As a celebration of the 30th anniversary of their debut album, DAWN PATROL, and hot on the heels of their 10th studio album, SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA, Night Ranger will release a very special newly-recorded live “greatest hits” CD/DVD package: 24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC is due out on October 19th in Europe and October 22nd in North America via Frontiers Records.
The album and DVD were recorded live in an intimate, all-acoustic setting with a select number of fans at TRI Studios in San Rafael, CA in May, 2012 and features some of their greatest hits such as “(You Can Still) Rock In America” and “Sister Christian” with refreshing new acoustic arrangements. The result is a testament to Night Ranger’s stellar live show and the strength of their songwriting abilities. Please see below for the full track listings.
Night Ranger’s profile has been particularly high of late, with the band recently appearing on an episode of ABC’s “Bachelor Pad” during the final challenge and Night Ranger frontman Jack Blades performing live during the Republican National Convention. Night Ranger’s legendary hits “Sister Christian,” “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” are songs that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band’s inception thirty years ago.
Over the years, the band’s music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. Night Ranger’s songs can be heard in the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games; Rock of Ages hit Broadway musical and film; the Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights; FOX’s hit TV Show American Dad; JBL’s “Hear The Truth” campaign; and many more! To date, Night Ranger has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums.
Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass guitar, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Joel Hoekstra (lead & rhythm guitars) and Eric Levy (keyboards).
24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC CD track listing:
This Boy Needs To Rock
When You Close Your Eyes
Sing Me Away
Growin’ Up In California
The Secret Of My Success
Sentimental Street
Four In The Morning
Let Him Run/Goodbye
Forever All Over Again
Don’t Tell Me You Love Me
Sister Christian
(You Can Still) Rock In America
Boys Of Summer – bonus track
24 STRINGS & A DRUMMER – LIVE & ACOUSTIC DVD track listing:
This Boy Needs To Rock
When You Close Your Eyes
Sing Me Away
Growin’ Up In California
The Secret Of My Success
Sentimental Street
Four In The Morning
Let Him Run/Goodbye
Forever All Over Again
Don’t Tell Me You Love Me
Sister Christian
(You Can Still) Rock In America
Bonus Features: Night Ranger All Access/Growin’ Up In California video/Making of the album SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA
Big Dad Ritch is the lead singer and founding member of Texas Hippie Coalition, aka THC. Red Dirt Metal is what THC plays, with a reverent nod of influence to Country Music’s most famous outlaws to the late Dimebag, with Black Label Society and Lynyrd Skynyrd in between. Texas Hippie Coalition’s Southern Hard Rock ‘N Metal is as American as corn dogs washed down with (plenty of) Shiner Bock beer.
This badass band from Texas aren’t about kowtowing to the mainstream or the man sitting high-up inside some ivory tower. Hell no. This is Texas Hippie Coalition and they aren’t about being a band for the ages, they’re a band for the people, in my forthright opinion. With 2010’s Rollin’, their newly released Peacemaker (Carved Records), coupled with a notable live presence from clubs to festivals, Texas Hippie Coalition have earned a continuously growing fan base that knows real when they hear and see it.
They’re skilled musicians that are loud, proud, hard and heavy as hell with contagious American Southern pride. Texas Hippie Coalition are: bassist John Exall, guitarist Wes Wallace, drummer Timmy Braun and of course, Big Dad Ritch and his earth splitting vocals. Big Dad Ritch took the time recently to answer more than several questions that I tossed his way. As this being my second (appreciative) encounter with Big Dad Ritch, I can honestly say he is as genuine, kind, professional and badass as they come. Metal be thy name. There is and forever will be only one Big Dad Ritch. Here is what he had to say:
Stone: I know I absolutely love your new album Peacemaker. The fans and critics have spoken and this album is a winner! Can you put into words just how rewarding all of this widespread acceptance feels to you?
Big Dad Ritch: Feels like a backyard friends n family Bar-BQ, with all the fixuns n pecan pie.
Stone: What is the secret behind the muscularity that Peacemaker represents musically and lyrically?
Big Dad Ritch: Just being proud of being BADASS. If u were a rodeo stock bull would you want to be the ol’ piece of beef every sod buster rode for a short 8 seconds or the Horned Monster Bull that punished every belt buckle chasing cowboy for a long 2 second ride. Dare to be BADASS.
Stone: Your vocals are so powerful! Are there any steps you swear by in keeping your voice so healthy and strong?
Big Dad Ritch: Never drink or smoke… I’m lyin!
Stone: Yes, Big Dad Ritch, you’ve proven that you can sing a ballad! What’s the story behind the creation of “Think Of Me”?
Big Dad Ritch: I wrote that song on Valentines Day, like most Valentines Days I spent it with the love of my life – music. I think people will say a song like this is dated or that it shows a softer side. Yet, in my opinion, I believe to write a song like this in this day and age only shows that this band has balls, BIG BALLS.
Stone: What came easy and what was difficult about recording Peacemaker?
Big Dad Ritch: Music and words flow thru those that participated on this album, the task seemed so easy at times. Difficult part was deciding what 11 songs of the 14 to put on the album. My stance was like that of Sweden. I held the money while they argued.
Stone: THC will be opening for the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd on select dates this September. Describe the thrill you are feeling about this and don’t hold back!
Big Dad Ritch: WhooHooo, yipp, yip, yippy, yeehaw!!! Hyeah! Raise Hell! Sorry, got a lil carried away there. See, couple years back I started tellin people THC would open for BLS (Black Label Society) very soon. At the time an untruth. People on fb started connecting dots comments like “I would pay to see that show”. Next thing I know, were on half a dozen BLS shows. So I started fibbin, again fibbin is almost a lie. Tellin everyone we were gonna open for Lynyrd Skynyrd, at the time not true. Yet here we are today talkin about the Skynyrd n THC show. So what I’m trying to tellya is I never lie, and soon we will be touring with Willie Nelson n Judas Priest… I’m lyin. This show with Shooter Jennings on the line up as well is proof there is a Southern Uprising!
Take a look and listen below to the Official Video for Turn It Up!
Stone: I look at the band photos, listen to the songs and watch the video footage of THC and the feeling of brotherhood hits me like a ton of beer kegs! How important is this brotherhood toward your band’s success?
Big Dad Ritch: Texas Hippie Coalition. Texas = Proud of where we come from, which everyone should be. Hippie = that’s the way my mom n dad raised me, TRIBAL. Coalition = Because we are more than just 4 men, we are many, we are chapters nationwide, we are chapters world-wide, we are fans around the globe, we are men that would be kings, we are twisted hippie chicks, we are FAMILY MEMBERS, we are all together under one flag that we wave HIGH n MIGHTY, we are COALITION.
Stone: Many bands pigeonhole themselves into one “select” genre. With THC, you guys can reach out to many Rock genres with your sound and style. Would I be wrong to call THC “the band for the people”?
Big Dad Ritch: The PEOPLE’S CHAMP, love it. Red Dirt Metal, Southern Fried Rock. It’s all good.
Stone: As THC creates their own hard-earned success, do you ever have time to take it all in?
Big Dad Ritch: Yes I do inhale. What was the question?
Stone: You tour the country and witness many things on the road. Is American pride still alive and well or is there a sense of division among us as a nation?
Big Dad Ritch: There is an immense amount of pride nation wide, but I do believe people are starting to place more faith in their neighbor than in their government. US definitely still applies in my eyes.
Stone: If Big Dad Ritch could sit by the river with a legend of Rock, either past or present, to share some booze, stories and barbecue with, who would it be and why?
Big Dad Ritch: Tuff one, I always aspire to be what I have grown to refer to as “1 man empire”. The likes of Johnny Cash, Waylon or Willie, or modern-day Rob Zombie, Zakk Wylde, or Vinnie Paul. To achieve things in and out of the world of music. Hoping in someway one day to grow up and be an OZZY. Sorry mom. So to pick from all of these would be hard. So I would say this I would pick “Dime Bag” just so I could tell him what he has meant to generations of fans and how much he has influenced me and many others. I would even drink one of those horrible black tooths.
THANK YOU, Big Dad Ritch for this interview! Thank you for creating such memorable Red Dirt Metal with your band! I am so happy for you and the band and wish only the very best for Texas Hippie Coalition both off and on stage.
Until the next time, your brother in Rock ‘N Metal –
Stone \m/\m/
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PEACEMAKER Available NOW! Get it at iTunes (with exclusive track WHISKEY): http://bit.ly/OYvn5O
Main songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Rasmus of Sweden’s NEW KEEPERS OF THE WATER TOWERS has issued the following update regarding the long-awaited third album from the celebrated Stoner Rock outfit:
“For the past year and a half we have been working in and out of the studio on this, our third, album. It’s been a long process of developing and enriching our music with more genre defying sounds, dark lyrics about life and death, a lot of experimenting with musical directions and tinkering with richer harmonic arrangements. To put it bluntly, we’ve been recording an epic. None of us have ever put this much effort and emotion into a piece of music, so it means a lot to us and now that we are in the final steps of recording we feel very proud of what we have accomplished and I don’t think there is any doubt in our minds that we have succeeded in creating the album we set out to record.”
Song titles to be featured on the upcoming album include “Visions of Death,” “Cosmic Child,” “He Who Greets With Fire” and “The Great Leveler.” A spring 2013 release through Listenable Records has been scheduled for the album.
Video footage of the band performing “Rise of the Lizard King” at Roskilde Festival 2010 is below!
LZZY HALE – Check out the front cover of Revolver Magazine’s annual (2012) Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock. The beautiful and vocally/musically talented Lzzy Hale of Halestorm gets the #1 spot! Metal be thy name.
The second studio album from Halestorm, The Strange Case Of…, was released via Atlantic Records on April 10th, 2012.
Guitar Played Exclusively Throughout Def Leppard “Rock of Ages” Tour This Summer
(Los Angeles, CA) –PHIL COLLEN, lead guitarist for the iconic rock band DEF LEPPARD, announces plans for a charitable auction of “Wings”, a custom Jackson PC1 guitar that Collen has played throughout this summer’s Rock of Ages tour. The auction, taking place exclusively on eBay, will begin on September 5th and end September 14th, the last date of the tour. The winner will be announced in November which is Pancreatic CancerAwareness Month and all proceeds from the auction will benefit the Gerson Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Gerson Therapy, an alternative treatment for cancer and other degenerative diseases.
In early 2012, Jake Willoughby, a guitar and music store owner, asked Collen if he would assist in helping to raise money towards the fight against cancer with Jake’s mother having just passed away from pancreatic cancer after a courageous 13-month fight. By tragic coincidence Phil’s own father, Kenneth succumbed to the same disease in 2004. Jake donated a Collen signature guitar, the Jackson PC1 from his music store. In the spirit of hope it was named “Wings”. Mike Learn, a noted artist whose graphics are well-known in the guitar world, donated the graphic custom paint job on the guitar. Ironically, Mike lost two family members to the same disease.
Phil began researching companies that were not only looking to prevent cancer, but also reverse its devastating effects. He initially had heard about The Gerson Institute located in San Diego, CA from Jeni Cook, a raw foods chef and the wife of Sex Pistols and Manraze drummer, Paul Cook. As Phil watched “The Gerson Miracle” DVD he was incredibly moved by their cause wishing he would have known about them before his father passed. The Gerson Institute is a non-profit organization in San Diego, California dedicated to providing education and training in the Gerson Therapy – an alternative, non-toxic treatment for cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases. The Gerson Therapy, developed by Dr. Max Gerson in the 1920s, activates the body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself through an organic, vegetarian diet, raw juices, detoxification, and natural supplements. Since this powerful, natural treatment boosts the body’s own immune system, it is an effective method for treating not only cancer, but a variety of degenerative diseases including arthritis, heart disease, allergies, and skin tuberculosis.
Dr. Gerson began developing the Therapy while looking for a way to manage his own debilitating migraines, a path that lead him to a holistic understanding of medicine that is finally gaining growing acceptance.
This year marks a number of anniversaries for COLLEN, namely the 30th anniversary of his joining Def Leppard as lead guitarist making his debut on the 10x platinum (in the USA) album Pyromania. In addition, this year marks the 25th anniversary for the 13x platinum (USA) album Hysteria,as well as the 20th anniversary of its 5x platinum (USA) follow-up Adrenalize.
About The Gerson Institute:
The Gerson Institute is a non-profit organization in San Diego, California dedicated to providing education and training in the Gerson Therapy, an alternative, non-toxic treatment for cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases.
(Photo Credit: Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas facebook)
It has been reported by numerous reliable sources throughout the media, that Mark Abrahamian (lead guitarist) of Starship featuring Mickey Thomas passed away from an apparent heart attack on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012, at the age of 46. It’s reported that Mark Abrahamian collapsed after a performance at the DeVent Center in Norfolk, Nebraska. Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas was an opening act that also featured Survivor and Boston at this concert.
“We are all shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of our guitar player Mark Abrahamian. Mark was a kind, thoughtful and innovative soul. He was also a friend and family member. Mark also happened to be one hell of a guitar player. We are devastated by the loss of our brother and just dealing with it the best we can.”
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Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Mark Abrahamian. May he rest in peace.
WITCH CROSS have been confirmed as support for GOTTHARD at Amager Bio in Copenhagen on October 23rd – WITCH CROSS will also be appearing at the Heavy Metal Maniacs Festival in Holland, on October 27th
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This year The Swiss Hard Rock band Gotthard celebrate their 20 year anniversary, only with a great tragedy still fresh in their minds. In the autumn of 2010 the Group’s charismatic lead singer Steve Lee died in a motorcycle accident, leaving the four surviving members at a crossroads in their career. Gotthard decided however to continue and after having auditioned more than 400 singers the job went to Nic Maeder, who was announced as the new front man in November.
The 4th June saw the five Swiss release a new album, entitled Firebirth.
According to bassist Marc Lynn it has been unreal how easy and painless Maeders incorporation into the band has been – “as if everyone in the band has known him always” – and said Firebirth was infused by a newfound spark and a furious energy.
In other words, something to look forward to when Nic Maeders is exposed to the Danes in Amager Bio.
Sharing the stage that night will be Witch Cross. The Danish Heavy Metal band performs for only the second time in 27 years on stage in Denmark.
Earlier this year, the band played their first show together since 1986. The concert, at the German Metal festival Keep It True, was chosen as the site for the reunification of the band after nearly three decades of separation. In July they took to the stage at the Metal Magic Festival in Fredericia and now they can be experienced once again in Amager Bio on October 23rd.
BLACK TORA – The 5 song EP, RAISE YOUR FISTS, from BLACK TORA is available on iTunes… NOW! This Hard & Heavy Rockin’ power trio from Mcallen, Texas have brought back the energy, attitude, riffage, vocals, ultra-memorable beats and arena-style sound; a pump-you-up sound that has been missing for far too long… in an over-saturated industry of Modern Hard Rock carbon-copycats.
Chris Daniel (vocals & bass), RazorDave (guitar) and Nicky X (drums) have recorded an EP that is guaranteed to kick your Hard Rock lovin’ brain and ears into submission, all while you’re begging for more! I will be writing a more detailed & kick-ass review on Raise Your Fists in the coming days, stay tuned!
To purchase your potent dosage of BLACK TORA’s Hard Rockin’ whoop-ass, oops, (I meant) Raise Your Fists EP, click on the link below! Metal be thy name.
KORN– Releasing on September 4th, is the live CD/DVD from KORN – The Path Of Totality: Live At TheHollywood Palladium, via Shout! Factory. Joining Korn for this performance are the many DJs who collaborated on The Path Of Totality; they are: Skrillex, 12th Planet, Flinch, Downlink, Excision, Datsik and Kill The Noise.
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Take a look and listen to KORN Live At The Hollywood Palladium –Falling Away FromMe below! WHOA! This stuff is F’n cool. Metal be thy name.
CD and DVD Disc- Track List:
01. Get Up!
02. Kill Mercy Within
03. Illuminati
04. Chaos Lives In Everything
05. My Wall
06. Way Too Far
07. Narcissistic Cannibal
08. Here To Stay
09. Freak On A Leash
10. Falling Away From Me
11. Predictable
12. Another Brick In The Wall
13. Shoots And Ladders
14. One
15. Got The Life
16. Blind
Bonus Features:
* Interviews with: Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, Ray Luzier, Zachary Baird and cover artist ROBOTO.
KISS – The newly remastered KISS Destroyer album became { Resurrected } by original and legendary producer Bob Ezrin. Along with Sweet Pain (Original Guitar Solo) as a new Bonus Track, sung by Gene Simmons, this is a KISS masterpiece to own! KISS Destroyer – Resurrected has debuted on the Billboard 200 at #58. What once was old… is new again! The Classic Rock ‘N Roll of KISS is timeless. Metal be thy name.
TWELVE-SONG RELEASE FEATURES ONE NEW SONG, PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED AND ALTERNATE VERSIONS OF SONGS FROM BAND’S CATALOGUE
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Kylesa is set to release From The Vaults, Vol. 1, a twelve-song collection featuring unreleased, new and alternate versions of songs spanning their catalogue including one entirely new song (“End Truth”) as well as the band’s legendary cover of Pink Floyd’s “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” on Nov. 20 (Nov. 16 in Europe).
“This project has been a labor of love,” explained guitarist/singer/producer Phillip Cope. “We have spent over a year going through old songs, covers, etc. and collected those we felt went well together; remixing and finishing them up. We didn’t want to release something just thrown together so we put a lot of thought and time into it. I am really happy about how this came together. I think it is a good representation of Kylesa’s different styles from early on to present day.
The Savannah-based band recently wrapped up an European tour, which included stops at the Wacken Open Air and Area 4 Festivals, and will enter the studio to begin work on a new album for 2013. Kylesa’s most recent release, 2010’s Spiral Shadow, was revered by fans and critics alike as a “record that trashes everything you might expect from the genre” (Pitchfork) and is “as sweaty as a south Georgia summer” (Spin). Singer/guitarist Laura Pleasants was recently featured on the cover of Decibel Magazine’s inaugural Women in Metal issue.
MASS – It’s been a Rockin’ Summer to remember for New England’s heavy hittin’ MASS! This Summer saw Louis St. August and his band performing live with Cinderella, Tesla and Skid Row… legendary bands all!
Take a look below at the very cool live concert pics that Louis St. August wants to share with his fans. Plus there is an upcoming MASS show in Saugus, Massachusetts with very special guests: Sweet Cheater.
Louis St. August &Gene D’tria
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MASS opening for SKID ROW on August 26, 2012… another FULL HOUSE!
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Here is all the cool info you need for the next MASS show:
Last Sunday I went out shopping for back-to-school stuff with the girls. Shopping for school supplies can get very boring for a middle-aged Metalhead; unless you stumble upon cool KISS stuff, like the KISS Army patch you see above! Whoa!
One of the stores we went to is called Michaels. This store sells arts and crafts galore. It’s a very clean and organized store too. Michaels is NorthAmerica’s largest arts and crafts retailer, with 1,079 namesake stores.
As I walked around Michaels I saw this KISS Army patch for sale on an endcap display. Since my first KISS Army patch (on my first denim jacket) has been long gone for decades, I decided it was time to renew! What’s the price for this KISS Army patch you ask? $5 in U.S. funds. Whoa.
Here is what a Michaels store looks like:
In case you wanted to know, here is what the cardboard backing (the patch is on) looks like:
As you can see in the above photo, C&D Visionary Inc. distributes this cool KISS Army patch. C&D Visionary Inc. is a leader in selling to merchants tons of pop-culture and Rock ‘N Roll related items. They have a website, only it’s a wholesale site for retailers with valid sellers permits only. Still, it’s a fantastic site to check out if you’re not a retailer: http://www.cdmerch.com
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DON’T FORGET… KISS MONSTER RELEASES OCTOBER 16TH, 2012! WHOA!
Frontiers Records is proud to announce the return of melodic hard rockers, Dokken; the band’s 11th studio album, BROKEN BONES, has been confirmed for release on September 21st in Europe and September 25th in North America.
The album will be released in two configurations: standard CD and limited edition CD in digipak with a bonus DVD, which features a comprehensive “Making Of The Album” documentary.
BROKEN BONES is produced by Dokken frontman and namesake, Don Dokken, and is mixed by Bob St. John (Extreme, Duran Duran, Collective Soul) and Wyn Davis (Black Sabbath, Dio, Whitesnake) and mastered by famed engineer Maor Appelbaum (Halford, Yngwie Malmsteen, Sepultura). The new set features a return to the band’s signature sound of catchy melodies, hot riffs and monster production.
Don Dokken commented, “We’ve never had a #1 hit; we’ve just kept touring winning fans over one by one.” The first single from the album will be “Empire”; click here to check out a sample of the song. Please see below for the track listing for BROKEN BONES.
Dokken exploded out of the hotbed that was the hard rock and Heavy Metal scene in Los Angeles in the early ‘80s. Such classic albums as TOOTH AND NAIL, UNDER LOCK AND KEY and BACK FOR THE ATTACK were all certified multi-platinum, with songs like “Alone Again,” “Just Got Lucky,” “Into the Fire,” “It’s Not Love” and “Dream Warriors” still being regarded as amongst the genre’s finest. Dokken was one of the first groups to sell a million copies of their DVD “Unchain The Night.”
The group continues to tour the world extensively and has shared the stage with AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Kiss, Scorpions, Bon Jovi and many more. To date, the band has sold upwards of 10 million albums worldwide. The group has been nominated for a Grammy as well as an American Music Award. In 1988, Don was awarded the keys to the city of Los Angeles by Mayor Tom Bradley declaring January 27th as “Dokken Day” for his charity contributions to the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
Dokken is: Don Dokken (vocals), Mick Brown (drums), Jon Levin (guitar) and Sean McNabb (bass).
Today, August 25th, is legendary guitarist Vivian Campbell’s birthday. Vivian turns 50 today while he is currently out on the Rock Of Ages tour with his fellow legendary bandmates known as DEF LEPPARD. Poison and Lita Ford are sharing the stage with Def Leppard on this tour. So, without further ado…
Hello Dee, it’s Stone. I’ve read today that you requested Vice Presidential nominee, Paul Ryan, to stop using the (your) Twisted Sister song “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. I also understand you (obviously) don’t support Paul Ryan or the Republican party.
However, please understand Dee, that our beloved Heavy Metal community is unlike the mainstream Rock and Pop communities. I speak for all Metalheads when I say we are: unified. We have and always will be unified regardless of race, sex, (I would hope religion) or political party affiliation. Anyone who disagrees is not a true “Defender Of The Faith”.
Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with an honest and open discussion of politics, after all, you fought for our civil rights when it comes to freedom of speech, when you stood up to the PMRC. Political commentary, sex and drugs in lyrics are here to stay due to your heroics on Capitol Hill. However, no political group or Hollywood clique has ever supported you as loyally as your fans have; please don’t turn your back on a large group of us now.
Political nonsense shall never steer me away from a band or musician. It’s always been about the music for me. I’ve never let politics cloud my judgement with an album review or interview. Please remember there are conservative fans that have looked upon Twisted Sister’s songs for inspiration, going on four decades strong. I can guarantee that there are many conservative politicians who grew up as Twisted Sister fans. “I Am, (I’m Me)”.
Dee, you have been a leader and legendary contributor to the history of Heavy Metal. Please don’t forget your fans that may support Paul Ryan and the Republican Party; for these same fans have loyally supported you since day one.
Please Dee, don’t get caught up with “those other guys” that have made political statements as a part of their overall claim to fame. Here at Metal Odyssey, bands are supported regardless of what political party they are loyal to. “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll”. Please Dee, don’t get onboard with the political Hollywood celebrity mainstream. You’re too good for that. Metal be thy name.
SOUNDGARDEN – The fifth studio album and platinum selling Down On The Upside was released back in November of 1996, via A&M Records. Already super fond of Soundgarden, I bought this album (on cassette) back in 1996 and still own it to this day. Last weekend I finally upgraded my ownership of Down On The Upside to CD. I bought it at Super Walmart for $5 (U.S.). Whoa! What took me so long to upgrade this Soundgarden classic? I can’t even answer that question myself. File that question in Stone’s mystery folder and carry on my wayward son.
Back in 1996 I was a traveling printing salesman. Yes, you read that correctly. I need to correct that, I was a traveling printing salesman whore. Why use the word whore? Well, my customers treated me like shit regardless of my stellar customer service; while the various owners I worked for only gave a shit about my contacts and how much money they were worth. As a printing salesman, my self-image was at an all-time low; existing for the sole purpose to make someone else a ton of money, while making corporate print buyers look like winners of the week.
Why have I brought up this part of my past, in the middle of a very cool Soundgarden post? The reason is simple. Down OnThe Upside got me through (at least) three years of a profession that drained my spirit, while driving around all of New England. I’m serious about that. That Soundgarden cassette was my best friend on many, many lonely drives while being a white-collar punching bag.
I remember once, a jack-ass V.P. of my biggest client bellowing aloud, as I entered the room: “here come’s just another slimy salesman.” What an asshole that guy was. A genuine narcistic scum bag. Nice greeting to start my day, with a customer I essentially sacrificed my soul for. That dumb ass had an “I’m an ABBA fan” written all over his face every time I saw him as well.
I remember leaving the building of that customer, on that God forsaken day, shaking my head in disgust. Once I started up my Ford Contour, I slapped in my Down On The Upside cassette and cranked up Pretty Noose… then Rhinosaur… then Zero Chance… and Soundgarden had me snickering all the way down the overstuffed highway to hell…or next disloyal customer, if you will.
Believe me, there were many other cassettes in my Contour while I served time as a printing salesman. Too many bands and titles to mention. It’s just that this Soundgarden album kept me afloat and had me realizing that it was Rock ‘N Roll that poured through my veins and soul… and not some stupid ass print-sales career. Whatever Soundgarden did with tweaking their musical nuances on Down On The Upside, they did it with a mystical wand.
From the very first time I heard Soundgarden, I recognized an attitude in their sound that beckoned me to become a fan. Is it Chris Cornell’s vocals? Can it be Kim Thayil’s guitar tones? The totality of Soundgarden’s sound is so unique, I never could even classify them as a “Grunge only” band. Hell no. There’s no question that Soundgarden did originate from the birth place of Grunge and pioneered an entirely new Rock movement. At the end of my Metal day, this band has and always will kick my ass with their hard and heavy Rock style and that’s all that matters to me.
It feels F’n grand to get this (silly) part of my life off of my chest today. No matter how I slice it, I can relate segments and experiences of my life to Rock ‘N Roll… and how it has and will forever save my Rockin’ soul. Thank you Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron. Metal be thy name.
Red Dirt Metal rockers Texas Hippie Coalition continue their string of success with the release of their incredible third studio album ‘Peacemaker’ (Carved Records). This week, the band made their highest Billboard debut at #4 on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart as well as #31 on Record Label Indie Current Albums and #20 on Current Hard Music Albums.
On the radio front, the band debuted at #15 on CMJ’s Loud Rock Chart and #39 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart. So far, the band has garnered over 1,000 Media-base monitored spins reaching over 2.4 million listeners earning major-market airplay including WIIL/Chicago, WRIF/Detroit, KBPI/Denver and KUPD/Phoenix.
Meanwhile, THC is riding a swarm of rave reviews as critics embrace their most ambitious album to date. Loudwire exclaims they are “the bastard that spawned from a threesome between Monster Magnet, Willie Nelson and Pantera… What ‘Peacemaker’ does is takes that brand and elevates it to a more significant level. The band sounds tighter than ever, the guitar riffs are incredibly crushing to say the least and the lyrics are exactly what you’ve come to love and adore about this band.” About.com says “Peacemaker is furious witness to THC cranking through 11 tracks that declare what bad-ass outlaws they are…”
“Whether you want to call it “red dirt metal” [or]… “Southern fried Texas rock,” T.H.C. combines a little of everything for a rock/metal melting pot that garners fans from across the musical spectrum. – Metal Underground
Texas Hippie Coalition are currently on the road including a handful of dates opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Stay tuned for more tour dates.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to perform during events outside of the 2012 RepublicanNational Convention in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, August 26 as part of the fundraising event Citizens Helping Heroespresents Southern Tribute IV Honoring America’s Heroes. The concert takes place at The American Action Network Pavilion at Liberty Plaza (corner of South Morgan & East Whiting Streets next to the Tampa Times Forum) and is open to paid sponsors and their guests. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s show launches the four-day event which also includes performances by Trace Adkins (8/28) and Kid Rock (8/29).
About Lynyrd Skynyrd:
With a catalog of over 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American Rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having over two million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.
Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny VanZant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Lynyrd Skynyrd continues the tremendous legacy that began over 35 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida with their August 21, 2012 release, Last Of A Dyin’ Breed, a legacy that was halted for a decade after the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. Since then, the band tragically lost Billy Powell, Ean Evans, Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson and Huey Thomasson, yet they continue to forge ahead.
Rounding out the line-up is bass player Johnny Colt, an original member of the Black Crowes who recently joined the band, Mark “Sparky” Matejka on guitar, Peter Keys on keyboards, and Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase as the Honkettes backing vocalists.
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About Citizens Helping Heroes, Inc. (CHH):
Citizens Helping Heroes is a non-political, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to supporting those who selflessly defend our collective freedoms, primarily through their military service to our country. “CHH” as it is known, was formed in 2003 by a group of citizens who wished to offer recognition and assistance to our troops serving abroad, and has since expanded in scope to honor and assist all of our active military and their immediate relatives, with a special focus on our wounded warriors and families of the fallen. Our core mission is to utilize our unique position in the Washington, DC-metro area to provide regional and national assistance, recognition and “hands-on” support to our troops and to their families.
TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – Everybody get your hands up, I said reach for the sky! Why? Cause Big Dad Ritch says so… that’s why. When Big Dad Ritch aka The King Of Texas sings with his powerful lungs, I’m listening. You better believe it. The album featured here is Peacemaker and the band of outlaws who created it are famously known as Texas HippieCoalition aka THC. Best you remember that, my Hard Rock and Metal brethren. Best you all do.
Released on Carved Records on August 14th, Peacemaker is without question in my Metal mind, a paramount Hard Rock album. If I could dictate Metal Marshall Law (and that would be very cool) I would make it a requirement that all of the worldwide Hard Rockin’ populace buy and play loud: Peacemaker. That’s it and there would be no F’n way around it either. Big Dad Ritch and his band have added that extra boost of Heavy Rockin’ Texan juju into this sophomore album of theirs and it’s an F’n thrill to experience.
THC is as American as homemade beer. Screw that apple pie crap. THC blends Southern Hard Rock with a classic Hard Rock nod, while brandishing plenty of Heavy Metal aptitude and this band summons the roots of their own Rock and Country Rock influence. THC exemplifies how this genre should be played and delivered into your ears, veins and Rock ‘N Roll soul. If the Southern Hard Rock torch has been handed down, then THC is the band that took such torch with patriotic and Rockin’ pride. I personally couldn’t think of a better band to lead the Southern Hard & Heavy Rock charge for our future generations.
Take a listen and look below to the Turn It Up music video and… TURN IT UP!
From Hands Up to Turn It Up, the level of Hard Rock authority is so stunning that it’s an F’n dreamland of kicking the shit out of your worries, anxieties and fears combined. You will feel personal power from listening to Peacemaker. You don’t need to read any epic Tony Robbins book to get personal power anymore; cause THC will administer it through Peacemaker. Go ahead, tell Tony that Stone said that too.
From Wicked to the title track, the uncompromising heaviness of THC continues to reign. With guitar muscle supplied by Wes Wallace, the leads, rhythm, riffs and mini-solos will leave you begging for mercy… as you continue to hit the replay button. John Exall (bass) and Timmy Braun (drums) provide more heavy Texas thunder than a raging coastal storm heading straight for Corpus Christi. Crash, boom, bang and I’m not fibbing about a damn thang.
Where Big Dad Ritch ignites this album (non-stop) with his prolific vocals; he also brings Peacemaker to a surprisingly softer and momentous closing as he sings… a ballad. With piano keys as an intro, the stage is set for Think Of Me to be that song to make all the gals cry. Man, Big Dad Ritch can croon (still) he sings verses in Think Of Me with his trademark branding iron vocals. Wes Wallace lays down the (Arena Rock style) licks on guitar, while John and Timmy keep the heavy beats raining down on this mid-tempo (heavy) ballad.
Don’t pass up on Peacemaker. This album is just too entertaining and too damn energized with all grand things about Heavy Rock ‘N Roll! THC is a band to reckon with in our Heavy Rock world. It’s like I say to everyone who cares to listen: You either join THC or get the hell out of their way, cause Big Dad Ritch and his band are here to stay. Metal be thy name.
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