Archive for the 1980’s rock bands Category

QUEEN – “THE GAME” MADE 1980 A YEAR I’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's rock bands, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's rock albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock albums, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's classic rock songs, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's rock bands, 1990's rock bands, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, classic rock vocalists, family, feel good stories, hard rock bands, hard rock music, holidays, metal odyssey, Music, people, personal stories, real life experiences, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 22, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

QUEEN – I can remember like it was yesterday, it was 1980 and I wanted so badly, as a Christmas gift from my Mom and Dad, Queen’s The Game album. I can recite what and how many albums I received as gifts from my parents when I was young, due to the fact that I so deeply appreciated each one. While growing up, my family may not have been “rich” with money, instead we were pretty “rich” with love. As a young dude, I never expected more than one album as a gift from my parents, with each passing Christmas and birthday. Receiving an album a few times during the year, as a thank you for helping out around the house and yard, was reality as well. Therefore, that “one” album at Christmas held some weight… and each album gift was always one of my choices that I made known to anyone who would listen.

1980 came upon me as a breakout year in my life… for I finally broke out of eight years of parochial school. (A Catholic School). I was now an official high school student… enrolled as a freshman. My Rock and Roll taste buds were changing by the week it seemed… so many bands I was hearing on the FM dial, still, so little funds to buy them.

When Christmas of 1980 finally rolled around, I was anxious as to whether or not an album would be under the tree at all. If there was an album, which one would it be? I had jotted down just about every KISS album on that wish list back in 1980, save for Double Platinum and Dynasty, which I already owned. I remember putting Queen’s The Game down on my wish list, I needed a real Queen album and this one would be as good as any. All I did own of Queen at this time in my life was the 45 rpm of We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions. Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Another One Bites The Dust were enormous hits for Queen on the FM dial in 1980. Each time I heard these two songs back then, it felt like Rock and Roll magic in my brain.

Once I heard these next two songs from this powerful Queen album, I was literally covered in ostrich bumps: Play The Game and Need Your Loving Tonight. The Hartford, Connecticut FM stations were very cool back in the late ’70’s on through the ’80’s, their spinning these deeper album cuts from The Game only made it more clear to me, that I absolutely needed this album! Listening to the song Play The Game made me feel like I was walking on air. It still does have that affect on me. Sure, Another One Bites The Dust has been overused commercially over the decades, I do understand. This entire Queen album still makes me feel more powerful than I really am… it’s as if it lifts me up and puts the troubles of the day below my feet.

I did see a wrapped album under the Christmas tree, that Christmas morning back in 1980 and it had my name on the tag. It was from Mom and Dad. Once the wrapping was taken off, (gently I might add, as not to damage a cool album), my eyes widened as big as Pennsylvania Dutch pancakes on a Saturday morning. Queen. The Game. In my hands, the entire album. Yes, I played it on my turntable every day during my freshman year in high school. Back in 1980, hearing the song Dragon Attack was a quick study in Hard Rock 101 for me.

This Queen album, single handedly inspired me as a high school freshman, in ways that I cannot even explain. The operatic and prolific vocals of the late and ultra legendary Freddie Mercury, the ever distinguishable guitar tone of Brian May and the rhythm being solidly accented by John Deacon on bass and Roger Taylor on drums. A Rock album for the ages was and still is – The Game.

LONG LIVE QUEEN. REST PEACEFULLY, FREDDIE MERCURY.

Stone.

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DOUG FIEGER – REST PEACEFULLY AND THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

Posted in 1970's #1 rock songs, 1970's classic rock albums, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's Rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1979 rock albums, 1980's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock cover songs, classic rock music, classic rock music 1979, classic rock songs, classic rock vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll news, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music history, rock vocalists with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I remember buying this debut album from The Knack, Get The Knack brings back some fond memories for me. My late sister and I made a beeline to the Caldor department store to buy this album, sometime during the Summer of ’79. We got the biggest kick out of this album, especially the hit My Sharona. I recall listening to the song Good Girls Don’t and feeling really cool about it too. Doug Fieger and The Knack made a fun and good old fashioned Rock and Roll album with Get The Knack. Just a classic album period. I had sold this album years ago… and truly regretted it afterwards, for vinyl was no longer on store shelves. On one of my journey’s last year for Heavy Metal finds, I found a beautiful copy of Get The Knack at a thrift store for 50 cents. This new found copy is for keeps.

Thank you for the music Doug Fieger, rest in peace.

Doug Fieger – 1952 – 2010

Singer, Guitarist, Songwriter

In 2009, HammerFall covered The Knack classic – My Sharona. This cover song is found on the HammerFall album – No Sacrifice, No Victory. This is an excellent example of how Doug Fieger and The Knack are an influence in respective Heavy Metal circles. When I first heard this cover of My Sharona by HammerFall, I was reminded of just how great this song really is. HammerFall paid an incredible tribute to this song and The Knack, in my Metal opinion. Of course, no band can top The Knack in covering My Sharona, this is a Heavy Metal salute to a legendary Rock and Roll Band and musician, whose music shall live on.  So, crank up this My Sharona cover by HammerFall below, sing along if you will, let’s all give a Heavy Metal tribute and thank you to Doug Fieger and his Rock and Roll legacy!

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TRIUMPH – “SPELLBOUND” SONG FROM 1984 STILL PACKS THE POWER!

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's hard rock vocalists, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's rock bands, 1984 heavy metal music, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, cool album covers, guitar legends, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands from canada, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, progressive hard rock albums, progressive hard rock music, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Triumph released the album – Thunder Seven, on November 10, 1984. I thoroughly enjoyed Thunder Seven back in those days… still do. A fabulous album of songs, melodic and memorable, all the while exhibiting the heavy style of Triumph. The reality of my never getting this album on CD has set in, I really need to upgrade! I still own the cassette, it plays and it’s worth it’s weight in Metal gold to me. There are those songs that stick with me through life. Spellbound from Thunder Seven is exactly one of those songs. The first time I ever heard this song, I actually felt spellbound… and I’m not trying to sound cute stating that either. In my Metal opinion, the all-out power and intensity that Spellbound delivers is nothing short of amazing. Spellbound and the entire Thunder Seven album just reminds me of the days when I grew up, in the south end of my old home town… in extremely expensive Connecticut. My neighborhood buddies and me, we really played the heck out of this cassette I still own, it’s a Metal miracle that I still have it!

Killing Time and Follow Your Heart are two other standout songs from Thunder Seven. I really like Killing Time, just as much as Spellbound. Thunder Seven is just a solid chunk of vintage Hard and Heavy Rock from Triumph… wow. The old cliche goes: they just don’t make albums like this anymore. Granted, there have been a ton of albums throughout time I or anyone can say that about… it’s just Metal fitting to use that cliche for Thunder Seven. Am I on a Thunder Seven high? You bet… since 1984 too.

My best Metal buddie Scott Coverdale and I, we had many a conversation about this song and album years back and still to this day… the great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame debate not withstanding either. Triumph would be in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame if I ran it’s duh? operation. Then again, my list for bands belonging in that building in Cleveland, Ohio, is rather long… and Metal rightfully so. I no longer think this… I know this… the world needs a legitimate Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Hall of Fame. Triumph would be embedded in this much needed Hall of Fame, exactly where they belong.

Rik Emmett, (on lead vocals and guitar), is an unreal great musician – in my Metal opinion. Not to take anything away from the rest of the Triumph lineup throughout the years, especially Gil Moore on drums/vocals and Mike Levine on bass & keyboards… unreal great as well, what a legendary band. Triumph – a Canadian Treasure. I hope you like Spellbound as much as I do… enjoy the song below and crank it up LOUD!

LONG LIVE TRIUMPH!

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THE ROLLING STONES – FLASHBACK: 1964 NEW HAVEN ARENA CONCERT CANCELLED!

Posted in 1960's classic rock music, 1960's rock and roll albums, 1960's vintage rock albums, 1960's classic rock bands, 1960's rock & roll, 1960's rock & roll british invasion, 1960's rock music, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's rock bands, 1990's rock bands, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock and roll memorabilia, rock concert posters, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I just get into Rock History sometimes… well, all the time that is. It’s all about the roots of Rock and Roll that peeks my Metal interest. The Rock Music legends of yesterday are the reason we have Hard Rock and Heavy Metal today. I may have mentioned this before, (here I go again), in the event a time machine does ever get off the ground… I’m on it! My destination? A Rock concert from the 1960’s or 1970’s. If I was to take a trip back in time, it would be just my Metal luck to travel to this night on Thursday, June 18, 1964. Once I arrived to the New Haven Arena, in New Haven, Connecticut, I would then be informed that The Rolling Stones were NOT going on stage! You read that correctly… the concert was cancelled, due to poor ticket sales! Granted, this was the very early years, uh, days of The Rolling Stones… only give me a Metal break! Gee Metal whiz.

Look at those ticket prices! $2, $3, and $4 respectively! Golly… if you spent an additional $2, your probably going from nose bleed seating to front row! Plus, it was only one show! If The Rolling Stones were to appear for only one show today, or any day, anywhere in the last four and a half decades… your talking pandemonium breaking loose! Throw in the fact, this historical concert poster also states there are three opening acts as well – The Chiffons, Younger Bros and The Epics… no fans for them either in New Haven, Connecticut, back in 1964!

I can easily stare at this concert poster of The Rolling Stones and easily wonder – what was the general public thinking back around this date? Maybe the hardness of The Rolling Stones was a tad too controversial for the general public, after all, American Rock and Roll back around 1964 was all about falling in love and surfing. (No, I am NOT making fun of American Rock and Roll of that time, only I am trying to make sense out of this cancelled concert). Maybe the cancellation of The Rolling Stones that evening correlates with America not being ready for a harder Rock sound? Were people scared to go see The Rolling Stones? It was in the month of June after all, a blizzard cannot be blamed for New Haven Connecticut not being into The Rolling Stones. A Hurricane? Doesn’t seem likely. Whatever the case might have been for this concert not selling tickets, it is one heck of a Rock moment in time to ponder!

Granted, The Rolling Stones were extremely new Rock and Roll recording artists to The United States general public, embarking on their first American Tour, with their second American album – 12 x 5 still to be released in October of 1964. Essentially, The Rolling Stones were touring with just one American album release under their Rock and Roll belts, (after only one month), that being England’s Newest Hit Makers, (released in May of 1964). Still, there is NO excuse! The Rolling Stones should have had some type of a showing of fans, at the New Haven Arena that Summer night on June 18, 1964. (In my Metal opinion).

The whole premise of my bringing this historic date in Rock and Roll history to light, is to wonder out loud to the world… WHAT WERE PEOPLE THINKING back on June 18, 1964? It’s THE ROLLING STONES! Without argument, one of the most historic, influential, original, talented and famous Rock bands to ever walk planet Earth! The Rolling Stones, (along with The Who, The Beatles, The Animals and The Kinks), arguably CREATED HARD ROCK! If this date in Rock History proves one thing, it’s that yes, The Rolling Stones DID pay their Rock and Roll dues. At the end of my Metal day, I am leaving this up to social psychologists, cultural think tanks and Rock Music historians to figure out. All I can do is look back on this date in Rock Music history and shake my head in disbelief.

* Please note that the word Golly was used on Metal Odyssey, yes it was, in the second paragraph.

* Metal Odyssey’s source for this unreal great story on The Rolling Stones cancelled concert of June 18, 1964 and it’s historic poster is from: Vintage Concert Posters.com

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STYX “PARADISE THEATRE” – 1981 ROCK ALBUM IS A FOREVER FAVORITE OF MINE

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's rock bands, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's classic rock guitarists, 1980's classic rock vocalists, 1980's rock albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock albums, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's classic rock songs, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's rock bands, Album Review, classic hard rock bands, classic hard rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock music 1981, classic rock songs, classic rock vocalists, cool album covers, feel good stories, guitar legends, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, rock & roll, rock album review, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock keyboard musicians, rock music, rock music lyrics, rock vocalists, shopping for rock music, vintage rock albums, vintage rock and roll songs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 18, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Styx, a Rock/Hard Rock band that didn’t just grow on me in my early teens… instead, I fell over backwards upon my very first listen to their song Come Sail Away from The Grand Illusion album, (released in 1977). Jumping across the Pieces Of Eight (1978) and Cornerstone (1979) albums from Styx, (which both are unreal great albums for me as well), there is Paradise Theatre, (A&M Records), from 1981. Call it music imbedding at age fifteen, this Styx album just reminds me of so many good things about my life as an early teen. Memories, especially the good ones, are priceless. When music, Rock Music, can rekindle cool and fun times through memories… man, I’m not going to stop listening to such respective albums or songs – ever. Paradise Theatre doesn’t remind me of winning the lottery, getting an expensive car, falling in love, achieving straight A’s on my report card, (yeah right), nor does it send me back to a Hawaiian vacation. Nope. What Paradise Theatre does remind me of, is easier times, hanging out, the Christmas Holiday, snow days off from school and having no clue of who or what I wanted to be in life. Honestly, this Paradise Theatre album really reminds me of those things, the smaller things in life that matter too.

I’m certain I can sit here and compile a master list of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal albums, that meet the same memory criteria as this Styx Paradise Theatre album bestows for me. Recently, I finally purchased Paradise Theatre on CD, for the first time in my life! It was priced at $7, brand new. There were several, if not dozens of moments where I had this CD in my hands to buy… only putting it back down, because I get so damned conscientious about spending too much money on non essential items for myself. (I have to learn to relax, $7 is chump change compared to what is spent on Wall Street bailouts).

I cannot pinpoint the reason as to why Paradise Theatre reminds me of the previously mentioned. All I know is, come Christmas, these songs from this album just “pop” into my head. Watch out if it snows, it seems like I can actually envision the album cover in my mind as well, all the while I watch a snowfall. I do remember listening to the songs from Paradise Theatre during the Winter of 1981, it seems like yesterday. Funny, how I purchased this CD during the Winter of 2009, all of the variables were in place… some snow was on the ground, Christmas is approaching and I threw danger to the wind by spending an extra $7 on myself. (I guess you can call me a real thrill seeker, on the spending part of it all).

Every song on Paradise Theatre is a winner, that includes the songs that never made it to FM radio too. Quality, substance and an acute attention to lyrics are what makes these songs on Paradise Theatre so unbelievable for me. This album Rocks. There, I got that out of my system, that phrase needed to be stated and has become rather nerdy and extremely cliche too. Back in 1981, I never would understand what the term Classic Rock meant. In 1981, the only music that was really classic was Classical Music. Styx, through their albums of the 1970’s and 1980’s have given true meaning and understanding to the term/genre… Classic Rock.

I have always been a huge fan of Tommy Shaw, following his solo career along with his stints in Damn Yankees and Shaw/Blades. Dennis DeYoung on vocals gives this Styx band and album their trademark Rock essence, a sound that is so much stand alone. Dennis DeYoung’s voice is a trademark musical instrument of Styx. Of course, the aforementioned are all my opinions and interpretations, which I am steadfast about.

Dennis DeYoung sings it so right, on the song The Best Of Times, with these lines:

Our memories of yesterday

Will last a lifetime

We’ll take the best, forget the rest

And someday we’ll find

These are the best of times

Track Listing For Paradise Theatre:

Side One:

A.D. 1928

Rockin’ The Paradise

Too Much Time On My Hands

Nothing Ever Goes As Planned

The Best Of Times

Side Two:

Lonely People

She Cares

Snowblind

Half-Penny; Two Penny

A.D. 1958

State Street Sadie

Styx, as they appeared on Paradise Theatre:

Dennis DeYoung – keyboards & vocals

Tommy Shaw – guitars & vocals

Chuck Panozzo – bass guitar

John Panozzo – drums & percussion

James Young – guitars & vocals


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WE’VE ADOPTED A CAT! HIS NAME IS TOBY.

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock music, cool album covers, everyday experiences, family, family pets, feel good stories, hair metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, lists, metal odyssey, Music, old school hair metal bands, personal stories, real life experiences, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

On November 21, 2009, my family and I adopted a two year old cat named Toby. He is healthy as can be, we updated all of his required shots and he passed a physical too. Toby is a domestic house cat, a very curious and gentle animal. Yes, he does like to get cozy, especially at night when we are all trying to sleep. Just like the classic Slaughter song goes… Up All Night, Sleep All Day! Toby really enjoys our front reading room during the day, taking turns sleeping on each chair and love seat. There is not a window sill this cat does not like to perch on either. Toby gets box seats to watch the birds, squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks do their thing… in the outside world. Toby does not seem to mind that he cannot go outside though… too many times he hears dogs barking.

As a family, Toby has embraced us all and likewise. We look forward to many great years with him. Toby is only looking for some food, a box to poop in, water, a house to prowl around in and playtime with our daughters, (with some added attention from my wife and I). He really isn’t asking for too much. I posted recently that we were searching to adopt a cat, in this post a nifty list of cat/feline/tiger bands was created, from Rock to Metal. Well, since we finally have Toby, here is another list of such bands associated with this ever popular animal… the cat.

First however, may I introduce to you, Toby:

Here is a Hair Metal Band that I have always liked a lot – Faster Pussycat. Their debut album, released in 1987, is one to own. My favorite song from this initial Faster Pussycat release is Don’t Change That Song. Taime Downe has some unique vocals, plus this band knew how to make some hard rockin’ and good time songs.

Here is another Hair Metal Band that I never covered my ears to, I will listen to this band. I actually caught this band live back in the late ’80’s at a small club. White Lion. I can’t recall what other band or bands played with White Lion that night I saw them… that was a night when the good times made things rather fuzzy. Vito Bratta, (the original guitarist) for White Lion, is very, very, good at playing guitar, no doubt in my Metal mind.

O.k., so Survivor is NOT a Heavy Metal Band or even a bona fide Hard Rock Band. They are a Rock Band still. Their band name does not have a feline connection, their biggest selling single ever does, for that matter. Furthermore, they did psyche me out at age 16, with their huge hit single from 1982, Eye Of The Tiger. I am not bashful, about admitting the affect this song had on me, back in 1982. This was the theme song for the Rocky lll movie sequel as well. From what I have researched, this song alone, sold over two million copies in the U.S., count me as one of those two million who bought the 45 rpm back then. Uh, this one I wound up selling, giving away or (gulp), discarding. I really wish I kept this 45 rpm with the original sleeve intact.

Tigertailz – Hair Metal, Glam Metal… either or – you pick ’em. Their 1987 debut album Young And Crazy I still own… on (gulp), cassette. Metal be damned I’m going to keep it too… and listen to it whenever I feel like it. No, I’m NOT kidding either.

Well, that is all for now. My previous cat related bands/songs list was a little longer, I’m running out of ideas with this now. If anyone has a Rock/Hard Rock/Metal related example for this list, that comes to mind, feel free to comment it.

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ZZ TOP “ANTENNA” WAS MY RAINY DAY CD TODAY

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's rock bands, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, 1990's rock albums, blues rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, cool album covers, essential classic rock albums, essential rock albums, feel good stories, guitar legends, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock music, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

ZZ Top Antenna cured my rainy day blues today. You bet it did rain, all day long too in Pennsylvania. I turn to music any time it rains, just to get my adrenaline and momentum perked up. This ZZ Top album may not get the notoriety of their Eliminator, (1983) or Degüello, (1979) albums, still this is one dandy of an album. A dynamite Rock album is Antenna. Cutting to the chase here, Cherry Red is one of my favorite ZZ Top songs ever… it has all the vintage Blues Rock and patented Rock Boogie that this Hall of Fame band is super known for. Cherry Red, in my Metal opinion, sounds like a ZZ Top song that would have fit perfectly on their El Loco album from 1981. Lizard Life is one groove saturated, bluesy Rock song that showcases ZZ Top’s flare for all out, old school, jamming. Fuzzbox Voodoo is another knockout song on Antenna. The foot stomping and (kick your worries aside) beat and swagger of Fuzzbox Voodoo is so good. Pincushion was the big hit from this album, a meat and potatoes song from ZZ Top without a doubt, it is a substantive opening track for Antenna.

I re-discovered this Antenna album over this past Summer of 2009, finding it at an antique store in Bird-In-Hand Pennsylvania… believe it or not. When I saw this CD for sale amidst a small bounty of others, my mind was made up as to taking this ZZ Top title home. It really amazes me, that over the years, I just never bought this ZZ Top album. Regardless, I have redeemed myself by buying this used copy. Quite honestly, there are those bands I listen to that are like comfort food… ZZ Top has always been a comfort band for me. Does that sound ridiculous? Maybe, only that is how I feel and see it.

I did get to see ZZ Top on this Antenna Tour too, back in 1994 at the Hartford Civic Center. George Thorogood opened up for ZZ Top and he simply put… rocked. My girlfriend (and now wife), bought the tickets to this concert, we both had a great time. Bringing back cool memories is only one of many great qualities of music. I realize that I have mentioned going to this concert in a past ZZ Top related post, please excuse the redundancy. As I listened to Antenna today, I couldn’t hold back the memory of that ZZ Top concert… good times. My daughters had the day off from school, (Thanksgiving Holiday), so we listened to this CD as we played UNO… good times again. I also played this ZZ Top CD in the car as we embarked on our errands, driving around in the cold rain. Long live ZZ Top.

The caricatures of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard on the cover of Antenna are just plain fun. As I look at the front cover of Antenna, I conclude that sometimes artistic creativity is grand in it’s most simplistic design. I have to give a Rock and Roll salute to designer/illustrator Michael Ray Nott for the front cover artwork of Antenna.

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HAPPY METAL BIRTHDAY ANTHONY KIEDIS! PLUS “ONE HOT MINUTE” REVISITED

Posted in 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's rock music, 1980's rock bands, 1990's classic rock albums, 1990's classic rock music, 1990's classic rock vocalists, 1990's college music, 1990's hard rock music, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock albums, 1990's hard rock bands, Album Review, alternative rock bands, alternative rock music, alternative rock music albums, classic rock music, essential classic rock albums, essential classic rock songs, essential hard rock albums, essential rock albums, hard rock music, hard rock vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock album review, rock and roll, rock celebrity birthdays, rock guitarists, rock music, rock vocalists with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Red Hot Chili Peppers logoMetal Odyssey extends a loud Happy Metal Birthday to Anthony Kiedis! Anthony was born on November 1, 1962 and he turns 47 today. Anthony co-founded and is the lead singer for The Red Hot Chili Peppers. My favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers album is one hot minute, (released on September 12, 1995 on Warner Bros). My three favorite songs from one hot minute are Warped, Aeroplane and My Friends. It is surprising to even me, that I really like the song My Friends such a great deal, due to it being a mid paced Rock ballad. Still, this song seemed to capture my attention back upon it’s release, it still does when I listen to it. The presence of Dave Navarro on guitar makes one hot minute a more heavier sounding version of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, in my Metal opinion. This is an album that I have to honestly say, bridged the gap between Grunge gradually losing it’s stranglehold on popularity and Heavy Metal making a comeback in the public eye. (That is my Metal opinion, I cannot help myself).

One hot minute made total sense to me upon it’s release back in 1995, it still does. The songs carry out a continuous Rock vibe while not adhering to one specific trend of the day. A very polished album, (produced by Rick Rubin), one hot minute is exemplary of what the mainstream was embracing as acceptable heavy, whenever it came anywhere near Hard Rock or (gasp), Heavy Metal. With a toned down Metallica on the loose in the mid 1990’s, The Red Hot Chili Peppers were not toning it down with one hot minute… based on their style of Rock. Their sixth studio album and a multi-platinum seller, one hot minute obviously had some hot chart success. (With that said, I have never been one to judge an album based on chart positions). I have always appreciated this band, what is there not to like about the musicianship of Flea on bass and Chad Smith on drums as well? A Rock rhythm section solidified.

Getting back to Anthony Kiedis… I have and always will be greatly entertained by his vocals. Anthony also has written some clever lyrics that many times touched on his own inner battles with addictions. The diverse style of Anthony’s vocals make him a Rock singer that is without question, truly one of a kind. From Funk to Heavy Metal and everything in-between, The Red Hot Chili Peppers have touched on it all, with Anthony Kiedis cementing his dynamic vocal stamp on each song in their extensive catalog. From my perception, listening to Anthony Kiedis sing using so many styles, leads me to believe he has an admirable respect for all genres of music. The alternative and artistic overlays of The Red Hot Chili Peppers brand of Rock cannot be discounted… neither can the vocals of Anthony Kiedis ever be denied.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers "one hot minute" large album pic

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John Fogerty – “Eye of the Zombie” a 1986 Creepy & Rockin’ Halloween Song

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's classic rock guitarists, 1980's rock albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's rock musicians, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's classic rock songs, 1980's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, classic rock vocalists, collecting rock music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, essential classic rock albums, essential classic rock songs, halloween songs, metal odyssey, Music, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music lyrics, rock vocalists, scary album covers, song lyrics, spooky album covers, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

John Fogerty "Eye of the Zombie" small album picHere I go again… pulling out another great and scary Rock song that is just eerily perfect for the Halloween season. In 1986, the ever legendary John Fogerty released his solo album – Eye of the Zombie, (on Warner Bros. Records). The cool release date of October 1st made this song all the more fitting for Halloween too. I was introduced to this song and album by my late sister, back in ’86, she knew this particular song was right up my Metal alley. With all of my time being occupied by Metal Music back in the ’80’s, I knew I could always count on my sister, to hook me up to some very cool mainstream Rock albums and songs from time to time. If my Metal memory serves me correct, the video for Eye of the Zombie, (which MTV played frequently then), was damn spooky and cool too. Just the way in which John Fogerty sings this song gets the creep out meter moving. Musically, this song Rocks in a very unique and spooky way.

As for the entire album of Eye of the Zombie, I don’t find it difficult to recommend to any Classic Rock or Rock Music fan at all. This song and album may not have been the blockbuster of John Fogerty’s career, still, Eye of the Zombie is a song and album that I reflect upon for it’s originality and cool Rock vibe. Too many times, it is the Rock album and/or song that does not find chart success or critic praise that turns out to be the true Rock and Roll wild card of a musicians career. Change in the Weather was the song talked about most from this album, with it’s Creedence Clearwater Revival roots, yet it is the allure of the song Eye of the Zombie that had me listening to the entire album itself. The front cover album artwork for this album is a visual nightmare image of a horrible looking creature… a zombie perhaps, only to me it appears to be more of a half man, half lion monstrosity. Very cool image nonetheless, something you would expect on a Metal Band’s album cover. In the end, if it has always been construed that John Fogerty took a Rock Music risk with this album, then I will be Metal bound to say it was a fabulous risk to take. The song Eye of the Zombie is one not to miss listening to this Halloween season… nor is it not a risky bet to get into the rest of this album any time of the year.

Here are the lyrics to this great song, if this doesn’t spook you out then you are too cool:

Eye of the Zombie

Hoo! Oooooh!

Shadows on the mountain,
And the night begins to fall;
Gather up the children,
‘Fore the darkness takes us all.
Tribe has come together,
Standin’ naked against the night;
Twenty feet from the fire,
The evil waits with zombie eyes.

Chorus:
Eye-eye-eye eye of the Zombie!
Eye-eye-eye eye of the Zombie!

Oh! Sneakin’ through the long grass
On leopard feet silently,
A beast already dead comes
To join the dance on the zombie.
Ooh! Time has come again
Again the moment of truth;
The terror is at hand,
And there’s nothin’ you can do.

[Chorus]

Oh! Hoo! Aaa-aah! Hoo! Aaa-aaa-aaaah!

From out of nowhere he’s there,
Flashing hideous teeth,
Panic in the crowd,
Helter-skelter,
We’re brought to our knees.
Back to the darkness,
Back on the mountain he stands,
You can’t fight a shadow,
You can’t kill a dead man.

[Chorus x4]

John Fogerty "Eye of the Zombie" large album pic

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KISS “KLASSICS” – ROCKS HARDER THAN EVER!

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's heavy metal music, 1970's Rock, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's classic rock songs, 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's rock bands, 1990's classic rock music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's rock music, Album Review, classic hard rock, classic hard rock bands, classic hard rock music, classic heavy metal, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, classic rock vocalists, collecting classic rock, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, essential classic rock albums, essential classic rock songs, essential heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal songs, guitar legends, hard rock album review, hard rock music, hard rock music 2009, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal songs 2009, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, vintage hard rock bands, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage heavy metal songs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

The second studio CD packaged inside the new KISS –  Sonic Boom is KISS Klassics. I am not holding back on this – Whoa. Whoa does KISS rock harder than ever on these re-recorded KISS “greatest hits” – (oops), Klassics that is. I slapped in the Klassics CD, preparing to hear some subtle differences in these re-recorded songs, instead I opened up my mind and ears to a can of KISS whoop ass! Metal be damned, Tommy Thayer can play his Metal heart out – Black Diamond is unreal heavy and good. After just one listen to Lick It Up and I was re-enrolled into KISS Rock and Roll 101 – all over again. Lick It Up has a ton more KISS attitude now, (sounds unreal, understand it is holy crap good). Harder, heavier, with heaping Metal waves of relevance crashing all around is this KISS Klassics. For many KISS fans, Animalize was an album that, well, was very much a commercial Hair Metal phase for this band. Let KISS introduce you to their re-recorded – 2009 version of Heaven’s On Fire… I really, really, really, like this song a Metal ton now.

In my most honest Metal opinion, Paul Stanley sings like he has been reincarnated into his 1977 body. Gene Simmons vocally sounds like a man who has been reborn himself. Metal be my witness, this KISS Klassics has done to me, what it was probably intended to do by KISS in the first place… realize that this band is age defying and generation fusing and yes, damn great at playing these songs that are decades old. The last thing I want to sound here is as a biased, middle aged KISS fan… hell, if KISS was to have dropped the Metal ball on this one, I would be the first one screaming NO! What once was old is new again, for Metal sakes, KISS is new again! There are subtle differences in guitar leads, solo’s, riffs, yet Tommy Thayer plays each and every song like a Metal pro. Ace Frehley is legend, no question, yet Tommy Thayer has taken these songs from the master and has put his very own KISS signature on them. Eric Singer is just an excellent drummer period. His years with KISS alone, has established his icon status for me.

Back to more of these Klassics… I Was Made For Lovin’ You still holds that melodic extremity to it that some misguided folks confused with – disco. I will fight till the end of Metal time and refute any damn comparison of this song to disco. Hotter Than Hell is just that… this 2009 version has given me a brand new, psyche me out song to crank up LOUD. I Love It Loud is cool, yet this re-recorded version does not beat out the original, thank you very Metal much. Don’t get me wrong now, I will still raise my Metal fist in the air to this 2009 version of I Love It Loud – hell yeah. Christine Sixteen has always been a genius of a KISS song, Gene Simmons gives it a robust Metal boost in this 2009 recording, his vocals this time around has re-energized this Klassic. I always get a Metal kick out of the piano intro to Christine Sixteen. What would a KISS Klassics be without Rock And Roll All Nite? It is here on this Klassics CD, more emboldened by KISS than ever before. Forever is the lone KISS ballad to be found on Klassics… since I belong to the KISS Army, I will listen to this ballad. Forever is a good song, Paul Stanley and KISS bring it back for this Klassics curtain call for that same reason. There are throngs of fans who emotionally relate to this KISS song, heck, that is what ballads do.

In closing Metal summary, if you are a KISS fan, (no matter for how long), you NEED to buy Sonic Boom with this KISS Klassics included. The time to re-enlist into the KISS Army is NOW. If you never have been a fan of KISS, do not buy Sonic Boom with KISS Klassics… hell, the KISS Army is looking for Rock and Roll warriors anyway – so critics can stay away.

Track Listing For KISS Klassics:

* Deuce

* Detroit Rock City

* Shout It Out Loud

* Hotter Than Hell

* Calling Dr. Love

* Love Gun

* I Was Made For Lovin’ You

* Heaven’s On Fire

* Lick It Up

* I Love It Loud

* Forever

* Christine Sixteen

* Do You Love Me

* Black Diamond

* Rock And Roll All Nite

KISS "Sonic Boom" x-large album pic 2009

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LYNYRD SKYNYRD – “GOD & GUNS” IS ALREADY A SOUTHERN ROCK CLASSIC

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's southern rock music, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's southern rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's rock bands, 1980's southern rock, 1990's classic rock music, 1990's southern rock music, Album Review, classic hard rock, classic hard rock bands, classic hard rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, cool album covers, current rock albums 2009, essential rock albums, essential southern rock albums, hard rock albums 2009, hard rock music, Music, old school southern rock music, rock & roll, rock album review, rock album reviews, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock music, southern hard rock, southern hard rock albums, southern rock, southern rock albums, southern rock music, southern rock music legends with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Lynyrd Skynyrd "God & Guns" small album picLynyrd Skynyrd are Southern Rock Legends and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. What more does Lynyrd Skynyrd have to prove? What keeps the motivation meter running with this band? In my Metal opinion, it is a combination of many things… the Skynyrd Nation and the fact that this band has never lost touch with their roots are two quick examples. Southern Music roots… family roots… old school values, these three attributes come out Southern Rockin’ loud and clear on God & Guns, (released on RoadRunner Records, September 29, 2009). My interpretation of the lyrics found on God & Guns, leads me to believe that Lynyrd Skynyrd are not about to change their beliefs, (both political and social), for no man. Lynyrd Skynyrd has never and is not about to sway or teeter on the fence with their lyrics and music, a quality that I tremendously admire of this legendary band. As the decades have passed and the Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup has unquestionably changed, none of what I have previously touched upon with this band has wavered… and the quality of the musicianship inevitably carries forward this Southern Rock icon to 2009. With God & Guns, a new Southern Rock Classic has instantly been born and I would not have expected any less from Lynyrd Skynyrd. Each of the twelve songs on this new album bestow the trademark Southern Rock shades of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s past, while combining a thrust of relevant Hard Rock vigor, making for an unforgettable listen the first time around. Johnny Van Zant sounds great on vocals and founding member and guitarist Gary Rossington, along with the entire band should be proud of this album.

Still Unbroken opens up God & Guns, it is heavy and hard, a statement that the rest of this album to follow is going to be one hell of a cool ride. Skynyrd Nation is a song overflowing with Southern Rock/Lynyrd Skynyrd pride. I am just waiting for the right moment to crank up this song to the max, with my car window down. Skynyrd Nation is the ultimate Southern Rock anthem for this band, a powerful song. Simple Life is a cry out for the way things used to be as only Lynyrd Skynyrd can convey. Here is where the old school values of life comes into play… eating dinner with your kids, not having to lock up the doors to your house, going fishing and helping out a stranger. This song may sound like preaching to some, however, the lyrics make total sense to me. Unwrite That Song is the ballad on God & Guns that provides a moment to chill, kick back and revel at the change in Southern Rock shift… this song acts as the anchor between the song list, giving me one more reason to call this album a new classic. Floyd is the song that provides the creepy moment on God & Guns. This song tells a story about a man named Floyd who mysteriously disappears after two law dogs got in his way – Southern Rock spookiness in the vein of Molly Hatchet’s classic song The Creeper.

My favorite song on God & Guns is That Ain’t My America. A patriotic song, with strong conservative views, Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn’t just add their two cents here… they reminded me once again, as to how proud I am to be an American. That Ain’t My America makes many points through it’s lyrics, yet it is done with respect and class… the Southern Rock way. Storm and Gifted Hands conclude God & Guns on a high inspirational note and there ain’t nothing wrong with that for me. The lyrics of these last two songs prove that positive lyrics incorporated with the Southern Rock sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd, can easily elevate me to the highest of cool moods. The guitar jamming in Gifted Hands could carry on for hours and I would still listen with gleeful, Southern Rock hungry ears. Aw, damn, I can easily listen to this new Lynyrd Skynyrd classic God & Guns for hours on end… and still want more.

Some extra info on this God & Guns CD:

Within the liner notes of this CD, is a cool concert photo of the late Billy Powell and Ean Evans, shown together. Lynyrd Skynyrd dedicated this new album to both of these gentlemen, along with their respective families. Complete lyrics to every song are in the liner notes. Also found within the liner notes, under the title of Additional Musicians, Rob Zombie and guitarist John 5 are credited. The liner notes do not express which songs they appear on. My Metal ears are astute to so many musicians and their style of play, (this time I am stumped), I cannot pinpoint where Rob Zombie and John 5 do appear… maybe someone out there knows for sure which songs they appear on and can drop the details in a reply.

Lynyrd Skynyrd "God & Guns" large album pic #2

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U2 On Saturday Night Live… September 26, 2009, Some Metal Thoughts…

Posted in 1980's alternative rock bands, 1980's rock musicians, 1980's rock bands, 1990's alternative rock music, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, alternative rock bands, alternative rock music, comedy shows on television, embarrassing rock music performances, late night television shows, political rock bands, Rock, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music commentary, rock music on television, rock music reviews, rock vocalists with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MetalOdysseyOh, what a wonderful world it is, especially when you have the extremely deep pockets of NBC. To dole out whatever millions of dollars it probably took to get the no longer relevant U2 on Saturday Night Live, hey NBC… whoopee do!!!! Hey Saturday Night Live and your big daddy NBC… getting U2 on your no longer funny show is not impressive, it’s a pity. Could someone please tell Bono that he did not invent Rock and Roll? The sunglasses are very dated, Bono. Could someone please remind The Edge that it is a guitar that he is trying to play? Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. have always known how to play their respective instruments, at least the rhythm section of U2 is able to keep any semblance of their music together, in some sort of respectable manner. The U2 of the early 1980’s was tolerable and/or semi-entertaining. Now as the decades go by, when U2 resurfaces, it is like a bad cold you can’t kick during beautiful Summer weather. Was that live performance from U2 a skit or was it supposed to be serious? Sorry NBC and Saturday Night Live, this is one viewer who woke up this morning and did not experience any life changing experience from your over rated, not ready for prime time musical guest.

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