Archive for the heavy metal albums 1984 Category

RATT – “INFESTATION” RELEASES APRIL 20, 2010… I’M IN!!

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1984 heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RATT – Yes, I have that Metal fondness for RATT. Always have. Plus, I’m a big fan of the late Milton Berle too, his appearance in the Round And Round music video only made it that more cool. Stephen Pearcy’s “other” band Arcade is unreal great… for me. I inhale the debut and self titled Arcade album, from 1993, like it’s Heavy Metal oxygen. My favorite RATT album ever, is Out of the Cellar, from 1984. This Out of the Cellar album is super loaded with one memorable song after another. Metal be thy name.

There’s much abuzz around cyberspace as to: Does RATT still have “it”? Will this album be worthy? Why is RATT reforming at all? My Metal answer to any and all of these questions is:

LIVE AND LET METAL LIVE.

On or about April 20, 2010, I will obtain a brand spanking new CD of Infestation… and be damned glad I did. Will I like every song? Will I be disappointed for whatever reason? I cannot predict the Metal future. I’m not the Metal Nostradamus. I am anticipating, however, a bona fide and downright credible album from a group of musicians who know a thing or two about Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Look, for the nay sayers on the upcoming RATT release… it could be worse, there could be a brand new ABBA album coming out on April 20, 2010 instead. Worse yet, a CD/DVD deluxe edition of Jim Nabors could have been released as well. Think about those two chilling thoughts for a moment. Double whoa.

Vintage RATT:

For all the cool RATT info one could wish for, plus the first two singles from Infestation, (Eat Me Up Alive, Best Of Me) both streaming, check out these links below:

www.THERATTPACK.com

RATT – MySpace Music Page

RATT of 2010 is:

Stephen Pearcy – vocals

Warren DeMartini – lead guitar

Bobby “The Blotz” Blotzer – drums

Robbie Crane – bass

Carlos Cavazo – guitar

I just thank God each and every day that Hard Rock and Heavy Metal exists… period. This is RATT 2010, not some quickly put together, televised talent show winner that can’t remember their lyrics.

Ever since the Out of the Cellar album came out back in 1984, I seemed to have been imbedded with the sound of RATT ‘N’ ROLL. Back on May 19, 2009, I blabbed up and down, just how this RATT album brought great Metal joy into my teenage life back in ’84 . Check it out by clicking on the header below… if you like.

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

LONG LIVE RATT ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

RONNIE JAMES DIO – A TRUE HEAVY METAL WARRIOR!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's heavy metal videos, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1984 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RONNIE JAMES DIO – The prolific and ultra legendary lead singer for bands: Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, DIO and currently Heaven & Hell. A Heavy Metal warrior is Ronnie James Dio… in my Metal opinion. I grew up following Ronnie James Dio, as countless other Old School Metal fans did as well. Without question, the Heaven And Hell and Mob Rules albums from the Dio fronted Black Sabbath are Heavy Metal benchmarks, never to be duplicated and only to be revered. Thanks to these two albums, 1980 and 1981 were a time when Heavy Metal shed away any identity crisis and made a lasting mark on the world. Ronnie James Dio, through his vocals and lyrics, gave Heavy Metal a new found darkness that I couldn’t resist, from Man On The Silver Mountain to Lady Evil to Mystery.

A new DIO album always incited the Heavy Metal psyche within me… the anticipation of hearing Dio’s vocals once again, on all new songs. I could probably carry on for another five thousand words, explaining just how personally important Dio’s vocals and lyrics have meant to me, throughout the decades. As the years have gone by, I never have taken for granted any of my favorite bands or musicians. I couldn’t think of it. I always feel lucky when I get to see a band I like, live and onstage. Seeing DIO years ago at The New Haven Coliseum was a Metal thrill, (seeing Savatage and Megadeth open up for DIO made it a triple Metal thrill too). Best Metal Buddy Scott and friend Rob should remember that evening… they left me stranded in a dark, cold and foreboding New Haven alley while I was taking a leak, after the concert. Gee Metal whiz… no pun intended. I found my way home though… fellow Metalheads are always eager to lend aid to one another in time of need.

There isn’t a week that goes by, where I don’t listen to part of or a whole album that Ronnie James Dio is lead singer on. It’s just been that way… and I hope it never stops.

What makes Ronnie James Dio so special is his ability to connect through song… his lyrics come to life if you let your Metal mind wander. Plus, Ronnie James Dio is a fighter… that’s what being a Metalhead is and always will be about.

I always and forever will love the DIO album – The Last In Line, (from 1984), especially the title track. Yes, the video for The Last In Line may have been outdone over the years with newfound special effects and video technology… still, this music video brings back some very cool Metal memories for me. I hope you enjoy this unreal great DIO song as much as I do… if so, crank it up LOUD and raise the horns to the air!

LONG LIVE RONNIE JAMES DIO!

Stone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LONG LIVE TRIUMPH!

GRIM REAPER – “SEE YOU IN HELL” 1984 VIDEO EXPLODES OLD SCHOOL HEAVY METAL!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1984 heavy metal albums, 1984 heavy metal bands, 1984 heavy metal music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal videos, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Grim Reaper – See You In Hell. This album was released in 1984, (on RCA Records). I was a senior in high school and in dire need of some Metal “pick-me-up” on a daily basis… Grim Reaper delivered with this album and song. Metal truth be told, See You In Hell was my very own anthem, that I would sing under my breath to my antagonists, back in those days. See You In Hell is still a very inspirational song for me today… and why not? It’s more polite to sing these lyrics under my breath at those who irritate me, than to say f**k off to them. I am a considerate Metalhead after all. Looking back on this debut album – See You In Hell from Grim Reaper, it just screams Old School Heavy Metal from every dark corner. Raw. Very raw. Grim Reaper later polished their Metal up a bit with their next two albums: Fear No Evil (1985) and Rock You To Hell (1987). Nonetheless, this debut album from Grim Reaper remains my favorite out of their three studio albums. I can remember catching this video for See You In Hell on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, it was absolutely a favorite Heavy Metal Music video of mine, back in the ’80’s… it still is.

At the end of the Metal day, See You In Hell is an album I look upon with the fondest of Metal memories. This wasn’t a superstar Heavy Metal band, instead this was a blue collar Metal band that brought the heavy goods to an eighteen year old who needed it most back in 1984. Grim Reaper was not built on selling their looks and style for GQ magazine… they were built on Metal. I understand lineup changes occur over the years, still, I sincerely hope for Steve Grimmett and Grim Reaper to maybe consider a strengthening of their Metal reformation – into a new album of headbanging songs… that would make my middle-aged Metal day.

The See You In Hell video below just explodes everything Old School Heavy Metal. From the overall production to the Metal of Grim Reaper… this was back in the day when the song and Metal mattered the most and not the smoke and mirrors of a visual experience.

To learn all you want about the career of Steve Grimmett, (lead vocalist of Grim Reaper, Onslaught, Lionsheart and The Steve Grimmett Band, click on his MySpace Music Page link here: Steve Grimmett/Grim Reaper/Solo Artist – MySpace Music Page

Here is a cool Grim Reaper – Tribute Site to check out: GRIM REAPER – Tribute Site

Grim Reaper, as they appeared on See You In Hell:

Steve Grimmett on vocals

Nick Bowcott on guitar

Dave Wanklin on bass

Lee Harris on drums

Track listing for See You In Hell:

See You in Hell

Dead on Arrival

Liar

Wrath of the Ripper

Now or Never

Run for Your Life

The Show Must Go On

All Hell Let Loose

LONG LIVE GRIM REAPER!

SEE YOU IN HELL!

METALLICA – “CREEPING DEATH” PICTURE DISC IS THRASH METAL HISTORY

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal picture discs, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's thrash metal bands, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, current thrash metal bands, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal picture discs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new wave of british heavy metal, old school heavy metal, old school thrash metal music, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock music, scary album covers, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal cover songs, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal picture discs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Any regular visitor to Metal Odyssey knows, that from time to time, I like to post about Heavy Metal picture discs. This past year of 2009 was when I realized how much I really like collecting them… again. Back in the ’80’s, I picked up quite a few Heavy Metal picture discs. The picture discs that survived from being sold or traded by me over the decades, I have in recent months been showing to the world on Metal Odyssey. Here is a cool picture disc from Metallica, a Thrash Metal band that really needs no Metal introduction on Metal Odyssey. Metallica is in the elite class of Metal, a band that is partly responsible for my being a lifetime Metalhead. Uh, thank you, Metallica… very Metal much. Metallica’s first three groundbreaking albums will always be considered, in my Metal opinion, a major part of the puzzle in the creation and evolution of Thrash Metal Music. This is the Metallica I most revere, (and it is not due to my growing up with these first three albums either). The first three albums from Metallica experimented and brought forth a style of Metal Music that was/still is original as a personal signature. I pulled this Metallica gem out of a stash of mine this past week:

METALLICA – CREEPING DEATH – PICTURE DISC, 1st ISSUE

SIDE 1:

SIDE 2:

Why is this Creeping Death picture disc considered a 1st issue? Answer: There is NO barcode found on side 2, the 2nd issue of Creeping Death HAS the barcode on side 2.

Those pics of Metallica on Side 2 of this picture disc are now… vintage. Kirk Hammett on the left, Lars Ulrich on the top, the late Cliff Burton on the right and James Hetfield on the bottom. Yup, Metal time does seem to fly.

This Creeping Death picture disc was released sometime in 1984. (I just do not know the exact month/day of it’s 1984 release… I will continue my Metal research and update this post once I do know).

Although it is not printed on this actual picture disc that I own, this is a U.K. release, on the Music For Nations record label – I have found this information upon my Metal research through the years.

The infamous, picture disc letter & number code found on this Creeping Death 12″ is:

P12 KUT 112 – (you can see it, on the above side 2 image too)

I am absolutely psyched, that this Metallica Creeping Death picture disc is still in my collection. As I delve further into it’s track listing, the Thrash Metal History just seems to come alive… as you read on, you shall see what I mean!

The track listing on Creeping Death: (The image above, of side 2, shows it as well)

Side 1:

Creeping Death

Side 2:

Am I Evil?

Blitzkrieg

Am I Evil? and Blitzkrieg were two songs labeled together as – Garage Days Revisited, (the above image of side 2, shows this).

Creeping Death is from Metallica’s second studio album: Ride The Lightning, (released in July of 1984. I can remember the first time I listened to this Ride The Lightning album, it was sometime back in 1984… I held onto and stared at the album jacket as the songs played on and I never felt more awe struck in my entire young life. Yes, I do remember trembling, upon my very first listen to For Whom The Bell Tolls… it was a listening experience so unreal, I can never forget it. Creeping Death, however, was/is just as sensational a song from Ride The Lightning as any of the others.

Metallica Ride The Lightning greatness never fades, it only grows stronger.

Am I Evil? is the b-side single on Side 2, a song originally written and made famous by Metal legends… Diamond Head, from the Diamond Head 1980 debut album – Lightning To The Nations.

Metallica’s cover version of Am I Evil? was only found on this Creeping Death 12″ picture disc, up until it was released on the Metallica album – Garage Inc., (a double album of cover songs), in November of 1998.

Blitzkrieg is the second cover song on side 2, a song originally written and released by the Heavy Metal band – Blitzkrieg. This song was originally released in 1981, on the Blitzkrieg 7″ single – Buried Alive. The song Blitzkrieg was later released on the Blitzkrieg 1985 album – A Time For Changes.

So there you have it, some Thrash Metal and Heavy Metal History surrounding the 3 songs found on this Metallica Creeping Death 12″ picture disc. I find it of Metal importance, to understand where the songs originally came from… and from what band and/or album. Die hard fans back in 1984 knew who Diamond Head was for sure, yet for Metallica to also embrace a song from Blitzkieg and make it work as a Thrash Metal cover, just magnifies the brilliance that Metallica created together as a band. To just listen to a song is one thing, to know the linkage of a song makes it all the Metal better… it’s called Metal roots, Metal history.

How I Discovered Motorhead And My Favorite Motorhead Song Ever

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's metal bands, 1990's rock music, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting metal music, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current heavy metal bands, essential heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal songs, feel good stories, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1983, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal odyssey, Motorhead, Music, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage heavy metal songs, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Motorhead "No Remorse" small album picMotorhead is and always will be a core favorite Heavy Metal Band of mine, (a top 3 band without a doubt). I was first introduced to this prolific band back around 1983, a friend of mine in high school gave me an 8-track of a live Motorhead bootleg. (This dudes name was Rich, I am glad we had crossed paths back then). The sound was enormously awful, (the actual 8-track didn’t help), the lead vocals were beyond raspy and unclear and the Heavy Metal Music being played was raw, uncommercial and unlike anything I had ever heard before in my young life. I loved it. I was beyond thrilled at listening to this Motorhead 8-track. I was enamored by every unpolished intricacy that my rookie Metalhead ears heard. Here is this band, on a beat up 8-track, recorded as a live bootleg somewhere far away in the world, that only a dozen or so dudes in my high school even knew about at that time in 1983. All  that was written on the blank white sticker on this 8-track was a barely legible – Motorhead Live. I’ll never forget that… an Old School Metal memory at it’s most innocent. I was awe struck by the unnatural vocals of Lemmy Kilmister and his bass was over powering to boot. Gimme some more Motorhead is what I said.

I wound up buying the Iron Fist album by Motorhead first, (on vinyl of course). This Iron Fist album was released on April 17, 1982, I bought it sometime in 1983… owning a real Motorhead album became a dire Metal necessity then, I needed to get the Metal ball rolling in starting my Motorhead collection. Not having too much money as a teenager, I did not make another Motorhead album purchase until the double album No Remorse was released – which was September 15, 1984. (I can’t recall if I actually bought No Remorse on it’s release date, who would care now? I do remember that I bought it right away though!). Buying No Remorse heightened my awareness, attitude and respect for Metal Music in 1984 – I now had a legitimate greatest hits of Motorhead in my possession. My favorite Motorhead song ever, is on No Remorse, it actually was a brand new song added to this greatest hits track list at the time. Killed By Death. An unreal and damn incredible Metal song for me then… still is now in 2009.

Motorhead "No Remorse" small album picWhen I listen to Killed By Death today, it is like I am hearing it for the very first time again. I cannot figure that out, why bother? All I know is what this song does for me, it gets me extremely pumped up and motivated beyond Metal belief. The Heavy Metal and Roll vibe and groove that Killed By Death bestows is unlike any Motorhead song pre-1984. I was so fascinated back in 1984, while holding the double album jacket, staring at the front cover artwork of Snaggletooth, a.k.a. War-Pig and having my ears being ignited by Motorhead Metal. It felt like my little teenage world was made into a more tolerable place to exist in, with the Heavy Metal of Motorhead being at the ready for me to escape in. I could never forget just how much this No Remorse album of greatest hits means to me still, especially the song Killed By Death. Yes, I still have this No Remorse album, this double album is like Metal gold to me. I have kept it in pristine condition since September of 1984, this album is one of the fortunate ones that never was traded, sold, lost or given away by me.

I bought No Remorse at the no longer existing – Strawberries Records & Tapes. I even begged, bribed and pestered the Strawberries manager for months, to give me the Motorhead No Remorse promotional poster that hung on the store wall. (Back then, large record stores had class, they would actually give away any and all promotional posters for free, that is correct… for free). This Strawberries manager turned out to be a Metal hero for me… upon one of my extremely many trips there, he saw me enter the store and informed me the No Remorse promo poster was mine. That’s one cool memory – simple, innocent and Metal. This Motorhead No Remorse promo poster was hung up on my college dorm wall at Central Connecticut State University and survived. (I don’t know how it survived either). This same poster now adorns my basement wall… surrounded by many, many other Metal posters. However, this Motorhead No Remorse promo poster will forever remain as the Metal epicenter of my Rocked out basement, while the No Remorse album will remain as an integral reason as to why I revere Motorhead and Metal Music in the first place.

*My original copy of this Motorhead No Remorse – double album, depicts the same artwork on the front cover, however, the graphics Motorhead No Remorse are in deep red type.

Motorhead "No Remorse" large album pic

LEGS DIAMOND “Out On Bail” – revisiting this 1984 Hard & Heavy Rock Song

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's classic rock songs, 1980's hard rock, 1980's hard rock songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal songs, classic hard rock bands, classic hard rock music, classic heavy metal, classic melodic hard rock music, classic melodic rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, essential classic rock albums, essential hard rock albums, essential heavy metal albums, essential rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock songs, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, melodic hard rock songs, melodic rock bands, melodic rock songs, Metal, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rock music, vintage hard rock albums, vintage hard rock bands, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage rock album finds with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

When I first heard the song Out On Bail, back in 1984, it was on an FM radio show called Metal Shop. Out On Bail is from the Legs Diamond album Out On Bail, released in 1984. After my first listen to this song, I obtained a copy of it and played it to my Metal hearts delight for years. I have always considered Legs Diamond to be a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal Band… the heaviness of their music seems to go either way, depending on the song. Out On Bail is both hard and heavy, for me it is as legitimate a Heavy Metal song as any. Quite a few years have passed since I have dug out some Legs Diamond to listen to… I recently pulled out Out On Bail and this song sounds as tough and heavy in 2009 as it did in 1984. This is a fabulous example of my dusting off a tremendous Heavy Rock song and spreading the Metal word to all the world about such song – Out On Bail seriously Rocks.

Legs Diamond may not be the household name of a Heavy Band, still their music is worth getting ahold of. To the best of my Metal research, Legs Diamond has released 15 albums, from 1976 to 2005. The Legs Diamond catalog includes a greatest hits, 2 compilations and a live album. Legs Diamond, in my Metal opinion, is an American Hard Rock Band that has always flown under the Metal radar, a band that is more decent than dozens of more popular bands of their time and now. The album Out On Bail is readily available on Best Buy online, itunes and Century Media Records online.

Out On Bail:

I can still remember that Friday night,
When they came to take me away.
Wish I could have missed that fateful night,
Instead I missed the light of day.
Hey Mister Jailer, won’t you give me my one call,
I know who set me up, to take this fall.
You know I wanna find that guy today,
I want you to bring him up my way!
Get me out, get me out.
Get me out on bail.
Get me out, get me out,
Get me out on bail, yeah.
Thank you Mr. Majors, now, for what you did.
Here’s what I’m gonna do for you,
Gonna find the guy who did this to me,
And send his pointy finger to you!
Now I can go and tell all my friends,
He can’t point a finger at any of them!
Yes, I know, he might have somethin’ to say,
I’ll take care of that another day.
Now I’m out, so far out,
Yes, I’m out on bail.
Yes I’m out, well I’m out, yes I’m out on bail.
Out, yes I’m out, out on bail
Well I’m out, Yes I’m out, out on bail.
-solo-
Out, out, out, out, out on bail.
Out, out, out, out, out on bail.
Out, out, out, out, out on bail.
Out, out, out, out, out on bail.
Out, out, out, out, out on bail.
Out, out, out, out, out on bail…

Legs Diamond "Out On Bail" x-large album pic

HELIX – “Rock You” is my Heavy Metal Song for this weekend

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, classic heavy metal, classic rock music, cool album covers, essential heavy metal songs, hair metal music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, heavy metal on vinyl, Music, old school hair metal bands, old school heavy metal, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 13, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Helix "Walkin' The Razors Edge" small picOn July 7th, 1984, Helix released Walkin’ the Razor’s Edge, (their 4th album/on Capitol Records). I was very much the fan of Helix back then… still am. You see, Helix is one of those Heavy Metal Bands that always liked to put the (gasp) fun into Heavy Metal Music. I used to own this album… on vinyl too. This Helix album is another one I would like to find again on vinyl, (yup, I got rid of this album for some insane reason years ago), only I want an original pressing from 1984 and at a thrift store price too. I will find this album again on one of my Metal hunts… I can feel it. For now, I am Metal psyched to at least own a digital copy of the single Rock You from Walkin’ the Razor’s Edge. This is one cool and fun – Heavy Metal song from 1984. Rock You started playing in my head earlier today, therefore, I cranked up this song on my stereo system and it served me right. This is a tried and true, Classic Heavy Metal Anthem that still works for me. Rock You is my Heavy Metal song for this weekend of September 12/13 of ’09. I have compiled the lyrics below, just to prove my point as to why this song is fun. LONG LIVE HELIX and… ROCK YOU!

ROCK YOU:

(chorus -1)

Give me an R-O-C-K 
Whatcha got (ROCK) 
And whatcha gonna do (ROCK YOU) 
Gimme an R-O-C-K 
Whatcha got (ROCK) 
And whatcha gonna do (ROCK YOU) 
Hot as a pistol 
Loaded like a gun 
Waiting for some action 
Gotta have my fun 
Don’t just sit there 
C’mon get up and move 
If you want to 
Tell ya’ what we’re gonna do 

(chorus-2) 

Rock you (ROCK YOU) 
Rock You (ROCK YOU) 
I’ve been waiting for so long 
For the outcome 
Gotta play it strong 
So just don’t sit there 
C’mon get up and move 
If you want to 
Tell ya’ what we’re gonna do 
(chorus-2) 
(chorus-1) 
(solo) 
Rock you 
Don’t just sit there 
C’mon get up and move 
If you want to 
Tell ya’ what we’re gonna do 
(chorus-2-out)

To the best of my Metal research, here is the current 2009 lineup of Helix:

Jim Lawson on Guitar
Brian Vollmer on Vocals
Paul Fonseca on Bass
Rick VanDyk on Guitar
Brent Niemi on Drums

Helix "Walkin' the Razor's Edge" large pic

Y&T – “In Rock We Trust” is ’80’s Heavy Metal I trust

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's popular rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, classic rock albums, classic rock music, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1984, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, old school heavy metal, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 18, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

7723902I received in the mail today, a package from my best buddy, Scott. In this package was a CD, “In Rock We Trust” by Y&T. Now, this is the kind of mail that I like receiving… not bills or junk mail, just pure 1980’s vintage Heavy Metal. Talk about a solid Metal reminder of how power grooved this Y&T band was back in the ’80’s. This album was released way back in 1984, (the year I was supposed to graduate High School). I opted for an extra half year of High School back then, yet that is Metal history now. I listened to “In Rock We Trust” in it’s Metal entirety, just minutes after it was unleashed from the bubble mailer that brought it to my Metal safe haven. Every song on this album is a Heavy Metal winner, for me. From the Heavy Metal chorus to the riffs and leads and everything else heavy in between, makes this album ripple with thunderous Metal might. I just have recently been listening to the Y&T album “Contagious”, take my Metal word on this… “In Rock We Trust” out heavies “Contagious”. I have never been a strong advocate for comparisons within a Metal band’s music catalog, I feel each album that is created is unique. There are those times, where exceptions are made on Metal Odyssey. Seriously, if anyone out there is considering to buy some Heavy Metal from the ’80’s, this album I undoubtedly recommend.

My best buddy Scott made my Metal day today… little did I know that this CD was coming my way, I guess I did not realize I needed a vintage fix, of some heavy duty Y&T Heavy Metal, either. Man, these ten songs hit me in all of the right ways today. Like Scott said to me on the phone today… “this Y&T album is just darn good Summer Heavy Metal”. I could not agree with him more… only I will take it one Metal step further, “In Rock We Trust” is one darn good year long Heavy Metal album. I see Scott’s point however, these songs make you feel like you are packing up the car, heading to the beach or one big time keg party… and it is the late ’80’s, where your only worries are having cash for gas, chips and beer. Ahhh, the stuff that vintage Heavy Metal makes you think about… Metal really is worry free music after all. If making a feel good Heavy Metal album back in 1984 was considered a crime, then Y&T is guilty on all Metal charges.

“Lipstick And Leather” and “Don’t Stop Runnin'” are the two hits that made their way on FM radio and MTV back in ’84.  Both songs are heavy rockin’ through and through. I really have taken a liking to the first song – “Rock And Roll’s Gonna Save The World”, it starts off rather slow and steady, yet it gives every indication that this is just the prelude to the pumped up Heavy Metal that engulfs my Metal senses. “Breakout Tonight!” and “She’s A Liar” are two songs that exemplify the signature 1980’s vibe of Heavy Metal. “In Rock We Trust” should come with a sticker of recommendation on the front CD cover… that reads: Play these songs loud – it will serve you right. Y&T with “In Rock We Trust” served me right today. I just cannot fathom as to why I never owned this Y&T album until today… I guess that no longer matters, this Heavy Metal gem is in my Metal possession now. This is just another reason why I can never take Metal Music or my best buddy Scott for granted. 

Y&T as they appeared on “In Rock We Trust”: Dave Meniketti on lead guitar & lead vocals, Phil Kennemore on bass guitar & backing vocals, Joey Alves on rhythm guitar & backing vocals and Leonard Haze on drums & backing vocals.

200px-YtinrockwetrustAP

DIO “The Last In Line” will last my Metal Music lifetime

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal hits, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal music, Album Review, classic heavy metal albums, classic metal, cool album covers, creepy album covers, essential heavy metal albums, essential metal music albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1984, heavy metal music, Heavy Metal Reviews, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, power metal music, ronnie james dio, scary album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 12, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

main-150DIO, Ronnie James Dio, my Heavy Metal vocal savior, when I served time in High School, back in the 1980’s. (I know I use that punch line about High School often, regardless, it is just the plain truth). The lyrics of DIO’s songs were motivating, captivating and always exhilarating for me while I was growing up in my late teen years. For Metal sake, DIO’s lyrics were influential to me while I was in my early twenties as well. What I took from the lyrical creativity of Ronnie James Dio so many years ago, I no longer take hold of as strong. As I grew up, (well, I think I matured somewhat since the ’80’s), the lyrics of DIO seemed to take on a more entertaining feeling… lyrical interpretation has changed for me over the years, based on life experiences. Seriously, when I used to listen to the song “The Last In Line”, back in High School, well, I equated the lyrics to my being the last in line. I was a typical authority hating – know it all as a teenager, therefore, totally normal for a Metalhead back in the 1980’s. Fast forward to 2009, I equate the lyrics as inspiring still, only I do not dwell on myself and always being the victim, (as I did as a teenager). Plus, being a middle aged Metalhead, I now respect or tolerate authority, depending on the situation. The Heavy Metal of DIO and many, many other Metal bands from decades past encouraged and instilled a strong feeling of hope for me, when I was young… I shall never forget this. The escapism of DIO’s Heavy Metal was the elixir that worked for me years ago… this escapism still works for me now. That is why this 1984 album from DIO “The Last In Line”, will last my Metal Music lifetime.

“Mystery” is another song from the “Last In Line” album that is in my Metal opinion, untouchable. This is one song, that lyrically, I can still relate to. Life is a mystery, plain and simple. There really is nothing more to scrutinize… no one really knows where they are going to be tomorrow. Heck, back in High School, the guidance counselors used to waste their time with us kids, asking us where we want to be, what we want to do when we grow up. These guidance counselors all had a job to do, with fine intentions. The truth is, the paths I took to get where I am now were filled with detours, delays, trauma, luck of the draw, misfortune and certainly fortunate opportunities. In other words… mystery. They don’t teach this in school. I never knew when I was going to get married, plus I never knew how many children my wife and I would have. Mystery.

This is by far and large, the single most influential Heavy Metal song I have ever listened to in my life. Now, the next time you are on a dreaded job interview and the interviewer asks you – “where do you want to be in five years, ten years from now”?… look at this fool straight in the face and tell he or she, as Ronnie James Dio so eloquently put it, “it’s always a mystery, not what it seems to be, it’s always a mystery,  just like you and me”. 

200px-DioTheLastInLine

%d bloggers like this: