Archive for the cool album covers Category

Newer Entries »

Happy Metal Birthday, Klaus Meine – Scorpions vocalist

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's Rock, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic metal, classic rock, cool album covers, essential hard rock albums, essential heavy metal albums, essential rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal from germany, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Scorpions, vintage hard rock albums, vintage heavy metal albums, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

fullsizeIt is May 25th, 2009, Memorial Day in the United States. Today is also… the 61st birthday for Klaus Meine, lead vocalist for the incredible, dynamic and legendary Scorpions. Metal Odyssey gives out a loud, Metal filled, Happy Birthday to Klaus Meine! I can go on for days as to how much Metal joy that Klaus Meine and the Scorpions have given me, with their Heavy Metal, throughout my life. My favorite Scorpions album ever, is “In Trance” – this album showcased an up and coming Heavy Metal band that was filled with the Metal hunger and talent needed to sustain such a long standing, unbelievable career. Released in 1975, the third album, this is a Scorpions release unlike their “Animal Magnetism”, “Blackout” or “Love At First Sting” albums. This is Scorpions Metal that was raw, rough and edgy, in other Metal words – great tunes without the Arena Rock flamboyancy. Do not get me wrong, I support and revere every album ever released by the Scorpions. Only this is a Scorpions band in their Metal infancy, the dynamics are clearly heard on this album, which makes me choose “In Trance” as my favorite Scorpions release. This vinyl Metal Classic still exists in my collection today, after so many plays on the turntable. I am still amazed that I was able to keep this album, in such incredible condition, for this long!

“Top of the Bill” is my favorite track on “In Trance”, this song exemplifies what true old school Heavy Metal sounds like. The Scorpions musicians over the decades are stand alone – top of their Metal game players. Klaus Meine is realistically, for me, a top ten, all-time Heavy Metal vocalist. You can argue that Klaus Meine is a top ten, all-time Hard Rock vocalist as well. (Take your pick or pick both). “In Trance” does not lack in quality of musicianship or song writing, in my Metal opinion. This was an album that really represented this time period well, representing what Heavy Metal from Germany sounded like. (Thank you Germany). I am confident in saying that the world of Metal has embraced and revered the Scorpions to this very day. Thank you Klaus Meine for sharing your unique and unbelievable vocals with us, you and the Scorpions are in a Metal class all your own!

Scorpions as they appeared on “In Trance” in 1975: Klaus Meine on lead vocals, Ulrich Roth on lead guitar & backing vocals and lead vocals on “Dark Lady” & “Sun In My Hand”, Rudolf Schenker on rhythm guitar & backing vocals, Francis Buchholz on bass guitar & backing vocals and Rudy Lenners on drums & percussion.

fth

Leave a comment »

Nazareth “Hair Of The Dog” still has the heavy bite

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's Rock, Album Review, classic metal, classic rock, cool album covers, cover songs, essential hard rock albums, essential heavy metal albums, essential rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, rock & roll, rock music, vintage hard rock albums, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Nazareth “Hair Of The Dog” has always been a monumental standout Hard Rock album for me. This is what I consider a real album with no pretensions, no fancy gimmicks. What you hear on “Hair Of The Dog” is true Classic Hard Rock, no tunes found here are subdued or watered down. Nazareth came up the Hard Rock ladder during the 1970’s, surrounded by Hard Rock icons such as: Bad Company, Queen, Boston, Foreigner, Sweet, Styx and Cheap Trick. What a fabulous time it was for Hard Rock music! For the Metal record, I always considered Nazareth to be a Hard Rock band, albeit they do have their Heavy Metal musical tendencies. “Hair Of The Dog”, lyrically, is for me, a true stick it to the man – heavy song. “Now your messin’ with a son of a bitch” – these lyrics say it all, my fellow citizens. I can remember so many moments, in my life, where this song has benefited me. Sure, I have been slighted and backstabbed, so have trillions of other people on this planet have as well. “Hair Of The Dog”, when played LOUD, especially after you know you have been jerked around by someone, well, it is the sure fire remedy for feeling vindication.

I remember, uh, reflect, on my High School days… early ’80’s… it was homeroom at 7:45 in the morning, for my first four years of serving time there, “Love Hurts” was played on the school’s radio station, every single day. Yup, every single day. Did I ever grow tired of this song? Nope. It is Nazareth for Metal sakes. I only used to wonder why “Hair Of The Dog” was not played… probably due to it’s lyrical content, the sacred & self righteous school administrators did not want to stir up the masses. I will delve more into the “Love Hurts” tune in the upcoming paragraph, uh, review.

If you are looking for a great, Classic Hard Rock album to buy and cherish, “Hair Of The Dog” should be an easy choice. This album is saturated with Hard Rock. Oozing with bluesy, Hard Rock music and attitude, “Hair Of The Dog” has so much more to offer, with the title track “Hair Of The Dog” being as close of an example to 1970’s Heavy Metal as you can possibly hear. This song revs it up into high gear, kicking off this album on a real high note. “Miss Misery” is a melancholy song that thumps along with a denim and leather flavor, highlighting the raspy vocals of Dan McCafferty. “Love Hurts” is the ballad, the big radio hit for Nazareth then and now. This song is a cover from the Everly Brothers, only this version is hardened around the edges and overflows with pure Rock emotion. “Whiskey Drinkin’ Woman” is a song with a grooving coolness happening, it has that American Southern Rock sound and atmosphere. “Hair Of The Dog” is in my opinion, quite diversified musically. The opening track being very Metal, another track having Southern Rock flavor and a classic 1950’s ballad cover song. “Please Don’t Judas Me” is a lengthy rocker at nearly ten minutes long. I appreciate this song for it’s jamming, it also exemplifies how albums years ago were geared more to the music than to releasing instant commercial hits. Nazareth released a memorable album back in 1975, it should be enjoyed and passed along for all Rock and Hard Rock fans. Heavy Metal fans should embrace this album for its quality musical content and ground floor sound. “Hair Of The Dog” helped shape Heavy Metal in the 1970’s and beyond. This is an album that can never, ever, be forgotten.

Nazareth on “Hair Of The Dog”: Dan McCafferty on vocals, Manny Charlton on guitars & synthesizer, Pete Agnew on bass guitar & backing vocals and Darrell Sweet on drums, percussion & backing vocals. The liner notes do not contain lyrics, it is a fold out with an enlarged scale of the album cover artwork.

Nazareth "Hair Of The Dog"

1 Comment »

Having a lousy day? Then listen to W.A.S.P. “Live… In The Raw”

Posted in 1980's live heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic metal, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, horror metal, live rock albums, Metal, metal concerts, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage live heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

W.A.S.P. released “Live… In The Raw” on November 27, 1987. I always thank the Metal Gods for W.A.S.P. existing. Blackie Lawless is one of my Metal heroes. This live album/CD is one heck of a Metal ride, an outstanding set of vintage W.A.S.P. tunes that are monstrously power driven. My best buddy in the entire Metal galaxy introduced me to W.A.S.P. back in the mid 1980’s, it was the greatest gift I have ever received from him. I know this line has been used millions of times before, however, being introduced to W.A.S.P. back then is the Metal gift that keeps on giving. Look, if you are in need of some legitimate Metal music that will pick you up, power you up and make you flip off your enemies and/or antagonists, well, “Live… In The Raw” is all the Metal fuel you need. There has always been something about the in your face and straight up brand of Heavy Metal that W.A.S.P. provides, it has been a Metal elixir for me going on three decades now. The legendary W.A.S.P. lineup on this live album was: Blackie Lawless on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Chris Holmes on lead & rhythm guitar, Johnny Rod on bass & backing vocals and Steve Riley on drums & backing vocals.

I always dig the live concert albums that make me feel like I am/was there to experience it. “Live… In The Raw” is one of those albums for me. From the opening track of “Inside The Electric Circus” to “The Manimal” in the middle of the set, to “Blind In Texas” – this is full throttle, old school Heavy Metal, that makes me forget about all the morons that try to make my life miserable. I recommend with full Metal pride, this album/CD to anyone just getting interested in discovering what W.A.S.P. is all about. “Harder Faster” and “9.5 – N.A.S.T.Y.” are two incredible live tracks, I envision Blackie Lawless actually singing these songs with his trademark crazed look about his face as I listen. (Hey, what else would anyone be envisioning while listening to live W.A.S.P.? Huh? Daisy and floral gardens? Cute little chipmunks? I do not think so). This live album is an all Metal feel-good experience, courtesy of one of the most commercially unacceptable bands in the world… the PMRC’s worst nightmare, the undeniable W.A.S.P.. 

W.A.S.P. "Live... In The Raw"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Comments »

Black Sabbath – “Mob Rules” still rules the Metal world

Posted in 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, Album Review, Black Sabbath, classic metal, classic rock, cool album covers, dio, essential heavy metal albums, heaven and hell heavy metal band, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, old school heavy metal, ronnie james dio with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 23, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

In my Metal opinion, this is such a tremendous album, a true Metal mainstay for so many years. Released in 1981, this is Old School, Black Sabbath that time cannot age. I highly endorse “Mob Rules” to be in every Metal fans music collection. Every song is enormous, with the prolific riffs and leads from Tony Iommi on guitar, I so admire this musician. Geezer Butler on bass and Vinny Appice on drums make for what I consider one of the greatest rhythm sections in Metal history. Ronnie James Dio is pure Metal perfection on vocals. Between the music and Dio’s voice, this Black Sabbath lineup takes a back seat to no one. “Voodoo”, “Turn Up The Night”, “Slipping Away” and “Mob Rules” are songs that have that unrelenting Metal energy that does not subside. Unbelievable Metal Classics, in my Metal opinion. “E5150” is an instrumental that has the eerie Black Sabbath ambiance flowing over, a perfect fit for this album. The real sleeper tune on this album, for me, is “Country Girl” – this song has a really cool groove going on, a real Heavy Metal song that doesn’t get the same attention as the previous tracks I mentioned.

“Mob Rules” is, as I see it, one of the most complete Metal albums ever made, it has the songs, vocals, Metal and lyrics. The album artwork definitely gets a Metal thumbs up! This macabre artwork definitely fits in with the song “Mob Rules”. I remember the very first time I heard the opening riff to “Voodoo”, I still get the same Metal rush from it now as I did back in 1981. I distinctly remember when this Metalhead buddy of mine, back then, held this album jacket in his hands, put the vinyl on the turntable, turned to me and said: “Dude, wait ’till you here this song “Voodoo” “. I knew at that moment, it was some special Metal awaiting me. It is an amazing Metal accomplishment, for these four musicians to still be creating new music together in 2009, as Heaven & Hell. Do not skip over this Metal gem for too long, you could be enjoying it right now!

fullsize

2 Comments »

I refuse to be a closet KISS fan

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's Rock, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, classic metal, classic rock, concerts, cool album covers, Gene Simmons, Hair Metal, hair metal music, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal concerts, metal music, Music, old school heavy metal, Rock, rock and roll memorabilia, rock music, vintage heavy metal albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 22, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

main-150KISS. The makeup, the attitude, the stage show, the costumes, the KISS trading cards from the 1970’s, the marketing machine which throws the KISS logo on just about anything. Wait a minute, there is of course… the music, uh, I mean the Heavy Metal. Since about 5th grade, (a long time ago, in a parochial school, far, far, away), I have been a KISS fan. You betcha. I am not a closet KISS fan either. No way will I disregard to anyone, a lifetime love I have for such a behemoth of a Heavy Metal icon, which is KISS. I will not part with my unopened wax box of KISS trading cards from 1978. No sir. What in the world is there to be ashamed of? KISS is the epitome of Heavy Metal success, both commercially and musically, in my Metal opinion.

I have had the opportunity to see KISS live, albeit without makeup. I unfortunately, never had an opportunity to see them live with makeup. Quite honestly, the only drawback about seeing KISS live was… the venue where the concert was. The New Haven Coliseum, (which no longer exists), was by far, the creepiest, most decrepit, armpit of an arena, ever to exist on planet Earth. I mean, this building was not even cool creepy, it was just a plain nightmare gone wrong. This arena was located in New Haven, Connecticut, of course. Alright, enough about that incompetent structure. The KISS concert was loud, bright, festive, loud again and darn right good. I have seen better live shows in my day, yet I am not complaining about anything that KISS did on that stage. It was a night to celebrate Heavy Metal, with a band that carried the flag for Heavy Music since their introduction to the world. This was the KISS “Asylum” Tour, back in good ol’ 1985. I will tell you this, it is a real Metal treat, to see my daughters revel in the KISS tunes, to know and see how much the music of KISS means to them, as it always has for me. My daughters were extremely excited when they saw KISS on television the other night, (I absolutely refuse to discuss this show on Metal Odyssey, let’s just say it is on the Fox Network and is a Pop music show). Hey, anytime KISS can get exposure to a new generation of fans is fine with me.

I remember being in High School, when all of a sudden, it was uncool to like KISS anymore. Well, that was what was happening in the penitentiary like High School I attended. Metalheads  were abundant, yet KISS became almost taboo to talk about. So, I took advantage of this situation. I asked all the super cool know-it-alls that no longer liked KISS, if they were willing to sell their KISS albums and anything KISS. I made out like a bandit. I had more KISS posters, albums and fanzines than I knew what to do with. Plus, I acquired it all dirt cheap. Then, one day, in 1982, KISS made a loud and triumphant return with their release “Creatures Of The Night”… all of a sudden, these fair weather KISS fans are asking me, if I would sell them any of my extra KISS memorabilia and/or albums. Go figure. Since the mid ’70’s up until present day, I have embraced the Heavy Metal that KISS has created. Even the ballads and Gene Simmons dating Cher I have accepted. Yes, the made for television movie “KISS Meets The Phantom In The Park” I have always accepted too. The changes in the KISS lineup never has made me flinch either, any KISS fan knows that the original four are the best. I am not ashamed to say this, for once a KISS fan, always a KISS fan. What other reason was there not to believe this, back in the day when I joined the “KISS Army”? I enlisted into the KISS Army decades ago, I have never gone awol since.

fullsize

3 Comments »

CKY “Carver City” is diverse, macabre Metal at it’s finest

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal music, current progressive metal albums, hard rock album review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, progressive metal, progressive metal albums, progressive metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

71

 

 

I am hopelessly addicted to Metal music. CKY is just another reason why my Metal addiction will never cease. I grabbed, uh, bought my copy of “Carver City” – smack dab on the actual release date of May 19, 2009. You betcha. I was innocently wandering the CD aisles of Wal-Mart, minding my own business, then CKY “Carver City” came into view. I could not resist, nor did I want to try hunting down this new CKY for a cheaper price. For it was there, so shall I buy. I am a steadfast and loyal enthusiast of all Metal, that is why I am very intrigued by CKY and “Carver City”. CKY brings to the Heavy Music table a whole bunch of Metal genres woven into one. These guys are giving Metal fans something different, a change of pace, a stray from the Metal norm, in my Metal opinion.

“The Era Of An End” is heavily saturated with what I will call spooky synthesizer sounds. This is the closing track on this album, a fitting end to an overall macabre Metal work of genius. “Old Carver’s Bones” is heavy, again with sci-fi atmospherics meets creepy synthesizer music and sound effects. The vocals on this tune are enough to not make me want to walk alone at night on a deserted road. Good stuff. “A#1 Roller Rager” is more commercially acceptable, melodic and harmonious. I find this tune to be quite catchy, again different from what is currently flooding the Metal market today. The vocals on “A#1 Roller Rager” sound familiar to the style of 1980’s Arena Rock, yet I am not complaining. (I said earlier CKY is different). “Hellions On Parade”, the opening track that every Metal fan should have heard by now, (due to it being on the internet everywhere prior to the release), works it’s melodic, Metal thumping magic for me. The synthetic textures of music found here on “Carver City” are such an integral style of CKY, that without them, this Metal would not sound so good. “Carver City” is loaded with plenty of cool riffs, impressive backing vocals and heavy ambiance. Everything CKY did here musically seems to seamlessly blend together, forming an imaginative and macabre sound scape of Metal, that I cannot get enough of. The stylistic and progressive theme that CKY ventures into on “Carver City” makes me appreciate this total package here. As a side note, the artwork on the front/back cover and inside the liner notes are perfect, this art fits right into the “Carver City” theme and musical environment. This is a cool, new, Metal album to own for the Summer of 2009 and beyond.

Now I want to call out the names of these guys – they get a gigantic Metal thank you from me for creating “Carver City”: Deron Miller on lead vocals, guitar, bass, moogs, orchestration * Chad I Ginsburg (CIG) on lead guitar, bass, moogs, orchestration and backing vocals * Jess Margera on drums * Matt Deis on bass. RoadRunner Records has yet another amazing Metal band on their roster, this label knows great music when they hear it.

310_200x200

1 Comment »

Rainbow “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” long lives indeed!

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's Rock, Album Review, classic rock, cool album covers, dio, essential hard rock albums, essential heavy metal albums, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, rainbow heavy metal band, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, ronnie james dio, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

There never seems to be a day that goes by, where I do not peruse my Heavy Metal collection of albums and/or CD’s. One album in my collection, that recently caught my attention and reminded me of genuine Heavy Metal greatness is Rainbow “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll”. When I first bought this album, I did so when Ronnie James Dio was the lead vocalist for Black Sabbath, sometime between 1980 and 1982. I needed to, at that time, catch up and become familiar with any or all of Ronnie James Dio’s music and bands. This album, without any doubt in my Metal mind, is a keeper for life.

Released in 1978, this album upon my first complete listen, had me in awe. It still has that same affect on me, more than 25 years later. It just seems that the true elite of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal will shine on forever, keeping the flame of Heavy Music burning for decades on end. That is exactly what “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll does for me, it keeps it’s Heavy Rock sheen glistening, no matter how many times I listen to it. It is my opinion that this album deserves to be in any all time great lists. The two songs “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “L.A. Connection” alone are reason enough to add this album to your collection of Heavy Music. These two tunes pound away at a pace that is classic 1970’s Heavy Metal, yet the unmistakable sound is vintage Rainbow. Here is an album, that boasts strong and heavy music for it’s time, with intelligent lyrics and arguably one of the premiere lead guitarists and lead vocalists in all of Heavy Rock, back in 1978.

Fast forward to Ronnie James Dio joining forces with Black Sabbath, then decades later Heaven & Hell, we are all living in the present with the unstoppable Metal tandem of Tony Iommi and Dio. What is such a thrill to revisit, each time I listen to this album, is there was at one time, an incredible Heavy Metal duo of Ritchie Blackmore and Dio. Listening to Dio sing at this pertinent stage of his career, is hearing an emboldened vocalist, rich with sincere emotion and hunger that elevates the totality of this albums music. Ritchie Blackmore on guitar gives the songs on “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” their creative and at times medieval signature sound. “Gates of Babylon” is a fine example on this album, of what I mean, in mentioning a medieval guitar sound. What words can I truly use to compliment the guitar playing and skill of the legendary Ritchie Blackmore on this album? Let’s leave it that Ritchie Blackmore is guitar elite. The pair of Dio and Blackmore together in Rainbow may have been short lived, however, just as the title of this album states “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” – this album without question long lives.

fullsize

2 Comments »

I drove my neighbors nuts with Ratt – “Out Of The Cellar”

Posted in 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, classic rock, cool album covers, Hair Metal, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

ratt_468

 

 

It was the Summer of 1984, Ratt “Out Of The Cellar” was the Heavy Metal/Hair Metal album that took me and my neighborhood Metal buddies by storm. Yes, this is going to be a middle aged Metalhead reminiscing about 1980’s Heavy Metal, therefore, you have been forewarned. Now, back to Ratt – this album for me, is catchy, melodic, fun, groove laden, riff laden, party all night, good times, brand of Heavy Metal. In other words, I have always put Ratt “Out Of The Cellar” on the Heavy Metal pedestal. Hey, this is my personal preference. If you research and surf around the internet, well, you will find many positive reviews regarding this album and it’s significance to the total Heavy Metal genre of the 1980’s. This album did peak at #7 on the Billboard top 200 album chart in 1984. Stephen Pearcy on lead vocals, Warrn DeMartini & Robbin Crosby on guitar, Juan Croucier on bass guitar and Bobby Blotzer on drums were Ratt, circa 1984, the band that made me like Hair Metal.

Now here is why this great album drove my neighbors nuts, back in the Summer of 1984. You see, I did have quality neighbors next door, they were like family to me. The only thing about these neighbors that I did not dig was, they never, ever, invited me (or my family) over for their countless picnics or to swim in their pool. Other than that, I could honestly count on them for anything else, (except monetary handouts). So, I rebelled, I lashed out, I cranked up Ratt “Out Of The Cellar” so damn loud – every stinking day, of every hour I was home, that Summer of 1984. I would open my bedroom windows fully, then I strategically placed my stereo speakers on top of the window sills, aimed right at my neighbors. I made certain to do this especially when they had their daily picnic and swimming pool jamboree. The nervous looks I would get from my neighbors relatives, as they were gorging on picnic meats, was worth its weight in Metal gold. My neighbor who was the dad (God rest his soul), had the single loudest voice I have ever, even to this day, heard on a human being. He would bellow: “Turn that crap down or turn that crap off”. I turned it up LOUDER.

You see, I was really blessed to have had parents that accepted and liked Heavy Metal, (once I got into high school they realized they could not stop Metal, they could only accept and like it), plus they did not care in the least as to how loud I played my Metal. I would smell the sweet and tender aroma of the steaks cooking on the grill, hot dogs and hamburgers giving off the sensational smells as they cooked away, tantalizing me, making me hunger for an invitation to at least one lousy picnic next door. Dream on, so my only way of expressing my disbelief and let down was to blare my Ratt album as loud as the stereo system could tolerate. A sassy, stuck up, green turtle neck shirt wearing, niece of my neighbors was always at these daily backyard picnic spectacles. I forget her name now and she was my age, yet she acted like she was 55 years old in high school. This bothersome girl was unfortunately in a couple of classes with me in high school. One day, in the Fall of 1984, she turned to me and asked me why I played the same Ratt album over and over. She said: “I am so sick of that album, it is all you play”.  Well, because of that mindless comment and thoughtless attitude, when the Summer of 1985 came around, well, I introduced my neighbors to Mercyful Fate and Slayer. I did not hold back any longer. I turned it up a Metal notch. 

To this day, I enjoy immensely the “Out Of The Cellar” album from Ratt, it is not just due to it’s enormous Heavy Metal power that it instills in me, it is also due to it evoking such bizarre memories that make me laugh at myself.

fullsize

4 Comments »

Cheap Trick – “Dream Police” an essential Hard Rock album

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, 1980's hard rock, Album Review, classic rock, cool album covers, essential hard rock albums, essential rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock songs, Music, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music vocals, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 16, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I have been fascinated with the Hard Rock music of Cheap Trick since 1978. Yup, 1978. I owned with pride, the 8-track cassette copy of “Dream Police” and played it until only a hissssssss sound was heard, while a faint sound of tunes played in the background noise. It was not easy tossing away that 8-track copy of “Dream Police” – I eventually bought a CD copy of it down the road, somewhere around 1986 and I still have that CD. There is no hissssss sound on this Cheap Trick CD, no sir. All I hear is the sensational Hard Rockin’ music that is 100% vintage Cheap Trick. “Gonna Raise Hell” in my Metal opinion, is as bona fide a Heavy Metal song that Cheap Trick has ever created. This tune, for me, is what makes “Dream Police” such a classic album. Seriously, “Gonna Raise Hell” is a jaw dropping, head banging, anthem of a timeless tune. The bass play on this track alone is like a thunderous, stomping mad, evil, forest gremlin army marching toward battle. (There are times when my musical interpretations can become quite creative). Tom Petersson, in my opinion, takes a back seat to no one as a bassist in Hard Rock.

“Voices” is a smoothly written power ballad, only power ballads were not supposed to be around until Hair Metal came out of L.A. in the ’80’s. “Dream Police” is the fast paced, musically heavy driven, winner of a title track. To say that these mentioned songs, quite possibly the entire album, is relevant to what is created in todays Hard Rock or Heavy Metal circles is not far fetched. I feel that if a band today, created and released the song “Gonna Raise Hell”, it would do just that. This song is too darn good to be considered an old time classic. “Need Your Love” may be over seven minutes long, however, Cheap Trick makes this tune groove along at a pace that gives it an addicting Rock flavor. Cheap Trick melded together harmony, melody and Hard Rock in such a blissful heavy way, I cannot stop myself from labeling “Dream Police” as an essential Hard Rock album to own. Why else would I be reaching for this CD to rock out to, going on three decades now?

The vocals of Robin Zander were attitude laden with a slice of Punk, I can never mistake the overflow of confidence in his voice on “Dream Police”. Rick Nielsen on guitar is fluid and creatively distinctive on “Dream Police”. I find his signature sound to be legendary, Rick Nielsen was and still is one of a kind. What can be said for Bun E. Carlos on drums? This man carries out the identity of a true Rock and Roll drummer, he never over extends on “Dream Police” and only super enhances the rhythm section with skillful beats. In Summary, “Dream Police” is a work of Hard Rock musical art, from a legendary dream team of Rock musicians, forever known as Cheap Trick. 

fullsize

3 Comments »

Misfits “Project 1950” – a Punk Rock blitz of cover tunes

Posted in 1950's cover songs, Album Review, cool album covers, cover songs, current punk rock music, Misfits, Music, Punk rock, punk rock albums, punk rock music, Ramones, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 14, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

I love Metal and Punk Rock. Both genres are more similar than many people realize. Both genres are filled with loud, proud and against the grain outcasts. Based on the junk music you see and hear on network television these days, Metal and Punk Rock are the underdogs. That is why I subscribe to and adore both of these immensely great music genres. With that said, being a fiend, uh, I mean fan of the Misfits became a natural choice for me years ago. The Misfits “Project 1950”, in my Metal opinion, should and/or could be embraced by any Metal fan. Jerry Only, Marky Ramone and Dez Cadena rip out ten 1950’s Rock and Roll classics with heavy and intense Punk enthusiasm and skill. It is my personal belief, that Jerry Only not only can tear the house down with his bass playing, he can flat out sing too. Jerry Only’s vocals makes the songs on “Project 1950” sound like a continuous Punk Rock party. 

There are no special or secret musical ingredients to find here, just straight up Punk Rock and Roll courtesy of The Misfits. Marky Ramone being a part of The Misfits, appearing on drums for “Project 1950” makes it all the more special and inspiring. Marky Ramone (and of course, the Ramones) being enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, gives the Misfits incredible added status on this album. (Yes, I did use the word special earlier). Dez Cadena is blistering on guitar, he plays the old fashioned way… he just plays man. It is my opinion, that these three Misfits are undisputed legends. “This Magic Moment”, “Dream Lover” and “Monster Mash” are my three favorites, however, I have to admit that I like each song that is covered here immensely. “It’s Only Make Believe” is a thunderous, heavy, Punk trip of a cover tune. Truth be told, after listening to “Project 1950” for untold number of times, I find myself continuing to listen. This album has realistically become an addiction that hopefully will never falter.

Overall, “Project 1950” has a tad of Heavy Metal flavor, this obviously is not the Misfits from the Glenn Danzig era. Still, this is Punk, this is the Misfits and each song covered here makes this fact known loud and clear. If I can turn on anyone out there to this great album, then I have done a great deed. This is an album that should make any fan of heavy music grin, move and yell out the lyrics to. I hope and pray that Jerry Only would consider doing a “Project 1960” – that would be insanely great. I honestly feel this is one incredible crossover album that bridges the gap between Metal and Punk Rock.

fullsize

Leave a comment »

The greatest Heavy Metal album of all time is…

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, Album Review, Black Sabbath, classic rock, cool album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne, Rock, rock music, rock music vocals, tony iommi heavy metal guitarist with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

527399Well, I have finally reached the pinnacle in my decision process for The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time. Please reference my past posts on this topic, you will find many great & legendary Metal albums that I personally nominated for this prestigious label. Without further delay, in my Metal opinion, and only mine alone, I have chosen: Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”      

Please note that this is my opinion, anyone out there can have his/her own choice for this topic. It boils down to personal preference, especially when it happens to be Metal. Here are my reasons for why I feel this way about this incredible album:

1. It is my belief that Doom Metal, Stoner Metal and real Metal all began with Black Sabbath. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” just signifies musically, what Metal was and where Metal was heading, back in 1974. 

2. Without question, for me, the ‘riff master’ of the Metal world then and now is and forever will be the legendary Tony Iommi.

3. Ozzy Osbourne – no Rock or Metal vocalist has ever sounded like him, or even come close. Ozzy’s vocals are so unique, it is uncanny. I am not saying Ozzy is the greatest vocalist ever, what I am stating is that his vocals are a signature, a trademark if you will, of “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” Ozzy’s vocals are so extraordinarily identifiable, just as Tony Iommi’s guitar riffs.

4. Not that this played any factor in my decision whatsoever – the album cover artwork is extremely cool, very much Metal. The artwork depicts a skull, demonic beings, a nightmarish snapshot of a piece of hell. Perhaps, I do not know officially for certain, this was the first album cover of any Rock genre which depicted 666 in it’s artwork. (Again, I would need to really research this).

My summary as to why I believe “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to be The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time is this:

Black Sabbath “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is a tried and true Heavy Metal classic. Every song is a definitive statement of just how talented and forward thinking Black Sabbath was in 1974. These 8 songs are a journey of surreal riffs, post psychedelic musical heaviness, that molded Heavy Metal into what it has become today. The opener “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” has a lead riff that instantly prepares you for the remaining set of songs. The instrumental “Fluff” could only work for Black Sabbath on this album, it’s convenient yet prominent position within these songs makes complete sense. “Fluff” and it’s acoustic beauty embarks on the intelligence Black Sabbath held onto musically. Just look at how many Metal bands since, that have slipped in dreamy, mystical or macabre instrumentals for their respective albums. Ozzy Osbourne is so unmistakably eerie on vocals, he was and always shall be one of a kind. Tony Iommi delves into the world of heavy riffs, formulating one after another throughout, unknowingly becoming the Metal riff king for all time. Geezer Butler on bass and Bill Ward on drums provide a legendary rhythm section, that shapes the dark moodiness of this beyond fantastic Metal masterpiece. I look at 1974, then I realize exactly how prominent Heavy Meal was then. It really was not an embraced genre as yet, Metal was truly in it’s infant stage.

“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” was the Metal comet that stormed into the musical universe in 1974, making a collision onto a world of Rock & Roll that did not know what hit it. Legions of bands and musicians have been influenced by this album, if not, these bands/musicians are not into Metal and/or do not live on this planet. I strongly urge any and all Heavy Metal or Hard Rock fans to add “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to their music collection, it is an essential and important work of Heavy Metal. The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time. 

Just as a sidebar, I struggled with this decision. I was steadfast in deciding on Slipknot “All Hope Is Gone” as the greatest ever. Then, I followed my Metal heart and realized, if it wasn’t for Black Sabbath and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” would there even be Metal music as we know it today?

fullsize            

2 Comments »

Molly Hatchet debut album from 1978 – Rocks heavy to this day

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, 1980's hard rock, 1980's southern hard rock, 1980's southern rock, Album Review, classic rock, classic southern rock, cool album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock songs, Music, rock music, rock music vocals, southern hard rock, southern hard rock albums, southern rock, southern rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 8, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

In 1978, Molly Hatchet, the Southern Rock legends to be, released their debut album “Molly Hatchet” – this album still rocks today. I was just embarking on my teen years back in 1978, Kiss, Foreigner, The Electric Light Orchestra and Cheap Trick were my four main bands that I listened to constantly. (I was not into the real heavy music until I entered high school, heck, I was still green and learning fast about the huge world of Rock music). One band, however, that turned my head and gave me instant goose bumps as soon as I heard their tunes was Molly Hatchet. Man, I was amazed at the sound of this band. I was going on fourteen when I first heard the guitar jamming, the muscular feel and Southern Rock energy coming from Molly Hatchet. The vocals of Danny Joe Brown sounded so bad ass to me, (they still do), I thought I was bad ass when I spoke of Molly Hatchet to my grammar school buddies. The rebellious sound, vocals, lyrics and super cool album cover won me over in 1978 and has never waned for three decades. I never forget or stop listening to those bands that got me into music as a kid, these bands including Molly Hatchet I am forever grateful for.

“The Creeper” in and of itself is good enough reason to chase this album/CD down. The seven minute and brilliant “Dreams I’ll Never See” for me, makes for one of the greatest cruisin’ tunes I have ever heard. “Bounty Hunter” and “Gator Country” just kick start this album into a Hard Southern Rockin’ rebellious ride that I enjoy taking. I realize a couple of  posts ago was about Molly Hatchet as well, I am stoked recently over this band forgive me please. This debut album from Molly Hatchet blows away thousands of other debut albums that are out there – how often I find myself not buying a bands first album due to it’s blandness. Hey, this is my Metal opinion. Sure, the debut from Molly Hatchet is “old school” – only remember that this is an album that helped pave the way for Southern Hard Rock to flourish and receive it’s due respect and credibility. I hope my posts on Molly Hatchet can lure new fans to this legendary band and to the genre of Southern Rock. Veteran fans of Molly Hatchet and Southern Hard Rock already know what I am talking about.

Here is the original lineup of Molly Hatchet, as they appeared on their debut album “Molly Hatchet” – Danny Joe Brown – lead vocalist, Duane Roland – lead guitar, Dave Hlubek – lead guitar, Steve Holland – lead guitar, Banner Thomas – bass guitar and Bruce Crump – drums.

fullsize

1 Comment »

Newer Entries »