Warrant, instead Rockaholic comes at me with more Hard Rock relevance than I ever could have expected.

With original members Jerry Dixon (bass), Erik Turner (rhythm guitar), Joey Allen (lead guitar) and Steven Sweet (drums), the backing vocals they all provide on Rockaholic lends a cool-fueled, feel-good atmosphere and tribute to their legendary Hair Metal roots. The ballad Home reminds me that Warrant still has the fever for making a memorable tear jerker. An inspirational ballad it is, the lyrics aren’t sappy… they just hit home. A well written ballad that has substance… and ballads don’t usually impress me. This one does.

Candy Man is a groovy Rocker that hits on all melodic cylinders. A song that is heavy and filled with gimme more hooks, I can understand if Candy Man becomes a strip club favorite. Sunshine has the up-tempo and sing-a-long savvy to be a live favorite. Something about Sunshine makes it a cool candidate for a beer drinking song for some reason. Sunshine is yet another song on Rockaholic that proves these Warrant dudes know a thing or two about playing some good time Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Life’s A Song has Robert Mason giving Jon Bon Jovi a run for his Hard Rock money. This song should hopefully be on Warrant’s live set list for their 2011 Summer gigs. Cocaine Freight Train embodies the heavier personality of Warrant, with a pedal to the Metal tempo and guitar licks that resonate Classic Rock Americana. What Love Can Do is all about the good-time vibes. Crank this song up, roll down the windows and let the breeze hit you in the face while Warrant makes your lazy day cruise Rock! Metal be thy name, this Warrant album is Hard Rock goodness.

Rockaholic is 14 songs, which have the Rockin’ bookends of Sex Ain’t Love opening and The Last Straw closing out. Both of these songs are critical for Sex Ain’t Love sets the Hard Rockin’ tone of Rockaholic from the onset, while The Last Straw makes me wish this album would go on for another six songs or more. Metal be thy name once again. Ring that Hard Rock bell of glory and tell ‘em Stone told you to do so.

Dusty’s Revenge resonates with it’s Rock ‘n’ Roll outlaw sound, courtesy of Joey and Erik’s guitars and Robert’s vocals. This is perhaps my favorite song on Rockaholic, being carried by Robert’s vocals that embody the essence and mystique of a Classic Hard Rock performance. If there is to be more praise handed out here, it’s that Warrant is one band from the late 80′s era that knew how to evolve as a band. Did someone say bubble gum? I respond by saying kiss my Metal lovin’ ass. Warrant Rocks.

The hardened sound of Warrant today coupled with Robert Mason’s vocals, makes this entire album scream: It’s a new beginning! Warrant has surprised me with Rockaholic, fans of Warrant should surely be psyched-out of their minds by this new album. Even those few who may have shunned Warrant over the decades, just might realize, Rockaholic is a Hard Rock powerhouse of an album after just one listen. This is a band that never buckled under to nuthin’ and their fired-up and rejuvenated brand of Hard Rock is in the here and now. Warrant is back… and that is a Hard Rockin’ matter of fact!

* Rockaholic releases on May 13th in Europe and May 17th in the U.S., on Frontiers Records.

* Rockaholic was produced by Keith Olsen and mixed by Pat Regan.

Rockaholic Track Listing: 

Sex Ain’t Love

Innocence Gone

Sanke

Dusty’s Revenge

Home

What Love Can Do

Life’s A Song

Show Must Go On

Cocaine Freight Train

Found Forever

Candy Man

Sunshine

Tears In The City

The Last Straw

* For more info on WARRANT, click on the link below:

WARRANT ROCKS

LONG LIVE WARRANT.

Stone.

6 Comments »

Wildside, Bangalore Choir and Slik Toxik – Hair Metal Album Flashback to 1992

Posted in classic rock, glam metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on February 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Hair Metal was alive in 1992, the only thing was that nobody noticed. For that matter, I didn’t even notice I was winding down my five year college career back in 1992. However, there were three outstanding debut albums I want to revisit from that blurry year of ’92. Wildside - Under The Influence, Bangalore Choir - On Target and Slik Toxik - Doin The Nasty are three albums I believe would have been huge hits, if only they had been released in a more rightful timeline three or four years earlier. Instead, these albums were seriously overlooked while the malcontents of Metal (aka Grunge bands) were storming their way onto the Metal scene.

Of these three albums, my personal favorite is Wildside’s Under The Influence. There is not a bad song on this album, in my opinion. Wildside’s Drew Hannah epitomizes what a Hair Metal vocalist is all about. Raw and powerful are his vocals, there are no other adjectives needed. From the opening track Hang On Lucy and onward, this album kick’s major Metal butt. So Far Away is a terrific follow up tune that keeps the Metal riffs rolling. Just Another Night is a power ballad and just a fantastic song all around. Drew Hannah’s voice just soars on Just Another Night and is a bit reminiscent of a Steelheart style of ballad. Looks Like Love is another slow tempo song, still it packs some great guitar licks.

A song that continues on the momentum of Under The Influence is one of my personal favorites on this album… Hair Of The Dog. The only blemish on Under The Influence may very well be Kiss This Love Goodbye. This is another power ballad that just misses the mark for me. Wildside ends their impressive debut album in grand Arena Rock style with Clock Strikes. Regardless if Under The Influence is out of print or not, if you can find a copy I definitely recommend getting your hands on it. Wildside Under The Influence is truly one of the most underrated Hair Metal albums of all-time.

On Target by Bangalore Choir came equipped with a familiar Metal voice in front man David Reece, who had previously fronted for German Heavy Metal legends… ACCEPT. (David was Accept’s lead vocalist for their 1989 studio album – Eat The Heat). For obvious reasons, the combination of David Reece and Accept just didn’t work out very well. While David’s work with Stream and Sircle of Silence wasn’t all that bad, his vocals in my opinion on On Target is what I consider to be his finest work. Opening with the muscle behind Reece’s vocals, the songs Angel In Black and Loaded Gun act as a Mike Tyson one-two punch that grabbed my attention immediately with some catchy grooves and chorus.

Now we enter into the power ballad segment of On Target, which is typical of all Hair Metal albums… If The Good Die Young (We’ll Live Forever). This is one doozy of a power ballad and it’s done so extremely well that I could debate it as one of the best power ballads ever recorded. After a couple of tempered down tunes, the pace picks up once again in what I consider Whitesnake fashion with one of my favorite songs on this album – All or Nothin’. On Target doesn’t finish off with the same fury as Under The Influence does, it’s not that the songs are bad, it just doesn’t conclude with that punch I was hoping for.

Doin’ The Nasty by Slik Toxik may very well be the least known of these three 1992 Hair Metal albums. Still, nothing stopped Slik Toxik from releasing an excellent Metal album that would have received some of the same praise that bands such as Firehouse and Slaughter were receiving just a couple of years earlier. Nicholas Walsh in my opinion has an excellent Metal voice and may be the best of these three vocalists I’ve discussed here. Big Fuckin’ Deal starts this album off on the right Rockin’ foot. Helluvatime follows and continues that headbanging anthem style. Sweet Asylum just Rocks the house! This is a favorite song of mine from Doin’ The Nasty and it screams with outstanding guitar licks.

It’s my belief that White Lies/Black Truth would have been a pretty big commercial hit had it been 1989 instead of 1992. This song is a personal favorite of mine, it’s catchy and very melodic, making for a perfect recipe for radio. There are a few songs on Doin’ The Nasty that aren’t standouts, yet they shouldn’t turn off any rabid Hair Metal fan either. That leads me into the power ballad on this album – By The Fireside. This is one of those songs that will surely have you flickering your lighters in a darkened concert arena, not to mention flickering your honey by the fireside! Doin’ The Nasty finishes off pretty strong, the only gripe I have is this album should have ended with Midnight Grind.

During a 90′s decade when the Metal world had changed from the big hair and big guitars to the somber sounds of Grunge, it’s great to look back upon a few Hair Metal nuggets from that era which are uplifting gems today. It’s remarkable to think, what a couple of years could have meant for these bands in terms of album releases. I guess that’s why there is truth to “timing is everything”. Twenty years later, Under The Influence, On Target and Doin’ The Nasty still do the Hair Metal alumnus such as myself proud. Lastly, I’ll make a couple of suggestions. If you haven’t listened to these beauties in a long while, then dust ‘em off and Rock out! If you’d never given them a listen at all, it’s time to check ‘em out and join the hair club for men party.

Scott Coverdale.

2 Comments »

KING KOBRA – Veteran Hard Rockers Are Back With A Venomous New Album!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on February 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of the Self-Titled come back album from KING KOBRA on April 15th in Europe and May 5th in North America.

Formed in 1984 by legendary drummer Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne), Los Angeles heavy metal outfit King Kobra recorded two critically acclaimed albums for Capitol Records – the 1985 release ‘Ready to Strike’ and 1986′s ‘Thrill of a Lifetime’.

Along with Carmine, the band featured four relatively unknown musicians at the time – David Michael-Philips and Mick Sweda on guitar, Johnny Rod on bass and Mark Free on lead vocals. King Kobra toured the U.S., Canada, Europe and Mexico playing shows with Kiss, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, Ted Nugent, Queensryche and Autograph.

The band was featured regularly on MTV and performed the theme song for the #1 1986 motion picture “Iron Eagle“. After disbanding in 1988, each member continued his career in other successful major-label groups – Carmine to Blue Murder (Geffen), Mark Free to Unruly Child (Interscope), Mick Sweda to the BulletBoys (Warner Bros.), Johnny Rod to W.A.S.P. (Capitol/EMI) and David Michael-Philips to Lizzy Borden (Metal Blade).

The year 2010 saw the band reunite the original classic ’85 lineup, replacing original singer Mark Free (now Marcie Free) with veteran lead vocalist Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot). “This album captures all the great points we had in the 80′s, but better” says Carmine Appice “The music is more traditional King Kobra music. Great lyrics, kick ass songs with cool hooks and  really good playing. A really great hard rock/metal record with lots of energy”. David Michael-Phillips adds “It truly is an all-star album. Paul Shortino is amazing! I can honestly say he is one of the best vocalists in the business along with being one of the nicest and most generous people I have ever met”.

The band is planning to get on some targeted American and European summer festivals this year. Watch out: King Kobra is smokin’ hot, back stronger than ever and “Ready to Strike” once again!

The new album “King Kobra” will include the following tracks: Rock This House, Turn Up The Good (Times), Live Forever, Tear Down The Walls, This Is How We Roll, Midnight Woman, We Got A Fever, Tope Of The World, You Make It Easy, Cryin’ Turns To Rain, Screamin’ For More, Fade Away.

KING KOBRA

* Paul Shortino – vocals

* David Michael-Philips - Guitar

* Mick Sweda – Guitar

* Johnny Rod – Bass Guitar

* Carmine Appice – drums

Weblinks:

www.myspace.com/officialkingkobra

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

LONG LIVE KING KOBRA.

Stone.

10 Comments »

Mötley Crüe – Three Concerts Announced For Mexico This May 2011!

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Mötley Crüe - The official Mötley Crüe fan club newsletter, has reported, that three concert dates are scheduled for The Crüe to play in Mexico, this May of 2011! Here are the three dates and their respective venues:

May 24, 2011 – Mexico City – Palacio de los Deportes (The Sports Palace)

May 26, 2011 – Monterrey – Teatro Banamex (Banamex Theatre)

May 27, 2011 – Guadalajara – Arena VFG

Mötley Crüe:

Vince Neil - vocals

Nikki Sixx - bass

Mick Mars – guitar

Tommy Lee - drums

* For more info on Mötley Crüe, click here: Mötley Crüe

Long Live Mötley Crüe.

Stone.

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LITA FORD “Out For Blood” – Revisiting Lita’s 1983 Debut Album

Posted in classic rock, glam metal, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on February 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

LITA FORD – First, let me point out that this debut album from Lita Ford is out of print. Yes, Out For Blood is not going to be purchased on the cheap. Brand new CD’s of Out For Blood are selling on Amazon.com, with currently four to choose from. The price range for a “new/unopened” copy of Out For Blood is $99.82 to $193.96. (U.S. funds). Plus, you have to add $2.98 in shipping cost! Whoa, who would have thought this debut album from Lita Ford would be this rare on CD? I’m certain finding Out For Blood in mint condition on vinyl is no easy Metal task either. Vinyl is listed at Amazon.com with a price range of $4.78 to $19.98, (U.S. funds), depending on condition.

There is a light at the end of the Metal tunnel though… used copies of Out For Blood are available at Amazon.com and there is a price range once again! Are you ready? Here it is: $17.98 to $91.48. Again, add $2.98 for shipping. I’ll say this much, I’m very much at peace with owning the cassette version of Out For Blood… for now. My Out For Blood cassette plays just fine and it’s in Metal mint shape too. Before you run over to Itunes… let me warn you… Out For Blood is not for sale there. “Out of print” often times covers the digital download retail world too.

Out For Blood was released on Mercury Records, back in 1983. Lita Ford’s new solo career following her five year years with The Runaways had just begun! The Runaways had formed in 1975 and broke up in 1979. Heavy Metal and Hard Rock was obviously on Lita Ford’s mind and in her heart. From 1983 to 2009, Lita Ford released seven studio albums and her catalog of music does back up her obvious loyalty to the heavier side of Rock. Certainly, one can point at the album cover (both versions) for Out For Blood and state this exemplifies Hair Metal of the early 80′s. Lita Ford can very well be considered a pioneer of the Hair Metal genre… no argument from Stone here.

Besides looking like a sexy Heavy Metal goddess on this Out For Blood album cover, I always felt the real deal about Lita Ford was the music heard within these songs. Back in 1983, there wasn’t an abundance of female Heavy Metal vocalists out there… especially one’s that played some lean and mean guitar like Lita. I took to Lita Ford from the onset and no, it wasn’t all due to her looking so hot. (Well, it did help). Hey, a hot blooded seventeen year old Metalhead in 1983 is gonna have his fantasy crushes and Lita Ford caused quite abuzz amongst my buddies too back then. Heck, with the likes of Ozzy, Angus, Lemmy and Cronos staring at me from the pages of mags and posters back then, seeing Lita Ford grace an album cover was much more easier on my eyes! Metal be thy name.

After all these years, um, decades, there has never been any question with me that Lita Ford can sing and play some slick guitar licks. This Out For Blood album is where Lita Ford catapulted herself into the Heavy Metal realm. Out For Blood is still a (gasp) fun and Rockin’ listen for me today. For all the Hair Metal and 80′s Heavy Metal/Arena Rock maniacs out there: not owning this Lita Ford album is a tragic misfortune. Listening to Out For Blood in 2011 brings me back to those days, when I was being mesmerized by the hour from a never ceasing influx of Heavy Metal bands. I’ll say it again in different words, Lita Ford really lets loose some melodic leads and cool riffs while not being shy of laying down some psyche-you-out solos.

Any Metalhead from this early 80′s era who says they never played some air guitar to a Lita Ford album is, well, their nose is growing by the second. It’s time to come clean, my fellow Metalhead air guitar brothers. Regardless of anyone’s personal opinion to the contrary, Lita Ford and Out For Blood represents an important and historic chapter in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock history, in my Metal opinion. Lita Ford, along with her former Runaways band mate Joan Jett, (and I can never forget) Pat Benatar, all made me realize those many years ago, that yes, girls can really… ROCK.

* My mentioning Amazon.com in this and other posts is not my endorsing them. The same goes for Itunes. Metal Odyssey receives nothing in return from Amazon.com or Itunes, whenever they are mentioned in any post. I just feel that Amazon.com makes for a fair and realistic measuring “device” to see what these classic albums/CD’s are selling for in the current marketplace.

Above: The original 1983 album cover of Out For Blood. The album cover shown at the top of this post is the re-released version. My cassette of Out For Blood is the re-release version.

* Out For Blood was produced by Neil Merryweather. The executive producer was Artie Ripp.

The Lita Ford Band:

Lita Ford - guitars & lead vocals

Neil Merryweather – bass, harmony and backing vocals

Dusty Watson – drums & backing vocals

Out For Blood Track Listing:

Side One/18:10

Out For Blood

Stay With Me Baby

Just A Feeling

Ready, Willing And Able

Die For Me Only (Black Widow)

Side Two/17:05

Rock ‘N Roll Made Me What I Am Today

If You Can’t Live With It

On The Run

Anyway That You Want Me

I Can’t Stand It

LONG LIVE LITA FORD.

Stone.

14 Comments »

Henrik Ostergaard – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HENRIK OSTERGAARD – As quoted from the FnA Records website:

“Henrik Ostergaard, lead singer for the band Dirty Looks and current FnA Recording Artist, passed away this morning, January 27th, 2011 at 9:18 a.m. The Cause of death at this time is unknown and the results of an autopsy are pending.

The Rock world will sadly mourn the loss of this 80′s hard rocker. Ostergaard, who was of Danish descent, lived in Erie, Pa. In 1985, Henrik started the band Dirty Looks. Three independent albums and an EP would soon follow, which led to Dirty Looks getting signed by Atlantic Records. Later in Henrik’s career, he would be signed to Sony Records and most recently FnA Records where he released a new album, I.C.U., in 2010. Ostergaard is survived by his 2 children Henrik Jr. and Elliot”.

* Later credible reports have stated: “The Erie County, Pennsylvania coroner stated that Henrik Ostergaard died of natural causes while under hospice care”.

* Top album photo – Cool From The Wire (1988) Atlantic/Wea

Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends, band mates and fans of Henrik Ostergaard.

MAY THE MUSIC OF HENRIK OSTERGAARD LIVE ON.

REST IN PEACE, HENRIK OSTERGAARD

1964-2011

Stone.

4 Comments »

BON JOVI and POISON – Who Cares About Their Recycled “Greatest Hits” Collections Anyways?

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on November 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BON JOVI/POISON – Metal be damned their back. I’m not talking about the bands Bon Jovi and Poison themselves, I’m talking about their recycled, re-mastered, decades old “hits” that everyone on planet Earth already owns. Yes, both bands have reintroduced to the world, once again, their sacred “hits” and have now decided to call them… “collections”. The sole purpose of these “collections” being released now, is for their being purchased as holiday gifts, the timing could not be any more prosperous for Bon Jovi and Poison.

Some poor dude out there is gonna get this Bon Jovi The Ultimate Collection as a Christmas present this year…  just because he probably mentioned once, during a family reunion picnic, that he digs the song Bad Medicine. That’s so damn unfortunate. Some poor Hard Rock chick (who owns every Poison album already) is gonna receive this Poison Nothin’ But A Good Time Collection as a holiday grab bag gift at work… all due to her saying she has dug Poison her whole life to someone at the company cafeteria. Terrible thought, I know.

Any fan of Poison or Bon Jovi already owns every damn studio album, live album and greatest hits as it is. I don’t think either band is hurtin’ in the big pay day department either… still, it’s all about the $$$ and no remote care in the world for the long-time fans who want “new” studio recordings of songs. This is Bon Jovi’s fourth “greatest hits” album… hello, egomaniacs anonymous? Maybe these new “collections” from both bands are fitting for younger fans who are just getting into their music, I will concede that. Plus, I’m certain there are a ton of Democrat politicians who have been voted out of office this November that will buy this new Bon Jovi “Collection” as well. Those soon to be former Democrat politicians owe Bon Jovi for his supporting them… so there is always that new market to tap into.

How many times does Poison need to release a “greatest hits”? It’s been eight long years since Poison released a studio album of “new” songs, the last being 2002′s Hollyweird. Four “new” songs on Bon Jovi’s Ultimate Collection is like giving their loyal fans a bagged fart, disguised as a secret toy surprise, in the middle of bland tasting cheerios. Oh, I forgot, This Bon Jovi band is too “busy” to make a full-length album these days. This is as perfect an example, as I can point out, to two different bands becoming so commercial and worldly popular, that anything they decide to refry and belch out, is to be automatically accepted by the Rock listening and buying public. NOT!

Seasoned Rock and Hard Rock fans worldwide, save your hard earned money this holiday season and do yourself an “ultimate” favor by staying away from these “ultimate” collections. I’m not taking away from either band being solid and great in their own musical regards, that is not my intent. I really, really, dig Poison, always have and will. However, giving a little extra more money to the Salvation Army kettle, this holiday season, sounds like a much more valiant way to expend any more disposable income that I already don’t have.

Metal be thy name.

Stone.

8 Comments »

BLACK RAIN “License To Thrill” – Is Your License To ROCK! Plus Current BLACK RAIN News!

Posted in glam metal, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on November 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BLACK RAIN – Released back on December 29, 2009, on Listenable Records, Black Rain License To Thrill is the first “real” album from this French Sleeze & Glam Metal Band. (Black Rain released a demo album back in 2006). Chock full of Hard Rockin’ vibes that explode with good times, partying, chasing the chicks and who gives a shit about priorities, Black Rain does an exemplary job of curing any funk you may find yourself drifting away in. French producer and Enfer Magazine founder, Dany Terbeche, brings his 80′s producing experience to the forefront of License To Thrill… making this album beefy and saturated with all things glorious about this 80′s Glam Metal sound.

Metal Odyssey’s correspondent and Best Metal Buddy, Scott Coverdale, has given Black Rain every word of Metal praise that’s probably known to mankind’s vocabulary. When Coverdale talks up a band this highly, Stone listens. Black Rain has taken a style, sound and energy from a Glam Metal culture and certainly made it their own brand. These guys would without a Metal doubt, have fit right in back in the mid to late 80′s… only this is 2010 and they fit right in now.

Admittedly, my Metal allegiance crosses over all sub-genres, therefore a healthy dose of License To Thrill is admittedly a listen for gettin’ psyched. Black Rain does have that Old School attitude and their songs just keep comin’ at me. Black Rain’s ability to Rock my senses in ways very similar to that of Motley Crue, Ratt, Quiet Riot and Poison makes me grin and chase my wife around the house. One of these days I’ll catch her.

N.A.S.T.Y. and Rock Your City will have you reachin’ for your unlaced sneakers, worn-torn jeans and concert tee… and a couple of cold six pack’s too. Black Rain is a band that shall make all the turtlenecks in the world cry and make all Glam Metal hungry fans of any generation raise their fists in the air… with post MTV era glee. The title track, License To Thrill, embodies every memorable quality of Black Rain, from the thumping rhythm section and electrifying guitar parts to the Glam laced vocals of Swan.

Kill’em All is my favorite song on this album. The all encompassing Hardness is what makes Kill’em All stand out for me. This song is built around speed as well, making it all the more appealing to my ears. Baby It’s You is a ballad that brings back cool memories of 80′s Arena concerts for me. Swan’s vocals just come across as Arena ready on this power ballad, plus it’s not seeping with sappiness either. Baby It’s You is just a really cool power ballad about, um, well, being in love.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Dead Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll begins with a intro riff reminiscent to that of You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ from the ultra legendary Judas Priest. This can very well be called the Heaviest hitter on License To Thrill, however, Rockstars Don’t Go To Jail is just as Heavy. Both songs MUST be played LOUD for maximum enjoyment… and trust me, Black Rain proves quite easily they have “that” Heavy Metal thunder in their veins. Metal be thy name.

No Forever is a power ballad that exhibits shades of Guns N’ Roses and Cinderella influences. Very melodic and well written, both lyrically and musically. This song just seems to come together from the opening note. The backing vocals compliment the emotional vibe of Swan’s lead vocals with super smooth fashion. Scott Coverdale likens No Forever’s influence to that of Guns N’ Roses ever memorable – November Rain. I’ll have to go along with him on that Metal notion.

Swan has the Glam Metal pipes to carry Black Rain onto the next level of notoriety. Max 2 lends his licks on lead guitar that are both pump-you-up and refreshing, while Heinrich on bass and Iann Lewis on drums keep it tight and balanced. Black Rain surely released a damn decent, debut full-length album with License To Thrill, just the energy alone that pulsates from their songs is evidence enough, that they are taking their music seriously.

With so many Glam/Hair Metal Bands from yesteryear still making quality noize, along with “newer” Glam Bands like Reckless Love and Crashdiet (to name a couple) emerging as legit flag bearers to this genre, Black Rain is jumping onto the scene at an opportune time. There are hooks aplenty with more guitar riffs, leads and solos on License To Thrill to satisfy any die-hard Glam fan the world over. Black Rain may not be a pioneer band of this colorfully loud Glam Metal movement, still, they are as righteously loyal, talented and raucous as their forefathers were with their songs… and that should make plenty of Glam/Hair and Sleeze fans sleep well at night.

* For more info on BLACK RAIN, just click on the cool link below:

BLACK RAIN – myspace music

BLACK RAIN:

Swan – vocals, guitar

Max 2 - guitar

Heinrich – bass

Iann Lewis – drums

Track Listing For License To Thrill:

Rock Your City

Innocent Rosie

N.A.S.T.Y.

True Girls Are Sixteen

License To Thrill

No Forever

Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Dead Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll

Rockstars Don’t Go To Jail

Party War

Kill’em All

Baby It’s You (Bonus Track)

BLACK RAIN will be releasing a brand new studio album on February 14, 2011! Lethal Dose Of… will be the second full-length studio album from BLACK RAIN. I have found the titles to seven songs… they all ROCK quite soundly. Here they are:

My Young Star

Rock’ N’ Jive

Addicted To Failure

Heart Screams

Burn’ n’ Die

Overloaded

I Need My Doctor

* You can listen to all seven new BLACK RAIN songs! Just click below:

OUI FM/La Radio Rock

BLACK RAIN will be playing at the Bring The Noise Festival out in France, this December of 2010! They will be sharing the spotlight with Papa Roach, Airbourne and many more! I can’t read French, so the info on this promo poster pic is all I can share.

LONG LIVE BLACK RAIN.

Stone.

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