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RAINBOW “DOWN TO EARTH” – 1979 ALBUM REVISITED

Posted in 1970's classic rock albums, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's classic rock vocalists, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal, 1970's rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, Album Review, classic hard rock bands, classic hard rock music, classic rock bands, classic rock cover songs, classic rock music, classic rock music 1979, classic rock songs, cool album covers, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal on vinyl, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rock guitarists, rock music, vintage hard rock albums with tags 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock music, all night long song, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock music, classic rock songs, cozy powell drummer, don airey keyboardist, down to earth album 1979, graham bonnet vocalist, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rainbow down to earth album, rainbow hard rock band, rainbow heavy metal band, ritchie blackmore guitarist, rock music, roger glover bass guitarist, russ ballard guitarist, since you been gone song on December 8, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Here is a Rainbow album that I can never get enough of. Down To Earth, released on July 28, 1979. This Rainbow lineup is nothing short of legendary, unreal musicians they were together. I actually saved this vinyl copy of Down To Earth since the mid 1980’s, never having the thought of letting it go. Graham Bonnet on vocals is tops… for me. This album just illuminates Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal legitimacy, in my Metal opinion. To this day, I will crank up, (extremely loud), the two songs: All Night Long and Since You Been Gone. I endorse the other six songs on this album as well… songs like these are what makes a complete and memorable album. I often times, find it hard to believe that Down To Earth was released back in 1979, saying these songs are dated will never cross my Metal mind.

I have always embraced each lead singer that fronted Rainbow over the years. Each new lead vocalist lent a different sound and feel, while the hardness of Rainbow never seemed to wane for me. Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner and Doogie White made each respective Rainbow lineup unique. Sure, you can say that there have been four different Rainbow bands… the more Rainbow music that was made, the better, in my Metal opinion! I could never embrace the gossip or rumors that surrounded each Rainbow lineup, all I ever cared about were the albums that were created. Down To Earth seems to be an album that gets skipped over, when discussions/articles of great Hard Rock releases of the ’70’s are brought forth. Maybe my blabbing about this Rainbow Down To Earth album will inspire someone to give it a listen again or for the first time, it is extremely well worth it.

Listening to this Rainbow album puts me in a darn good mood. Heck, any Rainbow album puts me in a good mood and sets me straight. I wish that Ritchie Blackmore kept the Rainbow brand moving forward. Regardless, I’ll embrace and enjoy the Rainbow albums that did become reality… especially Down To Earth.

The Rainbow lineup for Down To Earth… and what a lineup:

Ritchie Blackmore – guitar

Graham Bonnet – lead vocalist

Roger Glover – bass guitarist

Cozy Powell – drums

Don Airey – keyboards

The track list for Down To Earth… these are songs, no fillers:

All Night Long

Eyes of the World

No Time to Lose

Makin’ Love

Since You Been Gone

Love’s No Friend

Danger Zone

Lost in Hollywood

* Since You Been Gone was written and recorded by Russ Ballard, originally appearing on his 1976 album Winning. Russ Ballard wrote one pretty cool song, in my Metal opinion.

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SLAYER “WORLD PAINTED BLOOD” – AN UNREAL GREAT, OLD SCHOOL THRASH METAL ALBUM

Posted in 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1990's thrash metal bands, cool album covers, current thrash metal albums, current thrash metal music, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal music, guitar legends, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, thrash metal 2009, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal today with tags 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, dave lombardo drummer, jeff hanneman guitarist, kerry king guitarist, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, Slayer, slayer thrash metal band, Thrash Metal, thrash metal albums, thrash metal albums 2009, thrash metal bands 2009, thrash metal guitarists, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal today, tom araya bass guitarist & vocalist, world painted blood album on December 7, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

When I bought the new release from Slayer, World Painted Blood, on it’s release date of November 3, 2009, I had it in the back of my Metal mind that I was going to eventually do a review on it. Now, after owning World Painted Blood and listening to it for a month, I am thinking… why should I review this? Who am I to give a review on the greatest Thrash Metal Band on the planet? Review, in depth, the greatest Thrash Metal Band that ever existed? Man, that would be embarrassing for me, to actually try to “review” an elite Thrash Metal album of songs like World Painted Blood. For Metal sakes, World Painted Blood is just down right, unreal great. Old school and (thankfully) toned down in the polished production department, that is about it from me. Every song is insanely great. Even Playing With Dolls is a darned great track… which I have read dork reviews on this song already. (Once again, it is professionally paid Rock critics who never bother to listen to an album in it’s entirety, they are the ones who give out the lame butt reviews on sensational Metal Music). All eleven songs are enormously great on World Painted Blood, end of my Metal review.

In the past, maybe I reviewed a vintage Slayer album or two… I’m done with that. Reviewing a Slayer album is like reviewing a Beatles or Elvis Presley album… anyone should know what they are getting from Slayer by now. Gee Metal whiz. Old school Thrash Metal and Slayer fans know that this World Painted Blood album is worth owning. For me to even consider breaking down the songs on this amazing album, the guitar leads and riffs of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, the vocals/bass play of Tom Araya and the drumming of Dave Lombardo… c’mon, are you kidding? What is there to breakdown? Not often do I feel this way, that an album should just be accepted for it’s unreal great Metal worthiness and not dilly dally around the archaic “review” bush. Metal fans worldwide… take it from me, this is a Slayer album to buy and enjoy for a lifetime. World Painted Blood – nuff’ said. You can call this an Old School Metal review if you like… F’n Slayer RULES.

Here is the track listing for World Painted Blood:

1. World Painted Blood

2. Unit 731

3. Snuff

4. Beauty Through Order

5. Hate Worldwide

6. Public Display Of Dismemberment

7. Human Strain

8. Americon

9. Psychopathy Red

10. Playing With Dolls

11. Not Of This God

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IRON MAIDEN “RUN TO THE HILLS” PICTURE DISC – AN ANTIQUE STORE FIND!

Heavy Metal memorabilia and records can be found in antique stores… and why not? Heavy Metal does go back at least four decades, for sake of argument. I am a collector, of various things… probably too many things! Oh well, you only live once. One of my favorite “things” to collect are Heavy Metal picture discs, records that are adorned with graphics/photos and artwork. These Heavy Metal picture discs bestow the images that are usually tied into the band itself, being the band’s logo and/or mascot and at times the album or song’s theme. The images on these type of picture discs are often times attention grabbing. Heavy Metal picture discs always have been and still are intended to catch your eye, therefore making the respective picture disc into a collectible you display, more than the record you play.

Today, I strolled about an antique store not very far from my home, it just opened for business around the third week of November, 2009. Great place, loaded with great stuff… lot’s of records too, vinyl that is! Yes, based on the number of vinyl record albums I have been coming across lately, on my antique store journey’s, there obviously is a market out there for this vintage form of music media. I am part of that market, you betcha. The adrenaline rush I experienced today, while perusing the hundreds of vinyl albums at this new found antique store, well, it was memorable. There were dozens of Heavy Metal titles in the mix, from the late 1970’s right through the 1980’s. Hard Rock and Southern Rock titles caught my eye too… I stayed in control and only bought what I could afford. Here is one of the two records that I did buy today, (I will save the other record purchase for a future post):

IRON MAIDEN – RUN TO THE HILLS 7″ PICTURE DISC

Please note, that upon my eyes becoming affixed upon this incredible Iron Maiden picture disc, it took approximately one second for me to have it in my grasp. Oh man, the thrill of the Heavy Metal hunt is a sweet and glorious feeling. As I held onto this Iron Maiden picture disc, the thought crossed my mind… Heavy Metal hunting victory is mine! To find such a sensational collectible, especially of a band that I have listened to, collected and followed since the early 1980’s… wow. I felt as if this was my moment, a moment to cherish, while walking towards my wife, with my face filled with Heavy Metal glee. My wonderful wife then made the purchase for me… she wanted to be the one to pay for this joyous find. I thank my wife from the bottom of my Heavy Metal heart for treating me to this Iron Maiden picture disc. Here are the specs on this Iron Maiden picture disc:

Iron Maiden Run To The Hills 7″ picture disc

Price Paid – $10 (U.S.) – this price is just unreal good for me!

Original Year of Release – 1982

Age of Picture Disc – 28 years – yeah, I cannot believe it’s been that long.

Record Label – EMI

# of Songs – 2, Run To The Hills and Total Eclipse

* Run To The Hills is found on the original 1982 and 1995 reissue version of The Number Of The Beast album.

* Total Eclipse being the b-side to this picture disc, was not on the original 1982 album The Number Of The Beast. Total Eclipse was later included in the reissue version of The Number Of The Beast, released in 1995. The 1998 reissue and the 2002 ECD version also include Total Eclipse as well.

Picture Disc Country of Origin – United Kingdom

Check out the front and back artwork of Derek Riggs on this sensational Iron Maiden Run To The Hills 7″ picture disc below. The photo of Iron Maiden shows, from top left to top right, Adrian Smith, guitarist and Steve Harris, bass guitarist. The bottom row, from left to right, Clive Burr, drummer, Bruce Dickinson, vocalist and Dave Murray, guitarist. Man, I always seem to find the coolest Heavy Metal collectible when I least expect it.

A – SIDE:

B – SIDE:

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TWISTED SISTER – “A TWISTED CHRISTMAS” IS A HEAVY METAL HOLIDAY MUST LISTEN!

Posted in 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, Album Review, christmas, christmas albums, christmas rock albums, christmas rock songs, christmas songs, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal christmas albums, heavy metal christmas songs, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, holiday songs, holidays, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal bands, rock music, rock vocalists with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, a twisted christmas album, a twisted christmas album 2006, christmas albums, christmas holiday, christmas rock music, christmas rock songs, christmas songs, dee snider, dee snider heavy metal hero, heavy metal albums, heavy metal christmas albums, heavy metal christmas songs, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, holiday rock music, lita ford, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, twisted sister on December 4, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

This is by far, my favorite Christmas album ever. Twisted Sister A Twisted Christmas is not just a standard, run of the mill Heavy Metal Christmas album. These are 10 Christmas songs that are truly played with spirited enthusiasm and high energy by Twisted Sister. Dee Snider really sings his heart out, honestly giving a tremendous effort especially on O Come All Ye Faithful and I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Dee Snider sings every verse, of each song, in eloquent fashion, accentuating the lyrics when the song dictates. (Hey, I’m not saying that Dee Snider is Frank Sinatra here, just that he really sings great on this album). The music is what you would come to expect, in Twisted Sister/Heavy Metal fashion. Lita Ford appears on vocals alongside Dee Snider on I’ll Be Home For Christmas, this song is played and sung so well that it is an instant natural high for me. My twin daughters, (they are ten years old), told me the other day, that this Twisted Sister album really gets them in the Christmas spirit too… and that is without my prodding or asking them their opinion on it. To have a Christmas tradition with my daughters, that involves Twisted Sister, well, quite frankly it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Twisted Sister puts their original sound and Heavy Metal flavor to these songs, yet they do this with the upmost class. These classic Christmas songs are treated here with respect by Twisted Sister and in my Metal opinion, have made a Heavy Metal Christmas classic. I can honestly say that this album puts me in the Christmas spirit, it has now become an annual listen starting at the beginning of November! You absolutely, positively, cannot serve yourself wrong by purchasing or giving a listen to A Twisted Christmas. You most certainly will be missing out on a good time, Heavy Metal, Twisted Christmas celebration – if you don’t check this album out.

A quick Metal Odyssey note: Dee Snider is a true American Heavy Metal Hero.

A second quick Metal Odyssey note: A Twisted Christmas was released on October 17, 2006.

Oops, one more quick Metal Odyssey note: Merry Heavy Metal Christmas to the PMRC!

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WE’VE ADOPTED A CAT! HIS NAME IS TOBY.

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 music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock music, cool album covers, everyday experiences, family, family pets, feel good stories, hair metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, lists, metal odyssey, Music, old school hair metal bands, personal stories, real life experiences, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, cats, eye of the tiger song, family, family pets, faster pussycat debut album, hard rock music, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, pets, rock and roll, rock music, survivor rock band, tygertailz hair metal band, vito bratta guitarist, white lion hair metal band on December 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

On November 21, 2009, my family and I adopted a two year old cat named Toby. He is healthy as can be, we updated all of his required shots and he passed a physical too. Toby is a domestic house cat, a very curious and gentle animal. Yes, he does like to get cozy, especially at night when we are all trying to sleep. Just like the classic Slaughter song goes… Up All Night, Sleep All Day! Toby really enjoys our front reading room during the day, taking turns sleeping on each chair and love seat. There is not a window sill this cat does not like to perch on either. Toby gets box seats to watch the birds, squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks do their thing… in the outside world. Toby does not seem to mind that he cannot go outside though… too many times he hears dogs barking.

As a family, Toby has embraced us all and likewise. We look forward to many great years with him. Toby is only looking for some food, a box to poop in, water, a house to prowl around in and playtime with our daughters, (with some added attention from my wife and I). He really isn’t asking for too much. I posted recently that we were searching to adopt a cat, in this post a nifty list of cat/feline/tiger bands was created, from Rock to Metal. Well, since we finally have Toby, here is another list of such bands associated with this ever popular animal… the cat.

First however, may I introduce to you, Toby:

Here is a Hair Metal Band that I have always liked a lot – Faster Pussycat. Their debut album, released in 1987, is one to own. My favorite song from this initial Faster Pussycat release is Don’t Change That Song. Taime Downe has some unique vocals, plus this band knew how to make some hard rockin’ and good time songs.

Here is another Hair Metal Band that I never covered my ears to, I will listen to this band. I actually caught this band live back in the late ’80’s at a small club. White Lion. I can’t recall what other band or bands played with White Lion that night I saw them… that was a night when the good times made things rather fuzzy. Vito Bratta, (the original guitarist) for White Lion, is very, very, good at playing guitar, no doubt in my Metal mind.

O.k., so Survivor is NOT a Heavy Metal Band or even a bona fide Hard Rock Band. They are a Rock Band still. Their band name does not have a feline connection, their biggest selling single ever does, for that matter. Furthermore, they did psyche me out at age 16, with their huge hit single from 1982, Eye Of The Tiger. I am not bashful, about admitting the affect this song had on me, back in 1982. This was the theme song for the Rocky lll movie sequel as well. From what I have researched, this song alone, sold over two million copies in the U.S., count me as one of those two million who bought the 45 rpm back then. Uh, this one I wound up selling, giving away or (gulp), discarding. I really wish I kept this 45 rpm with the original sleeve intact.

Tigertailz – Hair Metal, Glam Metal… either or – you pick ’em. Their 1987 debut album Young And Crazy I still own… on (gulp), cassette. Metal be damned I’m going to keep it too… and listen to it whenever I feel like it. No, I’m NOT kidding either.

Well, that is all for now. My previous cat related bands/songs list was a little longer, I’m running out of ideas with this now. If anyone has a Rock/Hard Rock/Metal related example for this list, that comes to mind, feel free to comment it.

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A HEAVY METAL MUSIC FLASHBACK FROM 1987!

Posted in 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1987 heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, classic heavy metal, current heavy metal bands, heavy metal albums 1987, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concert posters, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school thrash metal music, rock music, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal legends, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage thrash metal bands with tags 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, anthrax thrash metal band, Blackie Lawless, bon jovi, cinderella heavy metal band, dio, heavy metal bands 1987, heavy metal flashback 1987, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Metallica, monsters of rock 1987, monsters of rock promo advertisement, Music, old school heavy metal bands, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band on November 30, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Now this is a flashback of Heavy Metal history. This is a promotional advertisement from 1987 for the Monsters Of Rock (festival) at Donington Park out in the U.K., the lineup of bands was obviously powerhouse! This huge Heavy Metal event took place on August 22, 1987. Metallica was just on the rise, (sounds weird saying that), with their unreal great, 1986 Master Of Puppets album, which catapulted them to historical Metal heights. Cinderella was still promoting their debut album Night Songs. Anthrax was supporting their Among The Living album, a great Thrash Metal album indeed. DIO being on the bill was perfect timing, with Dream Evil being released on July 21, 1987. W.A.S.P. was a hot ticket for this Monsters Of Rock, after their Inside The Electric Circus album’s release in November of 1986. Then there was the headliner, Bon Jovi, being almost a year to the date of the Slippery When Wet album release of August 18, 1986.

Would these same bands actually be included in a Heavy Metal festival like this in 2009? I doubt it, especially when you look at the direction in which Bon Jovi has taken musically. Anthrax and Cinderella are not in the spotlight currently. DIO is touring, only not at a level of intensity of the late 1980’s, nonetheless, Ronnie James Dio and his band would be a solid compliment to a Heavy Metal jamboree anywhere today. Metallica would be the headliner in 2009, without question!! W.A.S.P. would be a perfect band for any Heavy Metal event in 2009, not a second thought about that one!

Over the years, um, decades, I have seen Cinderella, DIO and Metallica live. Memorable Metal moments for me, each one. I would still be ecstatic to see W.A.S.P. someday live… man, that would be the Metal icing on the cake for me. W.A.S.P. is definitely my favorite band out of this group. I would gladly accept a chance to see Anthrax live somewhere in the future as well, regardless of who is at lead vocals. The artwork on this promo is, in my Metal opinion, old school 1980’s Heavy Metal. Neat stuff.

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HEAVY METAL THUNDER – 1985 BOOK IS VALUABLE HEAVY METAL HISTORY

Posted in 1950's rock music, 1960's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, classic hard rock, classic heavy metal, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal book reviews, heavy metal chronology, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music books, heavy metal music reference, heavy metal timeline, heavy metal vocalists, Metal, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music books, vintage hard rock bands, vintage heavy metal bands with tags 1950's rock and roll, 1960's classic rock bands, 1960's rock music, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, classic rock bands, classic rock music, early years of heavy metal, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal book, heavy metal evolution, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal musicians, heavy metal reference book, heavy metal thunder, heavy metal thunder 1985, heavy metal thunder book, heavy metal timeline, history of heavy metal, metal odyssey, Music on November 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Back in 1985, I was nineteen and working part time in a grocery store, spending most of my spare change on Heavy Metal albums or cassettes. I was still a teenager trying to find my college and career path back then, making minimum wage really left me with extremely limited funds. Being picky about my purchases in 1985 was out of necessity. To buy a brand new book back then, it had to be good… Heavy Metal good. I would frequent regularly, (most of the time just to browse), a mom & pop bookstore called Bookworks. This store unfortunately no longer exists, thanks to the gigantic, corporate bookstore chains that invaded every corner of the globe. Um, back to the Bookworks store… you see, I happened upon a book that caught my eye instantly sometime back in 1985, the title Heavy Metal Thunder appeared too good to be true. The front cover of the book said it all… sub headings read: The Music, It’s History, It’s Heroes. Plus, a fully adorned Heavy Metal guitarist playing a flying V guitar, on this books front cover, was more than I could possibly resist. I bought Heavy Metal Thunder willingly for $12.95. This was the full cover price back in 1985, quite a bit of cash considering my economic situation back then.

I can remember walking home with this book under my arm, the feeling of striking Heavy Metal gold was resonating through me. Knowing this was a book documenting the history of Heavy Metal up to 1985, enticed me to become the Heavy Metal scholar of my block. I read this book from front to back repeatedly, taking in the facts and timelines of the Heavy Metal history found within it’s pages. As I look back now, this book was as informative as any Heavy Metal book available back in 1985. As I leaf through the pages of Heavy Metal Thunder today, it is obvious this book was written from the perspective of being in the year 1985. Don’t let the year 1985 fool you however, this book is accurate, informative and fact filled with enough Heavy Metal history to still satisfy me in 2009. I wish there was a companion edition of Heavy Metal Thunder that was written, a book that dates from 1985 to the present. The author, Philip Bashe, compiled a timeline of Heavy Metal evolution, in commendable fashion, with this book.

There are 32 full color pages of band and individual musician photos in Heavy Metal Thunder, each photo seems to capture the essence and significance of the Old School Heavy Metal genre. Dozens of black and white photos of Heavy Meal bands and musicians adorn the pages of this great book as well. The featured bands in this book, being depicted in color photos as well, are: Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Rush, AC/DC, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Quiet Riot and Motley Crue. Arguably, these were the biggest and most commercially embraced Heavy Metal bands back in 1985. KISS, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, Mountain, Blue Cheer, Randy Rhoads, Twisted Sister, Lita Ford, Ronnie James Dio and Led Zeppelin do get their justified due in black and white photographs and are recognized for their importance in shaping and creating the Heavy Metal genre as we know it today. Even The Kinks, The Who and Grand Funk Railroad get their significance pointed out.

For it’s time, Philip Bashe does a top tier job at acknowledging a majority of the bands and musicians that were instrumental in the evolution of Heavy Metal, up to 1985, even if it is a short anecdote, quick mention or fact. From Elvis Presley to the The Doors to Fastway, the links and roots of Heavy Metal are touched upon in such an intriguing way by Philip Bashe, that I find Heavy Metal Thunder to still be a valuable read in 2009. The single most incredible aspect of Heavy Metal Thunder, is the Chronology, (timeline and progression of Heavy Metal Music), which is written so very well by Philip Bashe. This chronology begins on April 28, 1958, with guitarist Link Wray and his million selling instrumental single Rumble and ends on December 31, 1984, with the auto accident of Def Leppard’s drummer, Rick Allen. Believe me, the bands and their respective achievements, that are touched upon in between this timeline, is nothing short of a fascinating read.

Heavy Metal Thunder is a soft cover with 214 pages. A large size book, it measures 8.5″ x 11″ and is written with enough factual research that only adds to it’s total historical credibility. Metalheads both young and old, should find this book completely absorbing, with both it’s written and visual content. I have seen Heavy Metal Thunder for sale on Amazon.com, there were several used copies for sale, as recent as today. I saw the used copy price was for far less than the cover price I paid back in 1985. For me, it was money well spent 25 years ago… for I still own Heavy Metal Thunder to this very day.

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What I’m Thankful For This Thanksgiving of 2009

Posted in 1950's rock and roll bands, 1958 rock and roll albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal bands, cool album covers, everyday people, everyday social experiences, family, family pets, feel good stories, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, holidays, humor, life, life stories, lists, living, metal odyssey, Music, people, personal stories, punk rock music, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, sports with tags 1950's rock and roll music, family, friends, giving thanks, heavy metal music, list of thanks, lynyrd skynyrd southern rock band, metal odyssey, Misfits, Motorhead, Music, Punk rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, Slayer, thanksgiving, thanksgiving 2009, thanksgiving holiday, thanksgiving thanks, the everly brothers, thrash metal music, united states, W.A.S.P. on November 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Happy Thanksgiving to all from Metal Odyssey. Yes, I will eat whatever the heck I feel like eating today, plus the quantity of food I eat is my own personal business too. To all the people who watch what other people eat and tell others how and what to eat… go eat rice cakes today and stare at yourselves in the mirror, you artificial and pompous fools.

I am thankful for:

My incredible wife and beautiful twin daughters… and our new cat toby.

My courageous and strong father.

My Mother and Father In-Law

Nonny

My sister and brother in-law and their two daughters. (And their dog too).

My Best Metal Buddy Scott and his fine family.

My sister is in Heaven and I am thankful for her son and daughter.

My mother is in Heaven too… I am thankful for all the love and memories.

My faith, God and all of the guardian angels who have worked overtime for me and my family.

For all my cousins, aunts and uncles who are the good ones. In other words, the ones who are not self absorbed in their own minds, non materialistic and know I still exist.

Good friends and helpful neighbors.

My country – The United States of America, The Land of the Free… I hope and pray it stays this way.

Armed Forces of The United States of America – these men and women in uniform protect us all every minute of every day.

Rock and Roll – especially Heavy Metal and all of it’s genres.

Punk Rock

Motorhead, Misfits, W.A.S.P. and Slayer… my top four.

Lynyrd Skynyrd and their 2009 album – God & Guns

Cheap Trick and ELO

Anthony Bourdain and No Reservations

Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures

World Champion New York Yankees and the New York Giants

Planet Earth… the best and only planet we can all live on. If only we all could get along…

I’m very thankful for being introduced to this album by The Everly Brothers, (Don and Phil Everly), as a child. My mother had this album and it was my first introduction to the amazing world of Rock and Roll. This 1958 album was a true enjoyment and will forever be an unreal lifetime memory.

I’m extra thankful for being alive to be thankful for all of the above.

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MOTORHEAD – “THE ONE TO SING THE BLUES” WAS MY 1991 RECORD CONVENTION FIND

Posted in 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal songs, 1990's heavy metal music, classic hard rock music, classic heavy metal, collecting heavy metal albums, collecting music, collecting rock music, essential heavy metal songs, everyday experiences, feel good stories, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal 45 rpm records, heavy metal bands, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1991, heavy metal on vinyl, heavy metal record finds, heavy metal records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, personal stories, rare heavy metal albums, rare vinyl record imports, record conventions, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, shopping for rock music, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage heavy metal songs with tags 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, dead man's hand song, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, lemmy, lemmy kilmister bass guitarist, metal odyssey, Motorhead, motorhead 45 rpm the one to sing the blues, motorhead 45 rpm's, motorhead 7" singles, motorhead albums, motorhead imports, motorhead record imports, motorhead songs, motorhead vinyl, Music, new haven coliseum, phil campbell guitarist, philthy animal taylor drummer, record conventions, the one to sing the blues song, u.k. record imports, wtg records, wurzel guitarist on November 26, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Back in the early Spring of 1991, my girlfriend, (now my wife), and I ventured down to the New Haven Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut… to frolic through a record convention. Record conventions are the best. I am guilty of not going to enough of these glorious events in my lifetime. Regardless, this record convention was chock full of vinyl, CD’s and all things Rock memorabilia that I could ever wish for. Oh yeah, there was Heavy Metal aplenty at this record convention back then… tons of it. The only parameter I needed to follow at this show was to narrow down my search, (I was not loaded with cash back then and I’m still not). Motorhead was at the top of my search list, going to this record convention. There was quite the choice of Motorhead vinyl, cassettes and CD’s to buy there… I settled on the 7″ vinyl, (45 rpm), The One To Sing The Blues. Even though I can’t remember what I actually paid for this Motorhead record, compared to purchasing a 12″ album import at the time, it was a good deal. Seven dollars keeps coming back to me, as to the purchase price though.

We left that record convention that day with just a couple of purchases. The other purchase I will save for a future post, (it was a cool piece of vinyl as well). I still own this Motorhead 45 rpm, rediscovering it recently as it was hidden away in my collection. Am I psyched that I still have it after 19 years? You betcha. I would safely guess this Motorhead record is kinda rare. The backside cover to this record sleeve has the header – Motorhead On Tour, it lists the U.K. concert dates for February 1991. There are 14 concert dates listed. Also on this backside record sleeve cover, are the complete lyrics to The One To Sing The Blues. Sure, I look back and wish I gobbled up every Motorhead vinyl treasure there was at that record convention, nonetheless, I am content with what I do have. This little record has it’s rightful place in my record collection, it being a Motorhead collectible and finding it with my wife, (then girlfriend), makes for a great memento.

Here is additional info on this Motorhead 45 rpm, The One To Sing The Blues:

Side A: The One To Sing The Blues

Side B: Dead Man’s Hand

* This record being bought in the U.S., is an import… with a Made In The U.K. sticker on the front sleeve of my copy I own.

* The One To Sing The Blues later appears on the Motorhead 1991 album – 1916. The backside record sleeve states this song as: Taken from the forthcoming LP/MC/CD “1916”

* The record label(s) as designated on the backside of the record sleeve and record: WTG Records and Epic

Motorhead, as they appeared on The One To Sing The Blues and Dead Man’s Hand:

Lemmy Kilmister – bass and lead vocals

Wurzel – guitar

Phil Campbell – guitar

Philthy Animal Taylor – drums

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HEAVY METAL 101: GREATEST HITS CD’S WORTH OWNING

Posted in 1970's heavy metal albums, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, Album Review, cool album covers, essential heavy metal albums, guitar legends, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalists, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, progressive metal music, rock music, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands with tags 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, Alice cooper, alice cooper the band, Black Sabbath, dee snider, dio, heaven and hell band, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal best of albums, heavy metal greatest hits albums, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, jimi hendrix, kiss double platinum album, kiss heavy metal band, lemmy kilmister, metal odyssey, Motorhead, motorhead songs, Music, queensryche progressive metal band, ronnie james dio, ted nugent, twisted sister on November 22, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

In striving to make the world a better place, by spreading the blissful two words of Heavy Metal (and any and all Extreme Music), here is a cool list of Greatest Hits CD’s from some very worthy bands and musicians. This list may quite possibly trigger a mad dash to itunes or your nearest record/CD store upon your review. Greatest Hits or Best Of CD’s are sometimes the perfect fix if you do not have any of the respective band’s albums/CD’s already. If you are like me, (a collector and sometimes over excited fan), you may like some or many bands so much, you just need to own everything that is available by such bands, including Greatest Hits. If this list of incredible Greatest Hits CD’s recruits even one new fan to the Heavy/Extreme Music genres, then I have done a fine Metal deed. Please note, I own each Greatest Hits or so named CD on this list… I could never recommend an album/CD without listening to it’s entirety and/or having ownership of. Integrity in Heavy Metal Music recommendations is an ethical must.

The Best Of Ted Nugent – Great Gonzos! – Absolutely a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal fusion with The Motor City Madman. Cat Scratch Fever, Stranglehold, Wango Tango, Free For All and Dog Eat Dog are late 1970’s into early 1980’s FM radio Classics. Old School and not a lick here that isn’t memorable for Metal life. Plus, the reissue has 3 bonus tracks too.

IRON MAIDEN – Somewhere Back In Time/The Best Of 1980 – 1989 – An undeniably great assortment of Iron Maiden classics, spanning the unreal Metal ’80’s. 2 Minutes To Midnight and The Trooper are enough to get me psyched out of my Metal mind for at least an hour. In my Metal opinion, Iron Maiden could have/should have released a 2 – disc greatest hits, they have that many incredible songs in their Metal catalog. Yes they do.

Jimi Hendrix – Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix – A Hard Rock evolving into Heavy Metal history lesson is heard here on this album. This album of Jimi Hendrix songs are beyond great… their damn sacred. Purple Haze, The Wind Cries Mary, Hey Joe, Foxy Lady, All Along The Watchtower and the Rock historical – Star Spangled Banner… c’mon, these songs are the Metal building blocks of every Heavy Metal and/or Hard Rock genre out there today. 20 songs total on this masterful collection, not a must have… a no brainer must own.

DIO – The Very Beast Of DIO – Ronnie James Dio is a living Metal legend. His vocals for me, are the epitome of what Heavy Metal singing is all about. Dio’s solo career takes center stage on this amazing collection of greatest hits. Holy Diver, Rainbow In The Dark, Rock and Roll Children, Mystery and The Last In Line are DIO songs that pack the same potent Metal punch to my ears and senses… as they did back in the 1980’s. 16 songs total on this DIO disc. Metal masterpieces only sound better with age.

Black Sabbath – The Dio Years – I find this collection of Black Sabbath songs to be uncannily irresistible. These are the Black Sabbath songs from the Ronnie James Dio era, with the Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, Live Evil and Dehumanizer albums all represented. This same Black Sabbath lineup may be called Heaven and Hell in 2009, yet does it really matter? Their still Black Sabbath to me.

Twisted Sister – Big Hits and Nasty Cuts – Dee Snider made Heavy Metal all the more visible on MTV with the Twisted Sister video We’re Not Gonna Take It, back in 1984. This Twisted Sister greatest hits album is loaded with 6 live bonus tracks as well. This is another band that could easily fill up more than one disc of great songs from their Heavy Metal catalog. Under The Blade and The Kids Are Back are my two favorites on this one.

KISS – Double Platinum – I have proudly owned this album since it’s release back in 1978. I was in seventh grade back then and this was my very first KISS album. My Double Platinum album is still in beautiful condition too. A 2 record set, opening up as a gatefold, this album also included a platinum record certificate to the fan who purchased it. (I wish I kept this piece of KISS memorabilia, it was just made of paper and it hung on my bedroom wall for several years, when I was a kid of course). The important thing is I still have Double Platinum on vinyl… plus I upgraded Double Platinum by buying the CD many years ago too. (It is not a double CD, all the songs are on just one… I don’t know if this ever changed over to a double CD over the years). Just about every important and cool KISS song from the 1970’s is on Double Platinum, with Hard Luck Woman and Calling Dr. Love being my two vintage KISS favorites.

Queensryche – Sign of the Times, The Best Of Queensryche – Buying this CD suited me well since many of my Queensryche “albums” were purchased on cassette years ago. Queensryche has always been a favorite of mine, a high powered – progressive Metal Band that crossed over into Rock and Hard Rock too. Musical diversity is no stranger to Queensryche. My two favorites are Queen of the Reich and Jet City Woman. Yes, those two songs are tops on my list.

Alice Cooper – Alice Coopers Greatest Hits – This album was released back in 1974, it is the Greatest Hits of Alice Cooper (The Band). Man, this is Old School Heavy Metal. Sure, some may argue it is comprised of Old School Hard Rock as well… that is fine by me. The Metal bottom line is this: Alice Cooper (The Band), was just as much as important to the creation of Heavy Metal as any other band of their time or before them. That is my Metal opinion and I have to tell it to the world. Oh, yeah, my favorite songs from this Greatest Hits are – No More Mr. Nice Guy, Under My Wheels and well, just every song on this Greatest Hits is great.

Motorhead – The Best Of Motorhead – This is one great and comprehensive double disc, greatest hits of Motorhead. I bought this Motorhead disc due to my needing any and all of their releases, regardless if I already have the songs. This Best Of was released in 2000, with two live bonus tracks included. There are 40 songs total on this double disc Motorhead bounty! Also found on The Best Of Motorhead are: Hawkwind playing Motorhead, Girlschool covers Bomber and Headgirl covering Please Don’t Touch. The history of Motorhead is covered up to the year 2000, from Ace of Spades to the Motorhead cover version of God Save The Queen. Plus, my favorite Motorhead song of all time is on here too – Killed By Death, from the No Remorse (Greatest Hits album). Long live Lemmy and Motorhead.

I could go on and on with this list of Heavy Metal Greatest Hits CD’s worth owning. Showing and quipping about some of the Greatest Hits CD’s I own, can maybe help out someone who is on the fence about one of these bands or musicians. These CD’s above are all consistently listened to by me, they are perfect for when I’m in the mood to hear the choice songs from these bands/musicians. As Dee Snider has sung, with Heavy Metal pride: You can’t stop Rock and Roll!

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EXODUS “LET THERE BE BLOOD” – A TRIBUTE TO THEIR VERY OWN THRASH METAL LEGACY

Posted in 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal bands, 1980's metal music, 1985 thrash metal music, Album Review, cover songs, current thrash metal music, essential thrash metal albums, extreme metal music, guitar legends, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, metal music, metal music albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school thrash metal music, spooky album covers, thrash metal album review, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal music 2008, thrash metal today, vintage thrash metal bands with tags 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal music, Album Review, exodus, exodus bonded by blood album, exodus let there be blood album, exodus thrash metal album covers, exodus thrash metal band, gary holt guitarist, heavy metal album review, heavy metal music, jack gibson bass guitarist, lee altus guitarist, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, paul baloff vocalist, rob dukes vocalist, thrash metal bands, thrash metal music, thrash metal music 1985, thrash metal music 2008, thrash metal originators, tom hunting drummer on November 21, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

The Exodus album Let There Be Blood, (released on October 28, 2008), is a complete cover album of their very own debut release from 1985 – Bonded By Blood. Exodus is from a select group of Thrash Metal Bands, considered by me to be one of the originals who were instrumental in shaping and defining the Thrash Metal genre. I have been listening to Exodus since their debut, this band has had their share of ups and downs, just knowing they are still around making music is a great feeling for me. Let There Be Blood is dedicated to Paul Baloff, the original lead singer for Exodus, who passed away from a stroke in 2002. Gary Holt, the life long guitarist and leader for Exodus, states very clearly in the liner notes of this CD as to why Bonded By Blood was covered in it’s entirety with Let There Be Blood. To paraphrase Gary Holt, he states these songs are his lifetime connection to Paul Baloff. He also states “no way can you replace Bonded By Blood.” As Gary Holt sees it, people can discover the original Exodus lineup from 1985 and their Classic Thrash Metal debut album, by listening to Let There Be Blood.

I never needed to be convinced that covering Bonded By Blood was a great idea by the current Exodus lineup, many bands have recently been doing the same thing lately as well. Foreigner and Journey are perfect examples, both of these Hard Rock titans have issued a full greatest hits CD recently, that spotlights their current lead singer and lineup. Exodus has paid a tribute to not just an album of songs, Bonded By Blood was and still is an important Thrash Metal album, one that represents a time period of the birth and creation of the prolific Thrash Metal genre. Paul Baloff was not the run of the pack Thrash Metal vocalist either, he was unique in keeping his voice from overpowering the song… I have never heard another singer like him since, truly irreplaceable.

Rob Dukes, the vocalist for Exodus on Let There Be Blood also is quoted in the liner notes, “this (Let There Be Blood) was recorded for fun, not to replace the original. The origninal (Bonded By Blood) will always be there and will always stand the test of time.” Plus, Rob Dukes refers to Paul Baloff in the most sincerest and reverent way. True class acts are Gary Holt and Rob Dukes, for the way they expressed themselves through these statements, found in the liner notes of Let There Be Blood. With Tom Hunting on drums, Exodus has two original members playing on Let There Be Blood.

I have read some pretty despicable and mean spirited album reviews over the years… from guess who? Answer: professional overpaid music critics who do not listen to the albums they review! Instead, their idea of “listening” to an album is “sampling” and/or they are jealous they are not famous Rock musicians themselves. Exodus, in my Metal opinion, DID NOT ATTEMPT TO CASH-IN ON THE LEGACY OF BONDED BY BLOOD. The Old School Thrash Metal Bands have their core following, while enlisting younger and new fans along the way. This album was never going to hit #1 on any damned and useless music chart to begin with. Old School Thrash Metal is about pride… something that the lame mainstream Rock music critics no nothing about. Grubby politicians cash-in everyday on tax payers… Exodus is too busy kicking ass with their Thrash Metal legacy and credibility, rather than cashing in on any of their fans.

In my Metal opinion, sure this is a heavier version than the original. Yes, Rob Dukes sings with a much more aggressive and angered tone than the late and legendary Paul Baloff. Rob Dukes is a powerhouse Thrash Metal vocalist – period. He is his own persona, just as Paul Baloff once was. The end result is, for me, a quality driven, Thrash Metal celebration of one of the greatest albums of it’s genre. Gary Holt made a great point in the liner notes, that these same songs are performed live by Exodus to this day. As I see it, this is Exodus, regardless if this is a 2008 version of this band or a listen to the 1985 original Bonded By Blood. I cannot deny or condemn any Thrash Metal Music that Gary Holt and Tom Hunting want to recapture or create with their band. All I can do is be thankful that they are still alive and capable of keeping the Exodus Thrash Metal machine forging ahead. I appreciate my favorite bands and never have or ever will… take them for granted.

Exodus, as they appear on the 2008 album Let There Be Blood:

Gary Holt – guitars

Tom Hunting – drums

Jack Gibson – bass

Rob Dukes – vocals

Lee Altus – guitars

Here is the original cover artwork for the 1985 Bonded By Blood album:

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DREAM THEATER – “WITHER” IS MY STANDOUT SONG FOR 2009

Posted in 1990's progressive metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs 2009, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, progressive metal music, progressive metal songs, progressive metal today, progressive metal videos, progressive rock music, rock music with tags dream theater, dream theater progressive metal band, dream theater songs, dream theater wither, dream theater wither video, hard rock music, heavy metal music, james labrie vocalist, john myung bass guitarist, john petrucci guitarist, metal odyssey, mike portnoy drummer, Music, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, progressive metal bands, progressive metal songs, roadrunner records, rock music, wither song on November 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Dream Theater are such amazing musicians, it is scary. I liken Dream Theater to a “Heavy Metal Electric Light Orchestra”. Of course, that is my humble, Metal opinion. The song Wither, from the 2009 Dream Theater album Black Clouds & Silver Linings, (on Roadrunner Records), is an incredible work of Progressive Metal. This song has struck a chord with me, (not to sound sappy), with all of it’s content. With it’s layering of music, lyrics, mood and edginess, Wither is a song that stands out amongst a ton of music I have been listening to, this past year of 2009. I always tend to shy away from ballads, only this is Dream Theater… and I’m all ears to Wither. James LaBrie has flawless vocals on Wither, amazing. Hopefully you can enjoy this song and video of Wither as much as I do.

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BRITNY FOX – 1989 “BOYS IN HEAT” IS A GLAM SLAM OF A HEAVY METAL ALBUM

Posted in 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal cover songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1989 heavy metal music, Album Review, collecting heavy metal albums, cool album covers, cover songs, glam metal, glam metal music, Hair Metal, hair metal music, hair metal music genre, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1989, heavy metal bands, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1989, heavy metal vocalists, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school heavy metal bands, rock music with tags 1980's hair metal albums, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's glam metal bands, 1980's hair metal music, 1980's hair metal songs, 1980's heavy metal music, 1989 glam metal music, Album Review, billy childs bass guitarist, boys in heat album, britny fox, britny fox hair metal band, dean davidson vocalist & guitarist, hair metal albums 1989, hair of the dog cover song, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, johnny dee drummer, metal odyssey, michael kelly smith guitarist, Music, nazareth hard rock band, rock music on November 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

The 1980’s, here I go again. There were Heavy Metal Bands aplenty to choose from back in the ’80’s, Britny Fox being one. Only thing is, I never bought any Britny Fox albums back then. It wasn’t because I did not like this band, it all came down to choice and what albums would I throw my (little) money at. Now it is 2009, (obviously) and the Britny Fox Boys In Heat CD is blaring it’s Hair Metal glory for me today. Um, I have to thank my best Metal buddy, Scott, for landing me this CD. Thanks dude. Would I have eventually bought this Britny Fox CD or any Britny Fox CD for that matter? The Metal answer is… probably yes. I just don’t know when precisely that would have happened. The same mindset holds true for me today, with so many choices out there and a reality cap of spending. I am in awe at times, realizing how much catching up I have in Heavy Metal listening. Catching up on Heavy Metal albums going back decades is not a bad hobby, I am not complaining. For all Metal intents and purposes, this Britny Fox CD, Boys In Heat, is some decent Hair Metal candy for my ears.

Cutting to the Metal chase here, my favorite song on Boys In Heat is the cover song – Hair of the Dog. With that stated, I do revere the original version of Hair of the Dog by that legendary band known as Nazareth. This cover of Hair of the Dog is not better than the original, however, Britny Fox did a glam slam job of covering it. Not that it matters, yet Britny Fox gets my Metal approval for their version of Hair of the Dog. Throughout this entire Boys In Heat album, the one constant that I notice is… Britny Fox can play. Britny Fox obviously came out with a throng of other Hair Metal Bands back in the mid to late ’80’s, what really sets this album apart from the Hair Metal pack? I always like quality, not quantity. Boys In Heat is a 13 song album that is consistent with quality, both in it’s Metal and vocals.

Long Way From Home has a kickin’ guitar solo, plus the song has more grooves than I can count. Dean Davidson on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, has those vintage Hair Metal pipes. I truly compare his vocals to that of Tom Keifer of Cinderella. Quite frankly, that is not a bad dude to be compared to. Stevie is as rock solid a Hair Metal song as I have ever heard. Shine On is a song that carries the beat non-stop, it is that kind of song I want to crank up extremely loud on my car CD player, with the windows down on a long drive. The melodic drive of each song on Boys In Heat, never ceases from the opening track of In Motion… this album epitomizes Hair Metal heavy. I also liken this album to be a funk buster, if Boys In Heat can’t get me out of a funk I’m in, then nothing will. What’s that? Did someone say feel good? Once again, if Boys In Heat can’t make me feel good, uh, then something is wrong.

Michael Kelly Smith on lead guitar is as cool as they come, his guitar licks are impressive on Boys In Heat. This album does not lack in the powered up lead and solo department, thanks to him. Billy Childs on bass and Johnny Dee on drums, give me every reason in the Metal world, to turn the bass control up to high, while this album is busting out. It is always a great experience to hear an album that is from years past and like it, especially when it is of the Heavy Metal genre. Britny Fox may not have been on my purchase list back in 1989, yet they are on my current playlist today… courtesy of my best Metal buddy Scott and this CD – Boys In Heat.

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HAPPY METAL BIRTHDAY MATT SORUM!

Posted in 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, celebrity birthdays, hard rock drummers, hard rock fashions, hard rock music, heavy metal birthdays, heavy metal drummers, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll fashions, rock celebrity birthdays, rock drummers, rock music with tags 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, celebrity birthdays, current heavy metal music, guns n' roses, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal bands, heavy metal birthdays, heavy metal music, lemmy kilmister bass guitarist & vocalist, matt sorum drummer, max noce fashion designer, metal odyssey, mikkey dee drummer, Motorhead, Music, rock celebrity birthdays, rock music, sharp dressed man song, the cult, velvet revolver, zz top on November 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Metal Odyssey hereby bellows, with Heavy Metal enthusiasm, a Happy Metal Birthday to Matt Sorum! 49 years on planet Earth has Matt Sorum been, arriving on November 19, 1960. Matt Sorum is the drummer for Velvet Revolver and former drummer for Guns N’ Roses and The Cult. (These are the most famous bands that Matt Sorum has been drummer for). A Heavy Metal milestone for Matt Sorum happened this Fall of 2009, where he filled in as the drummer for the ultra legendary Motorhead. (Mikkey Dee of Motorhead took a leave of absence to be on a reality television show, some sort of survivor type show).

Man, if there ever was a sharp dressed man, Matt Sorum has the knack for looking sharp. ZZ Top must have wrote Sharp Dressed Man with Matt Sorum in mind. Matt Sorum has his own clothing line too, if I had the extra loot I would be buying his stuff and strutting the look. Oh well, I guess the $12 jeans from Walmart will suffice me for now. Matt Sorum teamed up with renowned fashion designer Max Noce and launched the Sorum Noce Clothing Line this past March of 2009.

As for Matt Sorum on drums, what can I say? This guy is real good. C’mon, the three bands he has been drummer for are no slouches within the world of Heavy Metal. To have been the drummer for those three bands of their status, man, that basically says it all. Plus, once Velvet Revolver makes a return, (with a new lead singer of course), Matt Sorum will be manning the skins and continuing his Hard Rock/Heavy Metal legacy. As I read a quote from Lemmy Kilmister, (vocalist & bass guitarist of Motorhead), recently, he referred to Matt Sorum as a professional. ‘Nuff said.

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HEAVEN – 1983 HEAVY METAL ALBUM “WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD” REMEMBERED

Back in the early 1980’s, I would buy just about any Heavy Metal album that had a cool or scary cover. I also would buy a Heavy Metal album just based on the bands name alone… if it was interesting enough. Usually, I was lucky with my choices, although there were those duds that I picked over the decades, (I won’t lie about that). Buying duds happens to any fan of any music genre, I would surmise. Not listening to an album before buying it was, (and still is), a risky Metal proposition, especially if you never heard the respective band before. Step in… Heaven. This Heavy Metal Band was not a dud.

Heaven, a Heavy Metal Band from Australia, released three studio albums during their brief career, (1982-1985), on a major label being RCA. I used to own one of the three Heaven albums – Where Angels Fear To Tread. I bought this album at a Caldor department store, back in 1983. Caldor had one really fine album/records department for a large retail store. Caldor went belly up years ago, it was a shame to see, especially when it was responsible for my having such an array of Heavy Metal albums back in the ’80’s. I bought this Heaven album without ever hearing a single song from it… the bands name being Heaven, along with the front cover logo and artwork was too good to pass up. Plus, the backside of this album had a very large photo of the band, looking real tough, (Heavy Metal tough). In this photo, lead singer Alan Fryer is shown holding a leash with a black panther attached to it. (That is to the best of my Metal memory when describing this back cover photo, if I am in error in any way, please feel free to comment with a correction).

Back in 1983, this was all I needed to see to make a blind Heavy Metal album purchase. I believe the only Heaven song I ever heard on mainstream radio was on WCCC or WHCN, (on the FM dial in expensive Connecticut), the song was Rock School. Quite honestly, I remember really liking this album, yet it was not the Heavy Metal thunder of a Def Leppard, Krokus, Accept or even Helix from that time period. Nonetheless, Heaven was heavy and good enough for me to even be looking back upon, in 2009. Where Angels Fear To Tread was a Heavy Metal album that fit right in during 1983, still Heaven obviously never caught on with the Metal masses… for reasons that I may never know. Let’s face it, I never bought their first album – Twilight of Mischief/In The Beginning, nor did I buy their third album – Knockin’ On Heavens Door, so my Metal loyalty to Heaven was not up to task back in the early ’80’s. What was I supposed to do? There were literally tons of Heavy Metal Bands coming from all sides back then, from Vintage and Classic Rock bands to the birth of the Thrash, Black and Death Metal genres. Heaven just fell victim to choice, when it came to my album purchasing decisions.

As I look back, I really wish I kept Where Angels Fear To Tread, however, it does not appear to be in print on CD. From scoping out the world wide web, it seems that this album is unofficially in print and is referred to as a bootleg version, with five live bonus tracks included. I would be Metal smitten to land a copy of this Heaven album, especially on vinyl once again. Getting ahold of this CD seems to be doable, regardless of any low quality from it being described as a bootleg.

This might sound a tad strange when I state that my favorite song from Where Angels Fear To Tread is the cover song Love Child. Yup, that famous Love Child song originally done by The Supremes. Metal truth be told, Heaven made this song heavy and it Rocked for me back in good ol’ 1983. Aw heck, this entire Heaven album would sound good again for my ears, 26 years after it’s release. It would be interesting to see, with the current Heavy Metal revival ongoing, if Heaven was to resurface in some shape or form. As the old Metal saying goes… you can’t hold onto everything in life, this Heaven album on vinyl is a great example of that, for me anyways.

A quick Metal note: There was another band named Heaven… this particular band goes back to the early 1970’s. From everything I have researched, this Heaven band does not have any association to the Heaven Heavy Metal Band of the early ’80’s. I have never listened to this band, they are categorized as a Rock band and have an album titled: Brass Rock 1, released back in 1971 on Esoteric Records. (See pic of album cover on the left of this paragraph). I found this other Heaven band and Brass Rock 1 album on http://www.fye.com, yup, it was out of stock. This same Brass Rock 1 album is in stock on http://www.bestbuy.com, however, Best Buy categorizes this 1971 Heaven band as “Metal”… go figure. This other Heaven band’s Brass Rock 1 CD is priced at $20.99, U.S. dollars, a bit too pricey for me to take a gamble on. Plus neither f.y.e. or Best Buy offer music samples for this other Heaven Band’s CD, Brass Rock 1.

Here is the front cover for Where Angels Fear To Tread, by the early 1980’s Heavy Metal Band – Heaven. This cover does scream early ’80’s Heavy Metal with it’s color and artwork, the Heaven logo I feel was well done. This cover is nothing too fancy, nor is it uncool, in my Metal opinion.

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METALLICA “JUMP IN THE FIRE” PICTURE DISC – THIS 1983 RARITY IS ONE TO OWN

Posted in 1980's thrash metal albums, 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, 1980's heavy metal picture discs, 1990's thrash metal bands, collecting rock music, creepy album covers, hard to find heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal memorabilia, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 1983, heavy metal on vinyl, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, old school thrash metal music, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock and roll memorabilia, scary album covers, thrash metal albums, thrash metal bands, thrash metal legends, thrash metal music, thrash metal picture discs, thrash metal songs with tags 1980's thrash metal bands, 1980's thrash metal music, cliff burton bass guitarist, heavy metal music, james hetfield guitarist, jump in the fire picture disc 1983, jump in the fire song, kirk hammett guitarist, lars ulrich drummer, Metallica, metallica 1983, metallica collectibles, metallica jump in the fire picture disc, metallica memorabilia, metallica rarities, metallica thrash metal band, phantom lord song, rare heavy metal vinyl, rare picture discs, rock and roll hall of fame, thrash metal bands, thrash metal picture discs on November 18, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Metallica is synonymous with Thrash Metal elite. They are one of the originators of the Thrash Metal genre. Who can argue about their legacy or status within the world of Metal? My favorite Metallica albums are the first three, Kill ‘Em All (1983), Ride The Lightning (1984) and Master of Puppets, (1986). I was in high school from 1980 to 1985. I had to serve out an extra half year in high school, due to being a half credit shy of graduating in 1984. (Long and boring story). During my high school years in the early ’80’s – Metallica was enormously huge, a focal point of Metal period. I bought any oddball import, EP and picture disc I could get my hands on back then… especially if it was Metallica. Granted, Metallica may not be my favorite Thrash Metal Band ever, (Slayer takes that Metal prize), still they are a band that has given me tons of unreal great, Metal memories.

So many of these great oddball items and albums of Vintage Metal I have either sold, gave away or misplaced?! over the decades. I actually put a stop to this madness several years ago, now I keep unreal Metal tabs on my music collection. Recently, I was going through a real sweet stash of Heavy Metal albums that I have fortunately kept and put away for some years. These are all vinyl man! I have only about a dozen or so real gems when it comes to picture discs, I immensely appreciate each one of them. This past week I posted a Motorhead picture disc – Beer Drinkers, which I found in this unreal cool, bounty of albums. Now, I present to the world, my newest discovery. A Metallica picture disc that I have owned since 1983, it has never left my possession, yet for some years I did not think I had it still. Making a Metal discovery like this, in your own music collection, is one exhilarating feeling. To be reunited with this Metallica Jump In The Fire picture disc, is worth a thousand Metal smiles for me. This little demon dude is a real Metal kick – I list the specs on this rare gem below.

Metallica – Jump In The Fire:

* Picture Disc – Die Cut

* Release Date – 1983

* Two Songs: Studio Side – Jump In The Fire, Live Side – Phantom Lord

* 1st Pressing – no barcode

* U.K. Import

* PKUT 105 – this is the designation found on the back of this picture disc. It is the designation of being the first pressing with no barcode.

* “Issued under license from Megaforce Records Inc.” is printed on the backside of this picture disc.

* A “Music For Nations” logo is also found on the backside.

* “Music For Nations 8 Carnaby Street London W1V 1PG” is printed on the backside.

I did my research on this Jump In The Fire picture disc, using several internet record sites as sources. This version/first pressing – non-barcoded example that I own, is referred to as rare. I’m a happy Metalhead.

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A New Addition Is Coming To Our Family… A Cat

Posted in 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal music, 1990's heavy metal music, animal adoptions, animal stories, cat adoptions, cat stories, classic rock, classic rock music, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal albums, essential rock albums, family, family pets, feel good stories, guitar legends, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, hollywood stars, humor, life, life stories, living, metal odyssey, Music, people, personal stories, real life experiences, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, tattoo artists, true personal stories with tags aerosmith, animal adoption, brian setzer guitarist, cat adoption, cat list, cat rescue, cats, family pets, family story, feel good story, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, homeless cats, kat von d, kat von d tattoo artist, kittie heavy metal band, l.a. ink, mercedes lander drummer, metal odyssey, morgan lander guitarist, Music, nashville pussy, poison hair metal band, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock music, stray cats rock and roll band, ted nugent guitarist, tygers of pan tang heavy metal band on November 15, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MetalOdyssey Today, my wife, myself and twin daughters all decided on adopting a homeless cat. He already comes with a name… Del. Del has only one eye, the other is shut closed. He is currently living in a shelter and is in great health. The shelter he is in now rescued him from a “kill” shelter. The poor guy has also been de-clawed, yet that is alright, Del will be our house cat. Yup, Del will be able to have full reign of the house, (within reason of course). Being a four year old cat, he probably has some stories to tell… if he could only talk. We pick up Del on Sunday, November 15th. Del is a silver tiger, with white and gray stripes. (No, he is not a real tiger). I and my family cannot wait to get this dude, he will fit right in for sure.

Over my lifetime, I have owned five different cats, they were all unique. So, I do know what to expect from having a cat around the house… the only adjustment is to identify and know Del’s personality, his likes and dislikes. Sure, it will take a short time to have Del really blend in with our home and we are really looking forward to having him. We all went out this afternoon to purchase the necessities of making Del’s life with us comfortable. Del needed a break in his life… he is going to experience it on Sunday. Now, with a cat arriving into a household that loves Heavy Metal Music, I could not help myself from compiling a list of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands, songs and album titles that reference cat or any association to a cat. Yeah, it’s a list… but trust me, it’s a kick:

KITTIE – This all female Heavy Metal Band just happens to be… my favorite all female Heavy Metal Band. (Girlschool is my second favorite all female Heavy Metal band, in case you were wondering). Morgan Lander, (guitar & lead vocals) and her sister Mercedes Lander, (drums), can do no wrong by me. Kittie’s new studio album, In The Black, was released on September 15, 2009.

Kittie "In The Black" large album pic

The Motor City Madman, aka, Ted Nugent, (who belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by the way), has the coolest catalog of albums that are for me, timeless. Cat Scratch Fever from 1977, is definitely one of my favorites.

Ted Nugent "Cat Scratch Fever" large album pic

I like Aerosmith. Especially 1970’s Aerosmith. Still, at the end of the Metal day, I cannot turn away from any Aerosmith album that has been created. I can’t help it, that is just the way it is. Yeah, I will listen to Aerosmith ballads too and I am no fan of ballads. Aerosmith’s album from 1997, Nine Lives, makes this list. Hey, say what you want… but this album went double platinum.

Aerosmith "Nine Lives" large album pic

Alright, alright already… I know that the Stray Cats are not Heavy Metal or even close to being a Hard Rock Band. However, I have always been receptive to their Rock and Roll since day one. Back in the ’80’s, well, I had a very large poster of the Stray Cats on my bedroom wall… right between AC/DC and Judas Priest… honestly. Brian Setzer is just a brilliant guitarist, in my Metal opinion. The Stray Cats… Rock.

Stray Cats "Rant N' Rave" large album pic

What would this cat list be without – Look What The Cat Dragged In by Poison?

Poison "Look What The Cat Dragged In" small album pic #2

Nashville Pussy. Now, that is one heavy hitting, no holes barred band if there ever was one. Hey, they are referring to a cat with this bands name, aren’t they?

Nashville Pussy "Say Something Nasty" large album pic

Tygers of Pan Tang. O.k., so they spell tiger differently, who gives a crap. It actually looks better spelt that way. Now, this is a Heavy Metal blast from the past, plus these guys are still around. Animal Instinct was released on May 19, 2008. Tygers of Pan Tang have had their lineup changes over the decades… how many Heavy Metal Bands haven’t? I admire this bands perseverance and their pretty good at what they do too.

Tygers Of Pan Tang "Animal Instinct" large album pic

Kat Von D. I know, she is not a musician… still, she has created some damn great Heavy Metal tattoos, on a truck load of Heavy Metal players. Kat Von D knows her Heavy Metal too, she lives it. Plus… watching L.A. Ink is light years more better, fun and informative than watching Larry King Live. I am steadfast about that… it is the truth. As a bonus, Kat Von D is better to look at than Larry King any night.

Kat Von D - large photo #1

Well, that is about it for this cat list. I could go on and on here… what would be the point? Enough is enough I say. This list has been long enough, heck, it takes time to compile such a list. I certainly hope all who visited and put up with the list portion had a good time. I will update on Metal Odyssey just how our new family cat – Del, adjusts to his new life with us. I make that Metal promise.

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W.A.S.P. COVERS CHUCK BERRY CLASSIC – “PROMISED LAND” ON “BABYLON” ALBUM

Posted in 1960's rock and roll albums, 1960's vintage rock albums, 1960's rock & roll, 1960's rock music, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, current heavy metal songs, essential heavy metal albums, essential heavy metal songs, essential rock and roll albums, guitar legends, Heavy Metal, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal cover songs, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal songs 2009, heavy metal vocalists, independent metal music record labels, metal music, Metal Reviews, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock music, scary album covers, vintage rock and roll songs with tags 1960's rock and roll songs, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal music, blackie lawless guitarist, blackie lawless vocalist, chuck berry, chuck berry guitar legend, chuck berry songs, cover songs, doug blair guitarist, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal songs 2009, meat loaf rock vocalist, metal odyssey, Music, promised land 1964 song, promised land cover song, promised land song, promised land song 1964, st. louis to liverpool album, the grateful dead, W.A.S.P., w.a.s.p. babylon album 2009, w.a.s.p. covers promised land, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band on November 14, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

W.A.S.P. has brought the Chuck Berry 1964 Rock and Roll Classic Promised Land to the Heavy Metal forefront. Promised Land is from the Chuck Berry album from 1964, St. Louis To Liverpool. Appearing on their new studio album Babylon, Promised Land is the last song, closing out a tremendously catchy and hook laden, Old School Heavy Metal album. W.A.S.P.’s Heavy Metal lays down the riffs, leads and solos that resonates power and electrifies this song. The rhythm section of W.A.S.P. sets and maintains the Metal pulse of Promised Land, balancing out a groovy ride. When an early 1960’s Rock and Roll Classic like Promised Land can be covered with the passion and intensity that W.A.S.P. brings, it is the Old School Heavy Metal balance and basics that makes this song come to life. W.A.S.P. makes this song crush with heaviness without sacrificing any early 1960’s Rock guitar sound and energy.

Nothing is overdone with W.A.S.P. covering Promised Land. This is not a cover song that is a filler for this Babylon album. I always feel, that if you are going to cover a Rock and Roll Classic, there better be plenty of emotional integrity with the music and vocals combined. A cover song has to really convey the original song’s essence and fire. Blackie Lawless does live up to my expectations with covering Promised Land vocally, he really sings the lyrics as if he penned them himself. Blackie Lawless sings the lyrics of Promised Land as if he truly was the poor boy, (in this song), traveling across the country to California. To camouflage oneself within a song’s lyrics, to make the song sound so believable as Blackie Lawless does with his vocals, is worth taking a bow. In my Metal opinion, listening to Blackie Lawless sing Promised Land makes me believe that he would have owned an enormous crowd of frenzied Rock and Roll fans back in 1964. This same sentiment goes to the entire W.A.S.P. band here, based on how authentic Promised Land plays out on Babylon. W.A.S.P. would have torn the roof down, (literally), at any given theater that catered to Rock and Roll concerts – back in the early 1960’s.

Anytime a band of any Rock or Heavy Metal genre pays tribute to such an icon such as Chuck Berry, it makes for quite the Rock and Roll history lesson. Younger bands should take notice, saluting a Rock and Roll originator such as Chuck Berry, through a high quality cover song such as W.A.S.P. has done, is of the highest compliment to this Rock and Roll legend. This cover version of Promised Land had me hooked from the opening note, it is the Heavy Metal of W.A.S.P. taking over a soda hop from 1964 and bringing it into 2009.

W.A.S.P. is not the first band in Rock and Roll history to cover Promised Land. This song is too great for it not to have been previously covered. The late and unreal legendary Elvis Presley covered this song, found on his 1975 album Promised Land. Rock icon The Grateful Dead have covered this song, (it was a staple in their live sets), plus other Rock luminaries such as Meat Loaf, James Taylor and Dave Edmunds have covered Promised Land on album too.

W.A.S.P. "Babylon" large album pic #2

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MOTORHEAD – “BEER DRINKERS” PICTURE DISC I HAVE FOR KEEPS!

MetalOdyssey Tonight I was going through a stash of Heavy Metal albums I own. This particular pile I have not looked at for about three years, since my family and I escaped from expensive Connecticut. Honestly, I don’t recall really looking through this pile for years… the movers handled our belongings, I am thankful nothing bad happened to them. Anyhow, there were some really cool picture discs among this pile. Motorhead too! Man, some of the stuff I found tonight I was certain was either sold, lost or given away. To say this pile of Vintage Heavy Metal vinyl put a grin on my face is a huge Metal understatement! One excellent picture disc that caught my eye and brought back neat memories for me is Motorhead Beer Drinkers. I can’t recall the exact year that I bought this gem… 1983 or 1984 is the ballpark for certain. I can remember playing this picture disc on my turntable years, uh, I mean decades ago. Like all picture discs, the overall sound quality is not as clear or good as regular vinyl. Nonetheless, this is a Motorhead picture disc that I played and displayed for quite a few years. I still cannot believe I found it buried in my collection tonight.

I am leaning towards the notion that this Beer Drinkers picture disc is rare. I don’t know and never knew the actual number of pressings that these picture discs had… back in the early ’80’s who gave a crap about that anyways? There are a few other great picture discs I found as well, I will share them with the world in the near future too. The track listing is below, (instead of the word “side”, the word “face” is printed on this picture disc. Check out the views of the front and back of this picture disc, real cool. There is a “Made In France” sticker on the outer plastic sleeve of this picture disc. The date on the picture disc is 1983, along with S.P.I. Paris. The first song – Beer Drinkers (And Hell Raisers) is a ZZ Top cover song. Uh, no, I am not going to part with this Motorhead Beer Drinkers picture disc… not a chance for it serves me right.

Face A:

Beer Drinkers (And Hell Raisers)

On Parole

Vibrator

White Line Fever

City Kids

Face B:

Instro

I’m Your Witch Doctor

Keep Us On The Road

Lost Johnny

Motorhead

Motorhead "Beer Drinkers" picture disc - front cover - x-large

Motorhead "Beer Drinkers" picture disc - back cover x-large

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W.A.S.P. “CRAZY” FROM “BABYLON” ALBUM IS WOVEN WITH HEAVY METAL MATURITY

Posted in 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal songs, 1980's metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's metal bands, Album Review, classic heavy metal, classic heavy metal albums, cool album covers, creepy album covers, current heavy metal albums, current heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, essential heavy metal albums, heavy metal album covers, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 1985, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal bands, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal vocalists, independent record labels, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, new heavy metal album, old school heavy metal, rock music, scary album covers, spooky album covers, vintage heavy metal albums, vintage heavy metal bands, vintage heavy metal songs with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, blackie lawless guitarist, blackie lawless vocalist, demolition records, doug blair guitarist, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, heavy metal albums 2009, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2009, heavy metal songs, heavy metal vocalists, lyrical messages, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, W.A.S.P., w.a.s.p. albums, w.a.s.p. babylon album, w.a.s.p. babylon songs, w.a.s.p. crazy song, w.a.s.p. heavy metal band, w.a.s.p. the last command album, w.a.s.p. wild child song on November 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

W.A.S.P. Babylon small album pic Thank you Blackie Lawless. Thank you for not going away, taking an extended leave of absence or selling out. There are too many 1980’s Heavy Metal Bands that did just those things, now they are scrambling to make their triumphant comeback or best album ever. Some are doing just that, only Blackie Lawless does not belong to that club. The Heavy Metal membership card that Blackie Lawless holds says two words… for life. Why shouldn’t it say just that? The true fans of Heavy Metal and/or W.A.S.P. are in it for life. While the 1990’s ushered in the Grunge genre and scores of pretentious bands (being mistakenly labeled) Heavy Metal, all the while lining up at Hollywood’s red carpet gala’s for accolades, W.A.S.P. was too busy making real Heavy Metal albums of integrity. The politically correct mainstream press was not a necessity for W.A.S.P.’s survival then, it certainly is not now. There is no return of or part ll theme happening with W.A.S.P., just a band that is a Heavy Metal mainstay, due to the perseverance and creativity of Blackie Lawless. To take a quote from Blackie Lawless, (as stated in the liner notes from Babylon)… If it is not the truth, it will not stand.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I will be writing a series of reviews on the new W.A.S.P. studio album, Babylon. Concentrating on individual songs, musical elements and lyrics from Babylon makes for a more enlightening Metal experience for me, hopefully visitors to Metal Odyssey will agree. When an album of Heavy Metal has such a powerful impact on me, as does Babylon, a generalized review is about as fulfilling as a stale beer sitting in the hot sun. Could I have predicted Babylon would have impacted me in such a fantastic way? Of course not, yet the surprise is more expected than unexpected.

Crazy is the opening song on Babylon. The weight of the world always seems to be put on the opening track of any album. The first song sets the table for the remainder of the album, good or bad, this all important track can either be the demise or exclamation point for the songs that follow. With Crazy, this song kicks and extends it’s Heavy Metal tentacles like a giant sea squid on a caffeine rush. Crazy is the prelude to nine Heavy Metal songs of substance, this song alone foretells that W.A.S.P. connects in 2009. Blackie Lawless borrowed some of his Old School Heavy Metal and fused it with a more mature presentation, both with lyrics and tempo. Sure, Crazy is a fast moving song, only it’s the streamlined sound of it’s speed that makes it so appreciable. The consistency of Heavy Metal muscle is what I have come to expect from W.A.S.P., Crazy illuminates and flexes it from the opening note. My best Metal buddy Scott cued me into the comparison of Crazy to Wild Child, from the 1985 W.A.S.P. classic, The Last Command. (This was well before I owned a copy of Babylon, Scott was a lucky one who nailed Babylon on it’s import release date of October 13th). The opening guitar intro to both Crazy and Wild Child are very similar, still not a mirror image note for note.

The vocals of Blackie Lawless during Crazy extends maturity, not a voice that needs a stretcher… Blackie Lawless is not fooling anyone or pulling any high tech tricks. Doug Blair on lead guitar sounds like a rising star that Ozzy Osbourne would have plucked out of the bushel to call his own, decades ago. Instead, Blackie Lawless has a guitarist that doesn’t just play… emotion is emanated from the guitar of Doug Blair. Listening to the guitar solo on Crazy reminds me as to why I love Heavy Metal in the first place. Crazy is as commercially viable as any song from the storied Heavy Metal history of W.A.S.P., (only it has never been about accessibility with this band)… thank God for that. This is absolutely not an accusation that Blackie Lawless has set out to make a hit single, rather it is a Heavy Metal song that is so melodically driven that it is awe inspiring.

Lyrics, as with music itself, is art. One persons interpretation of a songs lyrics will differ far and wide against another’s. My interpretation of the lyrics for Crazy is – don’t fall in love with anyone or anything that cannot love you back. The symbolic person or thing that won’t accept love in Crazy sends a deep message of steering clear from personal hurt. Human emotion is a very volatile subject and Blackie Lawless has penned some intriguing lyrics with this song. You cannot draw love from drugs, alcohol or hate. These are things that will make anyone look crazy for loving. Inanimate objects are never going to love anyone. A tremendous Heavy Metal song is Crazy, this is the one song I have listened to the most from Babylon thus far… isn’t that crazy?

W.A.S.P. "Babylon" large album pic #2

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Archive for the heavy metal music Category

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DREAM THEATER – “WITHER” IS MY STANDOUT SONG FOR 2009

BRITNY FOX – 1989 “BOYS IN HEAT” IS A GLAM SLAM OF A HEAVY METAL ALBUM

HAPPY METAL BIRTHDAY MATT SORUM!

HEAVEN – 1983 HEAVY METAL ALBUM “WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD” REMEMBERED

METALLICA “JUMP IN THE FIRE” PICTURE DISC – THIS 1983 RARITY IS ONE TO OWN

A New Addition Is Coming To Our Family… A Cat

W.A.S.P. COVERS CHUCK BERRY CLASSIC – “PROMISED LAND” ON “BABYLON” ALBUM

MOTORHEAD – “BEER DRINKERS” PICTURE DISC I HAVE FOR KEEPS!

W.A.S.P. “CRAZY” FROM “BABYLON” ALBUM IS WOVEN WITH HEAVY METAL MATURITY

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