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STRYPER – Iconic Christian Rockers STRYPER Sign To FRONTIERS RECORDS For Multi-Album Deal

Posted in christian metal, christian rock, classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 15, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Stryper - Second Coming - promo cover pic!

RE-RECORDED COLLECTION “SECOND COMING” DUE OUT IN MARCH

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Frontiers Records is proud to announce the signing of iconic Christian rockers Stryper to a multi-album deal.  The first release due out will be a new re-recorded collection; SECOND COMING will hit streets on March 22nd in Europe and March 26th in North America.

The album features sixteen tracks, including new recordings of fourteen songs from the band’s early years as well as two brand new songs recorded especially for SECOND COMING, and is produced by Stryper frontman Michael Sweet.

Sweet commented: “We’re really excited about this record. The re-recorded songs are sounding awesome…better than the originals in many ways!  One word to describe the record? Heavier. We’ve hooked up with some great people – we’ve got new management, a great album, a great label. We just feel like everything is coming together, and hopefully some big things are to follow.”  Please see below for the complete track listing.

Stryper is one of the top Christian Rock bands of all time. Comprised of the original line-up of Michael Sweet (vocals/guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Tim Gaines (bass), and Robert Sweet (drums), Stryper has been rocking since 1984, and is responsible for such ’80s metal classic albums as SOLDIERS UNDER COMMAND, TO HELL WITH THE DEVIL, IN GOD WE TRUST and such MTV hit singles/videos as “Calling on You,” “Free,” and “Honestly.”

Stryper - Group Promo pic - 2013 - #!

After a sabbatical for much of the 1990’s, Stryper returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the band has sold upwards of 8 million records worldwide and is a Dove Award-winner and Grammy nominee.  Stryper is the first band to have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously.

SECOND COMING track listing: Loud N’ Clear; Loving You; Soldiers Under Command; Makes Me Wanna Sing; First Love; The Rock That Makes Me Roll; Reach Out; Surrender; To Hell With The Devil; Calling On You; Free; The Way; Sing Along Song; More Than A Man; Bleeding From Inside Out (New song); Blackened (New song)

Weblinks: www.stryper.com / www.frontiers.it

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

Stone - Motorhead Tee pic:small

LONG LIVE STRYPER.

Stone.

3 Comments »

AEROSMITH “MUSIC FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION!” – Here’s What I Think About This Album…

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on November 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

AEROSMITH – Call it nostalgia. Call it an impulse purchase. Call it being a big softy for Classic Rock. Call it appreciating Aerosmith’s perseverance and the majority of their albums; especially their catalog from the 70’s decade. Regardless of all the reasons, I bought Aerosmith’s 15th studio (album) CD, Music From Another Dimension! (Columbia), on November 6th at my local Super Walmart.

I’ve listened to this new Aerosmith CD several times now and I dig most of it. Music From Another Dimension! doesn’t Rock like 70’s Aerosmith, then again this CD doesn’t Rock like 80’s or 90’s Aerosmith either. This new Aerosmith offering does Rock, let there be no mistake. Lot’s of (radio friendly) Rock/Hard Rock relevance, mixed together with funky and bluesy vibes and a solid nod to good ol’ American Rock ‘N’ Roll. Aerosmith has a whiz-bang album here; trying to top any of their early classics or 80’s chart-toppers isn’t what I was looking for anyways.

Steven Tyler’s vocals are so trademarked that it’s astonishing. Really, who else has ever or currently sounds like Steven Tyler? Steven Tyler, Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums) all sound groovy, like a well oiled Aerosmith machine. Good and well written songs coupled with legendary musicians sure do go a very long way. Aerosmith certainly surprised me here, I was afraid this new album was going to be overly sticky bubble-gum. Instead it’s a good time on the mainstream Rock ‘N’ Roll highway.

Carrie Underwood sings a duet with Steven Tyler on Can’t Stop Lovin’ You. I wish Joan Jett, Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks or Ann Wilson sang a duet with Steven Tyler on this album instead. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You is a fine song, I just would have appreciated a legendary Classic Rock gal instead. Then again, that’s just me.

Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp sings backing vocals on Freedom Fighter. Who cares. I really don’t. Apparently I never answered the phone quick enough to get that backing vocal gig with Aerosmith. Next time I’ll hustle to my cell phone or at least listen to my messages quicker. Um… yeah.

I recommend this CD to my fellow Rockaholics, it’s all good and understood that this album was intended for widespread appeal. That’s a given. A new generation of Aerosmith fans will certainly be sowed, courtesy of this band’s always current world-wide popularity and new album. Here’s some last second Rockin’ advice: while you listen to Music From Another Dimension!, just pretend that American Idol doesn’t exist and everything will be okay.

So that’s about it. I’m not gonna blab anything more about Music From Another Dimension! other than:

1. I really, really, really dig the album cover artwork. Retro rules.

2. Another Last Goodbye is a (gulp) ballad. Ugh.

2. The Walmart version of this CD has the exclusive bonus track: Shakey Ground. It’s a Rockin’ cool song for a bonus track, making for a terrific way to close out this new Aerosmith album.

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* For more info on AEROSMITH, click on the links below!

http://www.aerosmith.com

facebook: Aerosmith

http://www.twitter.com/aerosmith

LONG LIVE AEROSMITH.

Stone.

10 Comments »

FOCUS – Dutch Rock Legends Focus To Undertake Worldwide Tour In Support Of Forthcoming CD Release ‘Focus X’

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!

After a comeback in the early 2000’s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8’ and ‘Focus 9’, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.

A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”

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Focus X – UK Tour Dates:

November 08 – Opera House – Buxton

November 09 – Town Hall – Hessle

November 10 – The Ferry – Glasgow

November 11 – Bridge Trades Club – Hebden

November 13 – Robin 2 – Wolverhampton

November 14 – The Brindley – Runcorn

November 15 – Birdwell – Barnsley

November 16 – Trading Boundaries – Fletching

November 17 – The Wharf – Tavistock

November 18 – Boom Boom Club – Sutton

November 19 – The Stables – Milton Keynes

November 20 – Beaverwood Club – Chislehurst

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Title: ‘Focus X’

Release Date: November 5, 2012

Label:  East World Recordings.

Focus X website: http://www.focus10.net/

Visit the official Focus website: http://www.focustheband.com/

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE FOCUS.

Stone.

1 Comment »

RUSH – Has The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Ignored These Prog Legends Long Enough? Take The Poll!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH – Canada’s greatest Rock & Progressive Rock band ever. You can even throw in Canada’s greatest Hard Rock band ever too, if you like. Simply put, one of the greatest bands in Rock Music history. RUSH has been ignored by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for what reason(s) again? I would certainly like to know the reason(s) for RUSH not being enshrined inside that building in Cleveland, Ohio.

Let’s face it, the legendary RUSH has been influencing countless bands and musicians, while psyching-out their fans, going on 5 decades now! RUSH is a pioneering Progressive Rock band that makes credible all-time lists at every turn, with absolutely no sign of stopping! Whoa! Metal be thy name!

The musical excellence that Geddy Lee (bass & vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars) and Neil Peart (drums & percussion) radiates from their vast catalog of studio and live albums is mind-boggling to me… and I shall never stop saluting this unreal important band.

Okay, with all that cool stuff blabbed, it’s time for your voice to be heard! Take the poll below and answer this simple question: Shouldn’t RUSH be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by now?

RUSH – Stats Of Note:

* Debut/ST album released in 1974

* Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame – Class Of 1994

* Inducted into Canada’s Songwriting Hall Of Fame – Class Of 2010

* Bestowed the Order of Canada – 1997

* Have earned 24 Gold Records

* Have earned 14 Platinum Records

* RUSH has sold more than 40 million records worldwide

* 3 records have gone multi-platinum

* 7-time Grammy Nominee

* Winner of 8 JUNO Awards

* Awarded a star on both the Hollywood Walk Of Fame (2010) and Canada’s Walk Of Fame (1999)

RUSH – 2112 (1976 – Mercury Records)

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(Stats Sources: Canadian Music Hall Of Fame, RIAA, The JUNO Awards)

* For more info on RUSH, click on the links below!

http://www.rush.com

facebook: RUSH

LONG LIVE RUSH.

Shame On You, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Shame On You.

Stone.

13 Comments »

THE DOORS “Live At The Bowl ’68” – Releases On DVD & Blu-ray October 22nd Via Eagle Rock Entertainment

Posted in blues rock, classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, psychedelic rock, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , on October 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Digitally restored video & audio, with two previously unreleased tracks!  In stores October 22!

On July 5th, 1968, The Doors took to the stage of the Hollywood Bowl for a concert that has since passed into legend. The Doors were performing on the back of their 3rd album release “Waiting For The Sun” and the US No.1 single “Hello, I Love You”. They had been honing their live performances over the previous 2 years and were on absolute peak form.

Now for the first time the original film footage from the Hollywood Bowl has been digitally scanned and restored to present the show better and more complete than it’s ever been seen before, with 2 previously unreleased tracks (Hello, I Love You & The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)) returned to the running order and with sound newly remixed and mastered from the original multitrack tapes by The Doors’ engineer and co-producer Bruce Botnick. This is now the definitive edition of this famous performance and features over an hour of bonus material!

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(Source: Eagle Rock Entertainment)

* For more info, click on the links below!

http://www.thedoors.com

facebook: The Doors

http://www.eagle-rock.com

LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF THE DOORS.

Rest In Peace, Jim Morrison.

Stone.

7 Comments »

KISS Kollectibles – Wanna See My KISS Puzzle Cube Key Chain? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on September 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at above! That’s my KISS Puzzle Cube Key Chain! I bought this kool KISS Kollectible at a mall store called SPENCER’S about a year or so ago. This store specializes in selling Rock Music memorabilia, (adult/naughty) gifts, gag/humor gifts, body jewelry and tons more of oddball and pop-culture items. I paid $1.50 (U.S.) for this KISS Puzzle Cube Key Chain, finding it on a clearance hook. I only paid $1.50! Whoa!

As you can see in the above photo, I had a difficult time getting the price sticker off the blister package; so I just gave up on removing it. Obviously, I’m going to keep this KISS Kollectible sealed in its original package for my KISS Kollection!

* On this puzzle cube, each KISS solo album portrait is shown, along with the Klassic KISS logo and the KISS character symbols.

* The manufacturer of this fabulous KISS Kollectible is Rabbit Tanaka Corp. Ltd. and under license by Signatures Network and KISS ONLINE. The date printed on the back of this package is 2007. Here’s what the package back looks like:

There seems to be countless KISS Kollectibles out in the marketplace! Whenever I cross paths with a KISS Kollectible that is this inexpensive, I buy it!

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My name is Stone and I’m a KISSaholic. Metal be thy name.

* Wanna read about my other KISS Kollectibles I’ve written about? Just click on those kool links below!

KISS KOLLECTIBLES – Wanna See My KISS / Gene Simmons Phone Card From 1996?

KISS KOLLECTIBLES – Wanna See My KISS Frisbee? Let’s Revisit Some RATT and Other Cool Stuff…

KISS – Hot Wheels KISS “Destroyer” Tour Hauler: I Bought Myself One!

KISS – FIGURINES BOX SET I ADDED TO MY KISS COLLECTION!

KISS – Trading Cards From 1978 Is KISSTORY I Can’t Part With!

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

http://www.kissonline.com

* For more info on SPENCER’S, click on the link below!

http://www.spencersonline.com/

LONG LIVE KISS.

Stone.

8 Comments »

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – ‘Last Of A Dyin’ Breed’ Got Me Through The Week

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , on September 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

THANK YOU

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

FOR YOUR ROCK ‘N ROLL

GOT ME THROUGH

ONE HELL OF A SHITTY WEEK.

LAST OF A DYIN’ BREED

IS TRULY AN AMAZING ALBUM.

I’LL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR IT.

GOD BLESS LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

METAL BE THY NAME.

STONE.

1 Comment »

‘Re-Machined A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head’ – Album Releases On September 25th!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on September 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Superstar-filled tribute to one of the greatest Classic Rock albums of all time!  Available on CD September 25!

2012 is the 40th anniversary of the release of Deep Purple’s landmark album Machine Head. In recognition of Deep Purple’s influence, and that of the “Machine Head” album in particular, some of rock music’s biggest names have each contributed a version of their favorite track on the album to create “Re-Machined – A Tribute To Deep Purple’s Machine Head”.

1) Smoke On The Water – Carlos Santana & Jacoby Shaddix

2) Highway Star – Chickenfoot

3) Maybe I’m A Leo – Glenn Hughes & Chad Smith

4) Pictures Of Home – Black Label Society

5) Never Before – Kings Of Chaos (Joe Elliott, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum)

6) Smoke On The Water – Flaming Lips

7) Lazy – Jimmy Barnes with Joe Bonamassa

8) Space Truckin’ – Iron Maiden

9) When A Blind Man Cries – Metallica

10.) Highway Star – Glenn Hughes, Steve Vai, Chad Smith, Lachlan Doley

Check out the making of Re-Machined on our YouTube page!

Pre-order the CD now!

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Stone Says: What a grand album and band, in all the history of Rock ‘N Roll! Re-Machined certainly is a celebration of an iconic band, album and Heavy Rock sound! Machine Head is an album that shall forever live on for generations! Metal be thy name.

If you’d like to read my piece on Deep Purple’s Machine Head, click on the link below!

DEEP PURPLE – “MACHINE HEAD” A Once In A Lifetime Hard Rock Album

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(Source: Eagle Rock Entertainment)

LONG LIVE DEEP PURPLE.

Stone.

2 Comments »

LOVERBOY – Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival EPK (Official); Album Releases August 24th On Frontiers Records

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

LOVERBOY– With their trademark red leather pants, bandannas, big rock sound and high-energy live shows, LOVERBOY has sold more than 10 million albums, earning four multi-platinum plaques in the USA, including the four-million-selling Get Lucky, and a trio of double-platinum releases in their self-titled 1980 debut, 1983’s Keep It Up and 1985’s Lovin’ Every Minute of It.

LOVERBOY went on to win a still-record six Juno awards in 1982, and until a three-year sabbatical in 1989, were one of the Top 5 grossing touring acts in the world, performing in over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Their success made them the first Canadian group ever to earn Columbia Records’ exclusive Crystal Glove Award, celebrating the sale of over five million albums outside their native country.

Aside from singer Mike Reno and guitarist Paul Dean, LOVERBOY still includes original members Doug Johnson on keyboards and Matt Frenette on drums, with Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve (a former member of Dean and Frenette’s pre-LOVERBOY band Streetheart), who replaced the late Scott Smith on bass, and continues a healthy touring schedule around the world.

LOVERBOY is now back once again, having reunited at Bryan Adams’ Vancouver studio The Warehouse, with their original engineer, legendary producer Bob Rock [Metallica, Aerosmith, The Cure, Bon Jovi], who worked under Bruce Fairbairn at the time. The band has recorded three new songs with Rock, Heartbreaker, Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival and No Tomorrow, which have been added to nine all new re-recordings of the band’s best tracks.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL REVIVAL – Track Listing:

Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival

No Tomorrow

Heartbreaker

Turn Me Loose

Working For The Weekend

Lovin’ Every Minute Of It

The Kid Is Hot Tonight

Lucky Ones

Always On My Mind

Queen Of The Broken Heart

When It’s Over

Hot Girls In Love

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

* For more info on this LOVERBOY album, click on the link below!

http://www.frontiers.it

LONG LIVE LOVERBOY.

Stone.

1 Comment »

JOE ELLIOTT – Happy Rockin’ Birthday! WHOA!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on August 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JOE ELLIOTT – Today is August 1st and it is the birthday of Def Leppard’s legendary lead singer Joe Elliott. Joe turns a cool 52 today, therefore, without further ado…

HAPPY ROCKIN’ BIRTHDAY JOE ELLIOTT!

ROCK! ROCK! TILL YOU DROP!

ROCK! ROCK! NEVER STOP!

AND…

WHAT DO YA WANT?

I WANT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

METAL BE THY NAME.

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* For more info on DEF LEPPARD, click on the link below!

http://www.defleppard.com

http://www.twitter.com/def_leppard

LONG LIVE JOE ELLIOTT.

LONG LIVE DEF LEPPARD.

Stone.

3 Comments »

HEART “Fanatic” – New Studio Album Releases On October 2nd, 2012

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

HEART – The 14th studio album from Heart, Fanatic, will be released on October 2nd, 2012, via Legacy Recordings/Sony. From Seattle, Washington, the legendary Heart has delivered their timeless Rock/Hard Rock sound and songs to countless fans across the globe. Spanning five decades of recording and touring, Ann (vocals) and Nancy Wilson (guitar) have continuously shaped and nurtured to what has now become an important Classic Rock band of enviable Rock influence.

* Since their 1976 debut album, Dreamboat Annie, Heart has seen eight of their thirteen studio albums achieve platinum status.

* Fanatic was produced by Grammy and Juno Award winner Ben Mink; who also produced Heart’s last studio album, 2010’s Red Velvet Car.

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FANATIC – Track Listing:

Fanatic

Dear Old America

Walkin’ Good (featuring Sarah McLachlan)

Skin And Bones

Million Miles

Pennsylvania

Mashallah

Rock Deep (Vancouver)

59 Crunch

Corduroy Road

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Stone Says:

HEART SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. 

Metal be thy name.

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* For more info on HEART, click on the links below!

http://www.heart-music.com

http://www.myspace.com/heart

LONG LIVE HEART.

Stone.

Leave a comment »

Wanna See My KISS “Playlist Your Way” CD? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – That’s it at the top! I bought this really cool KISS Playlist Your Way CD (about a year or so ago) at my local Super Walmart for $7 (U.S.). Due to my already having each song on this CD, I opted to keep this KISS CD as a collectible, therefore keeping it sealed. The photo card of KISS that you see atop the front of the CD has 4 guitar picks. These guitar picks can be punched out.

This Playlist Your Way CD was released via Mercury Records / Universal Music Group.

KISS PLAYLIST YOUR WAY – Track Listing:

Rock And Roll All Nite

Lick It Up

I Love It Loud

Beth

Uh! All Night

Strutter

Christine Sixteen

Detroit Rock City

Hard Luck Woman

Deuce

Love Gun

Forever

I Was Made For Lovin’ You

Shout It Out Loud

Here is what the back cover looks like, nothing too exciting:

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* For more info on KISS, click on that very cool link below!

KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Stone.

7 Comments »

MR. BIG – Live From The Living Room – Is An Acoustic Ride To Revel In

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MR. BIG – Releasing on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America, via Frontiers Records, is Live From The Living Room from MR. BIG. This album documents the first ever live acoustic performance from MR. BIG, which took place back in late January of 2011, at the WOWOW TV Studios in Tokyo, Japan. With the idea of an acoustic performance already in place, MR. BIG also embraced a string quintet to add to the overall ambiance of this live acoustic production. The arrangements were provided by Takashi Miyazaki.

If there are two bands from the world of Hard Rock that can pull off a live acoustic set, one is Tesla and the other certainly is MR. BIG. Too often the word acoustic can send shivers down a Hard Rock die-hard’s spine, the mere thought of MR. BIG (gulp) watering down any of their songs surely can bring tears to my eyes. For Metal sakes, this is MR. BIG and they did receive my personal pick of “Best Hard Rock Album of 2011” with their ultra-fabulous What If…

Undertow psyches me out. This acoustic version um… psyches me out too. Is it the overall melody? Can it be the groovy acoustic strings that Paul Gilbert is playing? Billy Sheehan’s signature sound on bass? I don’t know exactly, it’s a cumulative thing happening here and it sounds very cool. Eric Martin never sings in any “acoustic sort of way” either, therefore there is an underlying Hard Rock backbone that is ever-present from his vocals.

Yes Virginia, them Hard Rock dudes that play acoustic sure can shred. Paul Gilbert doesn’t hold back on Still Ain’t Enough For Me. Eric Martin sounds fantastic throughout this entire performance and really shines on Voodoo Kiss, Stranger In My Life and As Far As I Can See. Take Cover just resonates the undeniable richness of sound that translates from an acoustic version. MR. BIG makes it sound just too easy… and fun too. To Be With You doesn’t stray far from its original package and is an acoustic showstopper.

Even if you are not a fan of MR. BIG, this just might be the album to make you one. You will hear four top-tier musicians in their prime, playing their songs in celebratory fashion, courtesy of an acoustic approach. Despite any lack of Hard Rock power, these songs still play-out as MR. BIG and sound like the band I’ve admired for many years counting. Yes, take this acoustic ride with MR. BIG and don’t be afraid to sing along to the songs either.

Okay, there is one drawback about this live acoustic album from MR. BIG. I’m very disappointed that these guys didn’t choose my living room to perform and record in. Maybe next time.

MR. BIG:

Eric Martin – lead vocals

Billy Sheehan – bass & backing vocals

Paul Gilbert – guitar & backing vocals

Pat Torpey – drums, percussion & backing vocals

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LIVE FROM THE LIVING ROOM – Track Listing:

Undertow

Still Ain’t Enough For Me

As Far As I Can See

Voodoo Kiss

Take Cover

Around The World

Stranger In My Life

All The Way Up

To Be With You

Nobody Left To Blame

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* For more info on MR. BIG, click on the links below:

http://www.mrbigsite.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE MR. BIG.

Stone.

2 Comments »

AC/DC – Stern Pinball Machine: AC/DC Pro You MUST Check Out!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, pinball machines, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

AC/DC – Whoa. Check out this very, very cool AC/DC pinball machine manufactured and sold by Stern Pinball. The details on this AC/DC pinball machine are unreal! This new AC/DC pinball machine not only looks like it’s gonna be a thrill to play, it also looks like a piece of art! Metal be thy name. Yes, I’m an AC/DC fan… who isn’t? Or so it seems. Maybe if I start saving some money and buy less potato chips, I can maybe get this sensational AC/DC pinball machine… down the Metal road.

Stern Pinball has the company slogan: “The only maker of REAL pinball games on the planet!!”. From looking at this AC/DC pinball machine, they aren’t kidding.

Check out the specs for this amazing pinball machine below:

AC/DC Pro Model Features:

• 1 Ramp Mounted Magnetic Diverter For Cannon Loading

• High Definition Color Cabinet and Decal Artwork

• Motorized Rotating Ball Cannon, Player Controlled

• 3 “Thunderstruck” Standup Targets w/ Super Bright Flash Lamps

• 4 “ROCK” Standup Targets (on right)

• Lit Start/Fire Cannon Button w/ Laser Cut S/S Trim Plate

• Back Panel Jukebox Song Selector w/ Flashing Red Horns

• Posi-Lock Ball Ejector and Electric Top Gate

• 2 Molded Super Speed Ramps

• T.N.T. Explosion Butyrates In Key Locations

• 2 High Powered Slingshots

• 3 Super Bright LED Jet Bumpers

• 1 “Greased Lightning” Spinning Target

• Traditional Country-Specific Coin Door

• 8 Inch Cabinet Speaker with bold, enhanced sound quality

• QR Codes

• Molded “Hells Bell” Toy, Fixed, W/Standup Target

• Fixed T.N.T. Detonator

• Band Member Butyrate Display

• 5 AC/DC Standup Targets (on left)

• 3 T.N.T. Standup Targets (center)

• Black ABS Lower Arch

• “Latch” Lockdown Bar

* Thanks to Metal Buddy Dan, on the heads up for this story.

* For more info/visit Stern Pinball by clicking on the link below:

Stern Pinball

LONG LIVE AC/DC

LONG LIVE STERN PINBALL.

Stone

6 Comments »

Happy Metal New Year From Metal Odyssey! 2012 Shall ROCK! \m/

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, holidays, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, politics, pop culture, rock music, rock music news, sports with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Odyssey would like to THANK ALL OF YOU who come to visit all year, sharing the same passion for Rock, Hard Rock and… METAL! Throughout the past year, Metal Odyssey receives support in ways too numerous to mention. However, there are those “thank yous” that I need to mention, If I leave anyone out, believe me, you are included.

THANK YOU to all the super cool PR people and record companies that have made it possible for Metal Odyssey to deliver the METAL news and album reviews! Each and every one of you ROCK beyond belief! Without them, I am in the dark.

THANK YOU to all the bands and musicians that have been mentioned, featured and/or interviewed here on Metal Odyssey this past year. Without them, life would suck big time. Really.

THANK YOU to all my Metal Buddies around the world! You know who you are and I don’t take any of you for granted.

THANK YOU to Best Metal Buddy/Metal Researcher Scott Coverdale & staff photographer Tom Coderre.

THANK YOU to Rob Rockitt and HARD ROCK HIDEOUT

THANK YOU to KINGER at Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival

THANK YOU to Metal Mark at Heavy Metal Time Machine

A very, very, very special THANK YOU to Metal Chick.

Now, here are some Metal thoughts, um, ramblings from Stone:

The world will NOT end in 2012. Sorry. If I’m wrong and the dreaded doomsday does come to pass this year, I will hopefully be with my family while any ORANGE GOBLIN album is blasting LOUD around me.

2012 IS GONNA ROCK! WHY?

Cause… Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill are… BACK!

Cause… KISS is releasing a new studio album titled: MONSTER.

Cause… KING DIAMOND is better and… back in action! Just ask Metallica.

Cause… VAN HALEN IS BACK!

BOLD SPORTS PREDICTION:

The New York Yankees will win the 2012 World Series.

STONE’S 2012 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS:

There are so many that are too boring to list. Okay, here’s two:

I shall eat less potato chips and listen to MORE METAL \m/

STONE’S WISHES FOR 2012:

I wish for an end to world hunger and human suffering of any kind. May there be world peace? On a smaller scale, I wish that Motörhead would receive a deserved “Lifetime Achievement Award” from The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

I wish CHEAP TRICK would follow Metal Odyssey on twitter. If this happens, I will write, without hesitation, a positive article on ABBA and feature it right here on Metal Odyssey for the world to read and see. I’m honestly not kidding. CHEAP TRICK F’n RULES.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF ON METAL ODYSSEY?

Would you like more album reviews? Short or long album reviews? More/less Metal news? Classic Rock news? Are you demanding more band interviews? Are “lists” good or bad? More or less of Stone’s ramblings? Let your thoughts and feelings be heard by leaving a comment! Man, it would be greatly appreciated!

METAL BE THY NAME.

Thank you to my Metal Buddy down South, for that thoughtful package of CD’s and videos after the hurricane struck. You know who you are.

Stone.

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SWEET – Giving To Fans, On Their Website: FREE Live Album ‘100% Live 2010’ Starting January 1st!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, glam rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on December 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Sweet will be giving away a Free Live album on their website (www.thesweet.com) starting the 1st of January for one week only. The album is called: 100% Live 2010

The recording is 100% LIVE, no studio trickery or over dubs, just a stereo mix from the FOH mixing desk plus a stereo audience microphone. There are 11 tracks from the 2010 show, plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks.

(Source: Sweet Press)

SWEET:

Andy Scott – guitar & vocals

Pete Lincoln – lead vocals & bass

Tony O’Hora – guitar, keyboards & vocals

Bruce Bisland – drums & vocals

LONG LIVE SWEET.

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2011

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, music videos, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on December 22, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2011 – I have listened to many Hard Rock albums released during 2011. There seems to be quite a few Hard Rock albums that are of standout quality, this past year for me. With that said, my “Top Ten Hard Rock Albums Of 2011” simply cannot represent the totality of Hard Rockin’ thrills I’ve experienced with my ears these past 12 months.

What my Top Ten list does represent are the Hard Rock albums I turned to most often to play… LOUD! I lean towards the “complete” album of songs, an album that goes further than just 4 or 5 great tracks. I gravitate towards the Hard Rock albums that psyched-me-out and made me feel very damn good inside. These are the Hard Rock albums that made a difference to me. A personal list it is and hopefully there are a few here you may agree with. Thank you for visiting Metal Odyssey in 2011 and supporting Rock ‘N Roll! Happy Holidays, Rock Steady and Happy New Year to all!

#10

IRON CLAW – A DIFFERENT GAME

(Ripple Music)

#9

REV THEORY – JUSTICE

(Interscope)

#8

KING KOBRA – S/T

(Frontiers Records)

#7

FAITHSEDGE – S/T

(Scarlet Records)

#6

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – 2

(J&R Adventures)

#5

WARRANT – ROCKAHOLIC

(Frontiers Records)

#4

9 CHAMBERS – S/T

(Samson Records / eOne Music)

#3

JOURNEY – ECLIPSE

(NOMOTA LLC)

#2 (TIE)

SEBASTIAN BACH – KICKING & SCREAMING

(Frontiers Records)

#2 (TIE)

SEETHER – HOLDING ONTO STRINGS BETTER LEFT TO FRAY

(Wind-Up)

#1

MR. BIG – WHAT IF…

(Frontiers Records)

Yes, the return of MR. BIG left a big Hard Rockin’ impression on my ears. If ever there was an album that grew on me, over the course of time, then said album is What If… and it has served me right. Eric Martin’s vocals have never sounded better. Sound cliche? Not in my mind. On What If… Billy Sheehan (bass), Paul Gilbert (guitar) and Pat Torpey (drums) all sound as if there was never a recording break of ten years. Their seventh studio album may just be their best Hard Rock creation, in my honest opinion.

My favorite song from What If… is Undertow. Check out the music video of MR. BIG below, hopefully you’ll enjoy Undertow as much as I do!

THANK YOU to all of the bands above and Long Live Hard Rock!

LONG LIVE MR. BIG

Stone.

* For more cool “Best Of 2011 Lists” of Rock, Hard Rock and Metal Albums, click on the links below and visit these other fantastic blogs/websites!

All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/

Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/

The Crash Pad of Ray Van Horn, Jr. – http://www.rayvanhornjr2.blogspot.com/

Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/

Hard Rock Nights — http://hardrocknights.com

Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/

Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/

Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/

Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/

Metal Excess — http://metalexcess.com/

The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/

Stone.

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KISS – THE KISS KRUISE 2012

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on December 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – As announced today on KISSONLINE.com, there will be a KISS KRUISE – Halloween 2012. More information coming in the next few weeks.

My Metal advice is to stay tuned for any and all information about this KISS KRUISE – Halloween 2012 by clicking the two links below:

www.thekisskruise.com

KISS

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey Mulls Over: Why Are Classic Rock Bands Re-Recording Their Greatest Hits?

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, melodic rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

I am not a curmudgeon when it comes to cover songs. Actually, I’ve always embraced a good (and sometimes) excellent cover song and/or album of such songs. I like to look upon a cover song as celebrating the Rock historical impact of its respective original. When a Classic Rock band “re-records” their own songs from the past, they are essentially covering their own songs. The preceding sentence sounds a tad silly huh?

My admiration for a multi-vast number of Classic Rock bands is real and I’ll use four current and legendary bands as examples for this post, all in which have toured extensively while releasing new studio albums in recent years: KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx. No doubt, I’ve enjoyed listening to all four of these bands re-recorded compilations. The classic quote “what’s old is new again” can seriously be applied to the recent re-recordings of these highly influential bands.

The above mentioned bands each have a catalog of albums that span four decades plus, therefore, breathing a newfound energy and modern relevance into their classic songs is not such a negative move. Or is it? I don’t want to come across as hypocritical when I say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” or “nothing beats an original”, especially after I’ve stated that I’ve enjoyed these bands rejuvenated greatest hits. Certainly there is money to be made from these four bands re-recording their classics, however, the generations of new fans that are recruited, due to the lure of these re-recordings, is what really matters. In turn, these new fans will (hopefully) keep the Classic Rock flame burning for many years to come.

Even though I spend the money on re-recorded greatest hits from these bands, it doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the original material and look upon it as dated. Truth be told, I’d much rather listen to the original (1978) Pieces Of Eight by Styx and Foreigner’s (1978) Double Vision albums before I reach for the newly re-recorded comps. I’m old school, yet I’m also for moving forward as well. Numerous Classic Rock bands have moved forward, with lineup and lead vocal changes being an inevitable part of the Rock business model. Longevity doesn’t guarantee that an original lineup stays intact and re-recording songs from long ago unites the past with the present.

KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx each have earned a brand recognition in the global music marketplace, each carrying on their unique style of Classic Hard Rock, without compromising the quality I have grown to expect from them. I guess when it’s done right and with reverence to the song, any Classic Rock band can re-record their classics for the world to hear and enjoy. At the end of my Metal day, re-recordings from these four bands I’ve discussed or from any Classic Rock band for that matter, is history that I don’t mind hearing and being repeated. Of course I may not like every re-recorded song (or cover song) out there. What I do like is knowing the door to Classic Rock’s past will never be closed anytime soon.

LONG LIVE KISS, JOURNEY, FOREIGNER & STYX.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

Stone.

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BC SWEET – New Album “Sugarbomb” Releases Early 2012, Listen To Brand New Single “Sugarbomb” Here!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, glam rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on November 3, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

BC SWEET – Kev Moore (lead vocalist & bassist) for BC Sweet has recently revealed some exciting news: Sugarbomb. This brand new album from BC Sweet will be released in early 2012 and you can listen and Rock-out to the brand new title track right here on Metal Odyssey! The other 9 songs on Sugarbomb are covers, celebrating Sweet classics as well as one Badfinger classic. Plus there is a bonus ‘secret’ track on this album as well! (See track list below).

* As of post launch time, Kev Moore is looking to release Sugarbomb on his very own moore:music label, being available through the moore:music online shop.

Kev Moore spoke of the new album Sugarbomb, telling Metal Odyssey:

“This album is just the first step in a gradual rebranding and remodelling of BC Sweet. We’ve taken the decision to establish our own identity with the Sweet legacy as our inspiration. As the years have passed since Brian Connolly’s death, the band cannot claim to be directly associated with him, but our pedigree as musicians, including The Glitterband’s Pete Phipps on Drums, (who has also played for XTC, Eurythmics, Mike Rutherford, etc) give us hope that we can further our cause in our own right with more original Glam-era inspired material over the next few years”.

* The very cool Sugarbomb album cover was designed by Kev Moore.

A special thank you to Kev Moore, for allowing Metal Odyssey to post the new single Sugarbomb for fans to enjoy. Sugarbomb was written by Kev Moore. Sugarbomb will be available as a digital download single on November 5th,2011 and available at most platforms, including: CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon. Click on the audio bar below to hear Sugarbomb and let the good times Rock!

BC Sweet – 2011

SUGARBOMB – Track List:

Sugarbomb

Action

Wigwam

Fox On The Run

Hell Raiser

Ballroom Blitz

No Matter What (Originally Badfinger, one of Brian Connolly’s favorite covers)

Set Me Free/Lies In Your Eyes Medley (A Sweet Rock classic segued into one of the later singles)

Blockbuster

Alexander Roadhouse Bell Blues (Sweet ‘s first single, Alexander Graham Bell mixed with Roadhouse Blues)

* Bonus ‘Secret’ Track – will be heard on Sugarbomb as well!

* Album cover and group photo courtesy of Kev Moore.

* For more info on BC Sweet, click on the link below:

Moore: Music

LONG LIVE BC SWEET.

Stone.

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