BLACK ROBOT – It’s Black Friday across America. That’s when material excess overrules proper judgement. It’s when a popular upscale department store can most likely sell rusted and bent barbed wire for a profit, by utilizing smart marketing on the masses. Black Friday for me is another day to crank up some more Metal and Hard Rock into my ears. A day no different from any other in my Metal lovin’ life. Metal be thy name.
A couple of days ago, with Black Friday looming larger than ever, I was thinking about the bands who have the word “black” in their (band) names. One of the bands I immediately thought of was BLACK ROBOT. (Yes, the ultra-legendary BLACK SABBATH was the first band I did think of). Classic Rock and Classic Hard Rock influences, colliding with today’s Hard Rock edge, is what overflows in the sound of BLACK ROBOT. You can hear a cool sliver of AC/DC thump and stump gleaming in this band’s Rockin’ thunder, fused with their own original style. Calling California home, BLACK ROBOT has created quite a heavy Rockin’ buzz for themselves the past few years, both stateside and across all shores.
BLACK ROBOT is a Hard Rock band you should be checking out, in the event you haven’t already. Trust me, their brand of Hard Rock is smokin’ with fired-up attitude and a crunchy, fist-to-the-air, blue-collar vibe. The guitar licks and riffs are aplenty, while if you’re looking for some b-b-b-baddass, head knockin’, rhythm stompin’, Hard Rock songs you’ll get ’em with BLACK ROBOT. Metal as my witness, you shall.
BLACK ROBOT was formed back in 2008 by bassist Jonathan “JB” Brightman. He is also a founding and former member of the Grammy nominated Hard Rock band: Buckcherry. Jonathan cowrote and played on the Buckcherry debut S/T from 1999 and their sophomore release from 2001: Time Bomb.
* Check out the BLACK ROBOT music video below, covering the JJ Caleoriginal and Eric Clapton’s cover classic: Cocaine.
* The BLACK ROBOT debut album was released on June 8, 2010, on Formosa Records/Rocket Science Ventures.
*Keep your eyes and ears open for a brand new BLACK ROBOT album in early 2012!
* Track Listing For BLACK ROBOT (Debut S/T):Baddass * Cocaine * Momma Don’t Cry * GirlsKissing Girls * Money * I’m In Love * In My Car * Black Robot * Love On A .45 * Dissatisfaction * 23Days Of Night * Stop The World * Nervous Breakdown
Open up a case or two of Hard Rock whoop-ass and click on the links to BLACK ROBOT below!
Happy Thanksgiving America! It’s been a weird 2011 thus far for weather, that is for certain. (I just had to blurt that out). There are many reasons for my being thankful this Thanksgiving. My family, friends, Metal buddies (worldwide) and of course all the bands I listen to and write about I give thanks for. I’ve decided to compile a list of ten “listening suggestions” for anyone who is in need of an album title with “turkey” in it for Thanksgiving.
No, this is not a list of Heavy Metal albums, instead these are diversetitles that I discovered and at times rediscovered while researching for this post. Honestly, how many Heavy Metal albums are out there with the word “turkey” in the title anyways? Hopefully you may find these suggestions beneficial for your turkey festivities. Without further delay, I am very happy to present to you, the following ten turkey album suggestions for your ears:
Terry Lieberstein – Turkey Burps And T-Ball
I dunno. I found this album cover and it looks kinda fun. Um, it may be geared towards toddlers I would imagine. Then again, any politician out there should find this as a listening adventure for it’s slightly above their intellect.
John Lee Hooker Jr. – Live In Istanbul Turkey
A multi-grammy nominee and son of the legendary/late John Lee Hooker. This album looks pretty cool. I don’t own it nor have I listened to it… and I’m sure I’ll track it down eventually.
100 Miles Per Hour – Backsliding Turkey Kuts
I have no idea. If someone does know, please share your knowledge on this mystery album. If you like to experience Turkey Day in the fast lane, this seems to be a logical choice.
The Arrogant Worms – Christmas Turkey
A musical comedy trio from Canada are The Arrogant Worms. Apparently they parody music genres too. Sounds like a cool party to me.
Wild Turkey – Battle Hymn
Formed back in 1971 by former Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick. Last I checked, Wild Turkey is still around too. By the way, any Wild Turkey album shall suffice as a suggestion. Drinking some Wild Turkey on Turkey Day is always another option.
Dre Towey with Sugar On Top – Turkey Bop
Once again, I dunno. Well, if you like turkey and want to bop, then I strongly urge you to give this one a serious listen. Metal be thy name.
Julia Marvel – The Turkey Sessions
Um, whatever. Is this a spoken word CD? A band? Stop the presses! I do know what “The Turkey Sessions” is all about! This is about the recent Deficit Reduction Committee! You know, those scholarly & economic versed politicians who were overpaid to find ways to cut U.S. government spending… and they accomplished… TURKEY!
National Lampoon –Gold Turkey (Radio Hour/Greatest Hits)
Obviously this album’s title sums up what you are going to hear. Comedy I imagine. Gold Turkey qualitytoo. It must be pretty decent, as I have always enjoyed the National Lampoon movies over the years.
The Turkeys – Every Night’s The Same
This is the debut album from The Turkeys. The genre is Rock Americana. The Turkeys style: Bluegrass, Folk Rock and Blues. This album was released in 2007. That’s it, no more gravy about The Turkeys. I’ve given you enough information already and don’t want to spoil your turkey surprise.
BEKI BONDAGE – COLD TURKEY
All right now. Now we’re talking. Finally a suggestion I feel psyched about. I guess I’ve saved the best for last here. Beki Bondage and her solo album released in 2000: Cold Turkey. This album boasts 13 cover songs, from Thin Lizzy (TheBoys Are Back In Town) to Nirvana (Smells Like Teen Spirit). Beki knows a thing or two about Rock ‘N Roll & Punk Rock. Take my Metal word for it… the legendary Beki Bondage ROCKS. Beki is the singer, songwriter, guitarist and founding member for Vice Squad.
* For more info on Beki Bondage, click the link below:
BLACK SABBATH – On November 11th, 2011, the incredible news broke of BLACK SABBATH reuniting with ground-breaking plans for 2012! A press conference that included Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and (producer) Rick Rubin confirming the new studio album and world tour was welcomed news to Heavy Metal fans across the globe. Check out below the confirmed BLACK SABBATH tour dates for Europe in 2012! Metalbe thy name BLACK SABBATH IS BACK!
I am not a curmudgeon when it comes to cover songs. Actually, I’ve always embraced a good (and sometimes) excellent cover song and/or album of such songs. I like to look upon a cover song as celebrating the Rock historical impact of its respective original. When a Classic Rock band “re-records” their own songs from the past, they are essentially covering their own songs. The preceding sentence sounds a tad silly huh?
My admiration for a multi-vast number of Classic Rock bands is real and I’ll use four current and legendary bands as examples for this post, all in which have toured extensively while releasing new studio albums in recent years: KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx. No doubt, I’ve enjoyed listening to all four of these bands re-recorded compilations. The classic quote “what’s old is new again” can seriously be applied to the recent re-recordings of these highly influential bands.
The above mentioned bands each have a catalog of albums that span four decades plus, therefore, breathing a newfound energy and modern relevance into their classic songs is not such a negative move. Or is it? I don’t want to come across as hypocritical when I say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” or “nothing beats an original”, especially after I’ve stated that I’ve enjoyed these bands rejuvenated greatest hits. Certainly there is money to be made from these four bands re-recording their classics, however, the generations of new fans that are recruited, due to the lure of these re-recordings, is what really matters. In turn, these new fans will (hopefully) keep the Classic Rock flame burning for many years to come.
Even though I spend the money on re-recorded greatest hits from these bands, it doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the original material and look upon it as dated. Truth be told, I’d much rather listen to the original (1978) Pieces OfEight by Styx and Foreigner’s (1978) Double Vision albums before I reach for the newly re-recorded comps. I’m old school, yet I’m also for moving forward as well. Numerous Classic Rock bands have moved forward, with lineup and lead vocal changes being an inevitable part of the Rock business model. Longevity doesn’t guarantee that an original lineup stays intact and re-recording songs from long ago unites the past with the present.
KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx each have earned a brand recognition in the global music marketplace, each carrying on their unique style of Classic Hard Rock, without compromising the quality I have grown to expect from them. I guess when it’s done right and with reverence to the song, any Classic Rock band can re-record their classics for the world to hear and enjoy. At the end of myMetal day, re-recordings from these four bands I’ve discussed or from any Classic Rock band for that matter, is history that I don’t mind hearing and being repeated. Of course I may not like every re-recorded song (or cover song) out there. What I do like is knowing the door to Classic Rock’s past will never be closed anytime soon.
KISS – On or about November 11th, 2011, Matthew Wilkening over at Ultimate Classic Rock.com wrote a fabulous article on the KISS “Destroyer”Deluxe Edition that will be releasing sometime in 2012. This Deluxe Edition of “Destroyer” will also feature the original album cover art created by artist Ken Kelly, (which was rejected by Casablanca Records).
Johnny Winter – Friday Music is re-releasing on 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl, Second Winter, the third studio album and 1969 Blues/Rock Classic from the iconic Johnny Winter. An American Blues/Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, Johnny Winter’s influence across the world of Rock cannot be measured. Simply put, Johnny Winter is one-of-a-kind.
* Second Winter will be re-released as a three-sided album as well, with the fourth side left blank, just as the original Columbia Records release from 1969.
* As a very limited run, this 180 Gram Vinyl re-release of Second Winter includes the original gatefold album cover designed by Tony Lane and the photography excellence of Richard Avedon.
Second Winter – Band Lineup:
Johnny Winter – vocals & guitars
Edgar Winter – keys & saxophone
Tommy Shannon – bass
Uncle John Turner – drums
Second Winter – Track List:
Side One:
Memory Pain
I’m Not Sure
The Good Love
Side Two:
Slippin’ And Slidin’
Miss Ann
Johnny B. Goode
Highway 61 Revisited
Side Three:
I Love Somebody
Hustled Down In Texas
I Hate Everybody
Fast Life Rider
* To purchase this Johnny Winter gem, on 180 Gram Vinyl, click the link below:
As reported in the Gibson Guitar newsletter – November 6th, 2011:
Gibson Guitar Corp. has announced the “Fight For Your Right To Rock!” contests. Participants can submit a video, original song or logo expressing how the Lacey Act can be made fair. Contributors will have the opportunity to win a customized Gibson USA Les Paul Standard adorned with the winning logo.
On August 24, 2011, agents from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service raided Gibson facilities and seized more than 10,000 guitar fingerboards made from Indian rosewood, along with computers and other records. At issue is the Lacey Act, which was amended in 2008 to prevent trafficking in illegally harvested or illegally exported plants. However, Gibson has complied with Indian law and no concerns have been raised by the Indian government.
“Through this contest we’re asking people to lend their voice so that those in power understand that there’s true concern,” said Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. “To be clear, we’re not looking to abolish the Lacey Act — we’re asking that it be amended — that it be made fair and clear.”
* To continue reading this story and for all info regarding the “Fight For Your Right To Rock!” contests, click on that very cool link below:
MASS – Louis St. August – It all started back in 1984, when MASS released their self-titled EP and garnered the widespread attention of radio stations, record companies and of course their new-found fans. In 1985, this Boston, Massachusetts originated band was signed to RCA Records and their first full-length album, New Birth, was released upon the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal world. New Birth catapulted MASS onto the Billboard charts and MTV came knocking on their door. The single released from New Birth was Do You Love Me and this song became a successful music video within the coveted MTV rotation.
Caught somewhere between the positive vibes of Stryper and their very own brand of melodic heaviness, coupled with credibility at every angle, MASS did exit the 80’s leaving behind 3 studio albums and their historic EP as a reminder of greater things to come. MASS was then, as they are now, a Heavy Metal band that glistens with accessibility without compromising their hard and heavy sound.
Louis St. August – 2011
MASS is still Rockin’ in 2011, their fifth full-length, Heavy Metal achievement and critically acclaimed Sea Of Black was released in 2010. With their best work existing in the present, reflecting on where it all began for MASS is something Louis St. August embraces and is understandably quite proud of. As the old saying goes, “times were different back then” and 1985 was no exception, as founding member and lead vocalist Louis St. August will reveal in this exclusive Metal Odyssey interview.
Stone:Do You Love Me is a memorable song from the New Birth album. What was the process of choosing this song for a music video?
Louis: It was solely RCA records idea of making and pushing the Do You love Me video first as we felt it was a poor representation of what the band was really about. We wanted to go with something a bit heavier like Toofar Gone or Crying Alone. But the label insisted and thought a power ballad would open doors up for us and that radio would pick up the song a lot quicker. They told us the second video would be the heavier one which never did come to be.
Looking back at it now It’s kind of funny because the very first script the video production team wrote for the Do you love me video was actually turned down by RCA records because they felt it was too sexy and would get banned from MTV and other video stations. The script only calling for a Catholic girls school bus breaking down in some dark alley, when the girls all got out of the bus dressed up in their little catholic school dress’s knocked on our rehearsal door only to come in and start dancing seductively and falling in love with the song and band. Very mild and tamed I must say compared to the videos we see today. (Laughs). But that’s the early eighties for you.
Stone: Where was this video filmed?
Louis: The video was filmed in an abandoned warehouse in Manhattan, New York. It took two days to film it. (Film not video), that’s why it has that grainy look to it. I couldn’t believe it took 48 straight hours to film, only to have it edited down to a 3 minute and 20 second song. (Laughs). The video cost RCA records $50,000 something that would cost $5,000 to $8,000 today.
MASS – That Was Yesterday!
Stone: How difficult or easy was it to get Do You Love Me on MTV? How psyched were you guys to get that exposure?
Louis: It was not difficult at all with such a big label like RCA behind us. MTV execs were actually at the shooting of the video and approached our management at the time to see if they would agree to let MTV make the Do You Love Me video an exclusive premier for MTV. But our management said NO because they wanted to share it with the U68’s,V66’s video stations of the world. A big mistake in my eyes for we would have gained much more exposure had they agreed to this and received “heavy rotation” play instead of the “1ight rotation” we received on MTV.
We were very excited the first time it aired on MTV. Just like the first time you hear your song on the radio you never forget that feeling. After that it seemed like every time you put the TV on or the radio on you would hear your song. The phone never stopped ringing after that. And still hasn’t. (Laughs).
Stone: Were there any aggravating and/or funny moments you want to share while filming “Do You Love Me”?
Louis: We just simply had a blast making it, hanging with all the hired extras and crew. We even put our road manager (Gino) at the beginning of the video along with our stage manager (Laurie). We also included our manager & lawyer towards the end (carrying the food trays). Although it was extremely exhausting we were just running on pure adrenaline and tons of laughs and good times.
MASS – In The Present!
Stone: As you look back on the New Birth album now, what fond memories does it stir up?
Louis: There are so many but here are just a few for me. We all moved in to the studio in beautiful Bearsville New York. The whole band actually lived in a huge barn. Our equipment was set up downstairs in the living room while all our beds were upstairs in the loft. We would work with our producer Tony Platt (Led Zep /Cheap Trick, etc) during the day on preproduction stuff in the barn for two weeks before moving into the studio to start recording. When I had free time, I would ride my mountain bike through the beautiful town and hills, while enjoying the fresh air and star studied night skies.
During the evenings, the band would get together and hang with Joe Lynn Turner and his band mates and go out for dinner at various places. Joe and his band mates were there recording an album as well with producer (Roy Thomas Baker/Queen). We had a lot of fun and many a food fight at some of the top-notch restaurants in the area, where we would sometimes be asked to leave. (Laughs).
Our girlfriends, wives, would come down a few weekends during our 8 week stay and enjoy the surroundings as well as the music we were making. My wife at the time was pregnant with my first child so it was special for me when we decided to call the album New Birth.
* All Photos Courtesy/By Permission Of Louis St. August
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:
KISS – The iconic Hard Rock and Heavy Metal band, KISS, are known and loved the world over by generations of countless and loyal fans. KISS will be celebrated by Germany’s Rock Hard magazine with a special issue slated for release on November 30th, 2011. Interviews, 8 posters, photos and discography will be the features of this Rock Hard special issue of KISS.
Today, Jimmy Ronnie (guitarist and founding member of Scotland’s Hard Rock pioneers IRON CLAW) commented to Metal Odyssey on the recent departure of vocalist Gordon Brown. Thank you Jimmy! Here is what Jimmy had to say:
“As far as Gordon’s departure goes I haven’t really got much more to add, beyond that has already been said by Gordon himself. There is no bad feeling between us and we wish him good fortune in his future musical endeavours. Gordon has done a fine job on the album and that remains for all to hear. It’s just that the time had come for us to go in separate directions and when it came down to it we found ourselves in complete agreement on that point”.
“Iron Claw is still very much alive and looking forward to working with the next lead vocalist. There are plans to take the live show to audiences both here in the UK and abroad and Ripple Music have confirmed their desire to release another album in a year or so. Many thanks to Metal Odyssey for your continuing support”.
Jimmy Ronnie, Guitarist, Iron Claw – October 24th, 2011
Above: Jimmy Ronnie – By permission of Jimmy Ronnie
Above photo taken at first gig after Iron Claw reformation, at “Comlongon Rocks”, a charity one day festival in South West Scotland.
Click on the large header link below, to read what Gordon Brown had to say, regarding his leaving Iron Claw, (originally posted on Metal Odyssey October 21, 2011):
CHICAGO – Yes, on a very frequent basis I do rant, regarding the obvious omissions of legendary bands/musicians that the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame are embarrassingly guilty of not inducting for membership. Believe me, this is not the first time nor the last, that I am ranting about the ignorance and politics of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
The 500 “Rock Scholars” and/or whatever else they’re called, over there in Cleveland, Ohio, should all put their heads down in shame about ignoring this legendary American Rock Band: Chicago. Read the musical achievements below about Chicago and maybe you too will agree… Chicago is a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Band!
* The following facts about Chicago are taken from this source: Classic Rock Presents AOR Magazine, Issue 3, July 2011
Gordon Brown – Recently, Gordon Brown has decided to step down as lead vocalist for Scotland’s Iron Claw. With nearly forty years since the last studio album was released by Iron Claw, Ripple Music signed them and ADifferent Game was released back in early October of 2011. Without anything to lose and a bounty of respect to gain, Iron Claw surely did claw their way into myMetal soul and tore it apart for the better. An amazing Hard Rock album with old school heaviness that featured the bluesy vocals of Gordon Brown and the seasoned musicianship of Jimmy Ronnie (guitar), Alex Wilson (bass) and IanMcDougall (drums).
Many (tried and true) legendary bands have changed lead vocalists over the decades of Rock, with BlackSabbath, Iron Maiden, Rainbow and Deep Purple being so prominently successful at it. Gordon Brown was not the first singer for Iron Claw, nor shall he be the last. The one thing I’m certain about is, I’ll miss the heck out of Gordon’s voice fronting this legendary underground band. Iron Claw will move forward and so too will Gordon Brown. I respect this band and Gordon beyond words can express for they’re a Hollywood script, proving that Rock and Roll dreams do come true. – Stone
This week, I asked Gordon Brown to share his thoughts regarding his recent departure from Iron Claw and what he is setting his sights on for the future. Here is what Gordon Brown had to say:
My reasons for leaving the band were really quite simple, it wasn’t working for me and hadn’t been for quite a while. My decision to leave was probably made not long after we finished recording, I thought things might improve over time (and) they didn’t! The thing is, if it isn’t right, it isn’t right and the best course of action is to walk away. There’s no acrimony (to my knowledge), (I) think the others probably felt the same way too in varying degrees.
The making of the album was fun for me, I thought that at age 51 it would never happen, I’m glad it did and I think we made a really good album. Much is often said about vocalists and guitarists, in Iron Claw the less well sung heroes are of course the drums and bass, I’ve said it before and will again now, with Ian McDougal and Alex Wilson you have a rhythm section that sounds like a panzer division on manoeuvres! They allowed Jimmy(Ronnie) and I to strut our stuff out front.
The reviews for the album are in the main very good and positive, hopefully people will get out and buy it. There was probably a section of listeners and reviewers who expected the Iron Claw of long ago to be brought out to play, it saddens me that they don’t enjoy this version of the band. One particular blog site didn’t think they’d had enough of a go in their review and decided to have a second go and that did kind of amuse me! There may have been expectations that regurgitating the early 70’s thing was how it would be, my personal view is that this album represents an older band doing what they love… and doing it well. Time will tell with the album. I love it.
There’s no real sadness or regret on my part in leaving. It would have been nice in some ways to have toured the album, but if it isn’t meant to be… I do hope the band find someone reasonably soon. It will however be a bit strange listening to my lyrics being sung by someone else but hey, that’s Rock ‘n’ Roll!
What now for me, well, the future is looking bright. I’ve had a load of requests to collaborate on projects from the UK and USA, so I’ll be investigating that. Being involved in an album from the beginning and having a hand in creating the music as well as writing the lyrics is very attractive to me right now. The likelihood is that it’ll be a mixture of Blues and Southern Boogie with a hint of Bluegrass thrown in. Going back to the music I love best will hopefully allow me to create something that I’d want to release. At the end of the day though, if ADifferent Game ends up being my only ever released work I won’t be unhappy or unfulfilled.
SCORPIONS – Here is an album that has gotten Scott Coverdale and I quite excited around here at the Metal Odyssey International Headquarters: ScorpionsComeblack. The official release date as stated on the Scorpions website is November 1st, 2011 and “available worldwide by Nov. 4th”. I’ve checked around and it appears the North American release date is November 15th, 2011. Comeblack will boast 13 songs, with a combination of re-recorded Scorpions classics and cover songs from legendary bands… these same bands that influenced the Scorpions to become unreal legendary themselves!
A wise old Metalhead once told me, a very, very, long time ago: “You can never get enough of them Scorpions”. Metal be thy name and Hail! Hail! Scorpions!
* Comeblack will be released on Sony Music.
* Comeblack will be available on CD and 2 – LP.
Track List For Comeblack:
Rhythm Of Love
No One Like You
The Zoo
Rock You Like A Hurricane
Blackout
Wind Of Change
Still Loving You
Tainted Love
Children Of The Revolution
Across The Universe
Tin Soldier
All Day And All Of The Night
Ruby Tuesday
* For more info on the Scorpions, click on the link below:
KIMBALL JAMISON – Alright, it’s time to get those psyche-out ostrich bumps to rise up on your arms and face from an amazing song that boasts two legendary Rock vocalists: Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison. Trust me, I am still trying to shake the psyche-out fever I’ve contracted from Can’t Wait For Love. The dual vocal harmonies from Bobby and Jimi, on this song, are instantly identifiable and surely ever memorable.
Can’tWait For Love Rocks in an elevated style, while showcasing the magical vocal fires that Kimball Jamison are combined. This is an AOR and Classic Rock gem of a melodic song, one that only Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison’s vocals could bring to such a heightened level of inspiration. Bobby Kimball is most famously known for his vocals and musical contributions with Toto. Jimi Jamison’s career is highlighted with his successful years he spent as a lead vocalist and songwriter with Survivor.
Check out Can’t Wait For Love below and crank it up! I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.
* Kimball Jamison releases October 14, 2011 in Europe and October 18th, 2011 in North America on Frontiers Records.
KIMBALL JAMISON – Track Listing:
Worth Fighting For
Can’t Wait For Love
Sail Away
Chasing Euphoria
Find Another Way
Get Back In The Game
I Did Everything Wrong
Shadows Of Love
Hearts Beat Again
We Gotta Believe
Kicking And Screaming
Your Photograph
* For more info on this Kimball Jamison album, click on the link below:
KING KOBRA – We unfortunately live in a world that could use a ton more peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll. You don’t need to be a Deadhead and follow psychedelic bands to understand that. Being a Metalhead, I can relate quite well to peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll and why wouldn’t I? There already is enough hate, envy and mean people around us all, so why shouldn’t I spread the Hard Rockin’ and positive vibes of the legendary KING KOBRA today, with their music video: Turn Up The Good Times.
The self-titled comeback album (and fifth studio album overall) from KING KOBRA, has reminded me once again that there still are Hard Rock bands that want to write and record a feel-good album. KING KOBRA is led by founding member and ultra legendary drummer: Carmine Appice. Rounding out KING KOBRA is: Paul Shortino (vocals), David Michael-Philips (guitar), Mick Sweda (guitar) and Johnny Rod (bass).
* KING KOBRA was released on April 15th, 2011 in Europe and May 5th, 2011 in North America on Frontiers Records.
TURN UP THE VOLUME ON KING KOBRA’S TURN UP THE GOOD TIMES BELOW!
* Directed by Mario Ruiz/Spain
* For more info on KING KOBRA, click on the links below:
Like most Metalheads, I think about and listen to Heavy Metal quite often. Many times my brain makes up these “thoughts to ponder”, only it is never any fun pondering them by myself. Therefore, today being the last day of September 2011, I am letting the world know what current Heavy Metal thoughts I am pondering! Take a look below, to see if maybe you would like to “ponder” them with me.
01 – The X Factor (USA) is on Fox! Who gives a crap about this show if your into Heavy Metal or Hard Rock? This is just another televised anti-Heavy Music talent show to find the next pre-teen and teen idol that can’t sing a damn lick of Pop manure. Hollywood doesn’t care if you can’t sing, as long as you have that “perfect face” and skinny body. As far as the “older dudes” that audition for this show, it’s the same thing: bubble gum.
02 – Nevermind by the legendary Nirvana has been reissued this past Tuesday, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of its release. I bought the cassette of Nevermind when it was released back in 1991. I always felt Nirvana was a great band and Nevermind was a great album. That’s it, folks. That album is NOT the Holy Grail of Rock music history. Elvis, The Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, KISS, RUSH and TheRamones already came and conquered, way in advance of Nevermind, sorry to say. I never checked in my loyalty to Heavy Metal card at the door, just due to a band coming out of (Seattle) Aberdeen, Washington and decided to mix Punk, Hard Rock and Alternative Rock together.
03 – By the way, Grunge never killed Heavy Metal. Nope. Back in those early 1990’s, the press decided to not cover Heavy Metal while the record companies decided Seattle was the gateway to Rock and Roll’s Atlantis. Whose face has egg on it now?
04 – If I read one more article about how there will no longer be CD’s manufactured in “five years”, I think I’m gonna jump out of my skin. Regardless, there is a “genius” that pops up every week, somewhere, that decides they are gonna remind us all about how terrible the CD is and how this music medium will be wiped off the face of the planet.
That’s it. Those are my Heavy Metal thoughts to ponder. I wish I could list more, yet I won’t. Why not list more? Well, the two blogging books I’ve been reading recently state: keep your posts short, simple and to the point. Screw the blogging books. Here is one more Bonus Heavy Metal thought to ponder!
BONUS – Who are Rufus with Chaka Khan? It sounds like some high caloric dish you would order from a pricey restaurant in New York City. Despite my being confused, they were nominated for induction into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for 2012. I realize that KISS pisses off The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for some crazy reason, still, Carmine Appice, Cheap Trick, The Moody Blues, RUSH, The Doobie Brothers and many other qualifying and REAL legends of ROCK AND ROLL are not nominated and Rufus with Chaka Khan is? Metal be thy name.
GEORGE LYNCH – Influential and legendary guitarist and songwriter – George Lynch, aka “Mr. Scary” turns 57 years young today. George Lynch was born on September 28th, 1954. Happy Birthday George!
George Lynch has had an amazing career in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, with his notable tenure as Dokken’s lead guitarist being an important chapter in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock history. George’s post Dokken career is yet another standout chapter in Heavy Music history. George has enjoyed much admirable success with his Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band Lynch Mob along with his highly respected solo career.
Back on July 19th, 2011, the brand newGeorge Lynch album Kill All Control was released. This blazingly Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ album features the virtuosic guitar of George Lynch, while boasting the vocals of: Marc Torien, Will Marten and Keith St. John.
I once had the pleasure to interview George Lynch back in 2010 for Rob Rockitt’s industry-wide respected Hard RockHideout. To say George was a genuine and nice guy while we conversed is an underestimation. George loves to play and listen to all kinds of music and you can read all about it for yourself, by clicking on the large header link below:
PUDDLE OF MUDD – Cover song albums have been and forever will be a debatable topic. Is it a “good move” on the part of a band or individual musician to cover a “particular” song or (gasp) record an entire album of them? As I see it, at the end of the day it’s all about the music and cover songs are (supposed) to celebrate the original song without destroying it’s structural foundation. That’s my Metal opinion on the Metal matter and it is an endless discussion for certain. Lead guitarist Paul Phillips states it perfectly within this album’s liner notes: “Our goal in interpreting these songs was to pay more tribute rather than reinvent”. With that gabby intro of mine out-of-the-way, Puddle Of Mudd released an 11 song album of covers back on August 29th, 2011 via MRI/Arms Division that’s called: Re:(disc)overed.
Actually, the title of this cover song album is quite fitting for me, for Puddle Of Mudd has made merediscover these songs that are undisputeded Rock classics. Over time, as I’ve read and conducted many an interview with musicians, the undeniable truth is that they are fans of music too. Musicians are artists and they can unquely re-package an already established Rock song, which in turn (hopefully) brings new life to such established songs. Making younger generations of Rock fans aware of the classics is so important, the roots of Rock can never be forgotten. Puddle Of Mudd have not only paid tribute to songs that mean something to them here, they have also given these 11 songs a substantial relevant vibe that I cannot resist.
This cover song album has grown on me like there is no tomorrow and I’m very glad I decided to buy it. I bought Re:(disc)overed without hearing a single sample or track beforehand, knowing that Puddle Of Mudd has no choice other than to deliver the goods. Honestly, I never expected to like all 11 songs and deep down inside of me I feel relieved that Puddle Of Mudd pulled this one off! This is an album that makes me feel so damn proud to be infatuated with Rock and Roll. As I listen to T.N.T.,I really do hear a sincere admiration that WesScantlin has for the late and legendary Bon Scott.
After hearing the recent Redlight King cover of Neil Young’s Old Man, albeit with a sample style, I was blown away to realize that Puddle Of Mudd has also rediscovered such a monumentally historic Rock song too. I don’t know how Puddle Of Mudd did it here, yet their cover of Old Man doesn’t seem to be as depressing as it was originally meant to be by Neil Young himself. Maybe Puddle Of Mudd made Old Man sound more reflective than just plain sad? My hands down favorite cover here is Shelter Me. The Rolling Stones should send Puddle Of Mudd a congratulations card in the mail for the way they present and play their iconic song. Just fabulous.
I feel Billy Squier has too often been overlooked for his legacy of Hard Rock. With Everybody Wants You, Puddle Of Mudd makes certain this Rocker gets his proper Hard Rockin’ due. It’s funny, how hearing this cover of Everybody Wants You, it all reminds me of when I used to jump around the house to the original song as a banana brained young teen. Rocket Man has Puddle Of Mudd stamped all over it and still this band did not insult one single note of Elton John’s creation. Just an extraordinary Rock classic among the 11 others I am continuing to enjoy on Re:(disc)overed. In my Metal opinion, you should discover Re:(disc)overed, especially if you love and cherish the roots of Rock like I do. Puddle Of Mudd has proven to me, with this album, their reverence for Rock’s classic songs and artists.
PUDDLE OF MUDD:
Wes Scantlin – vocals & guitar
Paul Phillips – lead guitar
Doug Ardito – bass guitar
RE:(DISC)OVERED – Track Listing:
Gimme Shelter
Old Man
T.N.T.
Stop Dragging My Heart Around
Joker
Everybody Wants You
Rocket Man
All Right Now
Shooting Star
D’yer Mak’er
Funk #49
* For more info on PUDDLE OF MUDD, click on the link below:
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Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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