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Davy Jones – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, pop culture, pop music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The Monkees – from back to front: Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones.

DAVY JONES – It’s been widely reported, from numerous reputable sources, that Davy Jones has passed away today. Davy Jones was 66 years old. As is being reported, Davy Jones succumbed to a massive heart attack, in Indiantown, Florida.

Davy Jones was catapulted into stardom as a vocalist, tambourine player and television actor for The Monkees. This Pop Rock sensation of a band formed back in 1966, went on to sell multi-millions of records, while having their likeness on everything from bubble gum cards to lunch boxes.

I remember watching The Monkees television show (re-runs especially) when I was a young lad. It was a favorite of mine to watch with my sister. Those songs The Monkees played on their television show grabbed my attention at such a young age… and Davy Jones with his mannerisms and comments made me laugh too. There wasn’t a Disney Channel nor Nickelodeon back in those late 60’s or seventies, instead, we had television shows like The Monkees.

Different times decades ago, compared to today. Davy Jones entertained me on that old black and white television set my family shared. I was exposed to those fun songs from The Monkees before I ever knew about Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Yes, I grew up watching and listening to Davy Jones and The Monkees. There’s no lying about that on my part.

__________________________________________________________

(Source: USA TODAY.com)

(Photo: The Monkees/self-titled, Colgems Records & RCA Records – 1966)

Rest In Peace, Davy Jones.

December 30, 1945 – February 29, 2012

Stone.

3 Comments »

Metal Odyssey Presents: Monday’s Rock ‘N Roll Debate! Beastie Boys Versus The Moody Blues

Posted in classic rock, Music, progressive rock, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MONDAY’S ROCK ‘N ROLL DEBATE!

Alright. The votes are in by “whoever” and have been counted at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for this year’s induction class. Beastie Boys have been inducted within this 2012 class. Once again, The Moody Blues have been ignored by “whoever” casts the votes over in that “not for profit” building in Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, I am laughing hysterically right about now. I should be. Beastie Boys have been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame before KISS, Cheap Trick, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers and even Mott The Hoople. The list of eligible world-class musicians and bands that Beastie Boys moved ahead of for induction is very long.

The biggest embarrassment to the Rock music industry isn’t that Beastie Boys made it into the hall, (all the power to Beastie Boys), it’s that “whoever” in Cleveland feels Beastie Boys are more influential, musically polished and bigger Rock history icons than… The Moody Blues. Whoa.

Here is your forum folks. Let it vent, please. I ask of you right now, do Beastie Boys belong inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame before The Moody Blues? Let’s put the other bands and musicians aside that are factually light years above Beastie Boys musically and that have been snubbed by “whoever” in Cleveland. This is about Beastie Boys versus The Moody Blues based on their respective “all-time” Rock music influence, song writing and musicianship.

At this point in time in the music industry, talking record sales is a pile of bacteria infested horse crap. Why? Cause the Kidz Bop series sells millions of units… does that mean Kidz Bop gets inducted into the hall one day too? Let the Rock ‘N Roll debate begin…

VS.

___________________________________________________________

LONG LIVE BEASTIE BOYS.

LONG LIVE THE MOODY BLUES.

Stone.

5 Comments »

’77 ‘High Decibels’ – Hard Rock That’s Old School & Damn Cool!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, heavy metal news, Music, rock & roll, rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

’77 – This Hard Rock band ’77 is from Barcelona Spain and man are they… Old School! The second studio album from ’77, High Decibels, is slated for a February 28th release on Listenable Records. This is an album of raw, riff infested and: “share a case o’ beer with your Metal buddy” style of Hard Rock. This is also Hard Rock to crank up in the car, on a long weekend cruise with your chick by your side. Blue collar Hard Rock never sounded so damn fun as ’77 does on High Decibels!

The incredible resemblance that Armand Valeta has vocally to the late Bon Scott is unreal. Musically ’77 does overflow with 70’s AC/DC sound, vibe and feel. With all the AC/DC comparisons aside, what ’77 does very well is they play their Hard Rock with credible passion and they write original songs. The more I’ve listened to High Decibels, the more I hear a band that is fired-up about Rock ‘N Roll and it’s a fever they can easily spread to Rockaholics worldwide like myself.

I am impressed by the old school Hard Rock allegiance that ’77 bestows in their brand of Hard Rock. Too often a band like this will get mocked for being a “rip-off” or dated. My response would be: It’s 77’s style of Rock ‘N Roll that’s spilling from their Rockin’ souls. Metal be thy name. My two favorite songs on High Decibels are:  Backdoor Man and Since You’ve Been Gone. I highly dig the bluesy side of ’77’s Hard Rock! Bad-ass Classic Rock is here to stay with ’77 too.

High Decibels is an album where once you hit “play” that’s it. You can’t stop it until it’s over! It’s like a cool party that just got started… why would you want to end a good thing? If you’re a Hard Rock fan from any generation, you should mark ’77 down and make certain to add High Decibels to your “must need” list of good-times and ass kickin’ Rock ‘N Roll albums. Everyone’s album collection deserves a solid kick-in-the-ass and ’77 shall bring it.

’77:

Armand Valeta – Frontman & Guitar

LG Valeta – Lead Guitar

Johnnie Dolphin – Drums

Mr. Raw – Bass

HIGH DECIBELS – Track Listing:

High Decibels

(Gotta Go) Gotta Hit The Road

Are You Ready For Rock ‘n’ Roll

Let’s Beat It Up

Backdoor Man

Gimme A Dollar

This Girl Is On Fire

Meltin’ In A Spoon

Since You’ve Been Gone

Promised Land

Things You Can’t Talk About

* For more info on ’77, click on the links below:

’77 – facebook

http://www.myspace.com/seventysevenrocks

LISTENABLE RECORDS

LONG LIVE ’77

Stone.

4 Comments »

Metal Odyssey’s Top Ten Rock Albums Of 2011

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock and roll, rock bands, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on December 25, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Top Ten Rock Albums Of 2011 – This Top Ten Rock Album list comprises various genres, the likes of: Blues, Alternative, Rockabilly, Acoustic, New Wave, some shades of Hard Rock and of course, Rock itself. Isn’t Rock a grand blanket term for such incredible music diversity? I love Rock. Without Rock, there wouldn’t have been Heavy Metal.

If you are counting, there are actually thirteen Rock albums in this Top Ten list. Admittedly, compiling a “Top Ten” of anything is grueling for me, therefore the two “ties” below are as honest as I could ever possibly be, without pulling what hair I have left off of my head. Furthermore, I couldn’t resist adding Jeff Beck – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party/Honoring Les Paul as an “Honorable Mention”. It’s a good times, roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll listen, one that I’ve enjoyed time and again.

I chose the following Rock albums due to how memorable, fun and interesting they came across to my senses. The quality of Rock contained in these following albums, I simply revere. There are some elite musicians and bands on this list for certain. They all have proven to me just how diverse Rock ‘N Roll really is, with their respective albums. These are the Rock albums that I gravitated to and became inspired by most often during 2011. I highly recommend you check ’em out, if you haven’t already.

METAL ODYSSEY’S  TOP TEN ROCK ALBUMS OF 2011

Honorable Mention

JEFF BECK – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul

(ATCO)

#10

AFTERLIFE PARADE – REBIRTH

(WATERMAIN)

#9

DARYL HALL – LAUGHING DOWN CRYING

(Verve Forecast)

#8

TESLA – Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions…

(Tesla Electric Company Recordings, Inc.)

#7

CHRIS CORNELL – SONGBOOK

(Universal Music)

#6

GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES

(ROUNDER)

#5 (Tie)

SOCIAL DISTORTION – Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes

(Epitaph)

#5 (Tie)

FOO FIGHTERS – WASTING LIGHT

(RCA)

#4

LOS LONELY BOYS – ROCKPANGO

(Playing In Traffic Records / LonelyTone Records)

#3 (Tie)

THE CARS – MOVE LIKE THIS

(Hear Music / Concord Music Group)

#3 (Tie)

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU

(Warner Bros.)

#2

JOE BONAMASSA – DUST BOWL

(J&R Adventures)

#1

THE TREWS – HOPE & RUIN

(Bumstead Productions Ltd.)

Hope & Ruin took me by surprise in 2011. THE TREWS captured a Rockin’ vibe that made my mood soar anytime I listened to this album. Melodic songs that glisten lyrically and musically, Hope & Ruin can easily become someone’s Rockin’ companion. THE TREWS are that Rock band you need to know about. This band defies the illogical American Rock mainstream press, proving that exquisite and blue-collar Rock music does exist in places other than Billboard or Rolling Stone magazine.

When I listen to Hope & Ruin, I’m not hearing a Rock band that is out to prove themselves. I’m instead hearing a Rock band that created a complete album of songs, which I imagine is straight from their Rock ‘N Roll hearts.

* To read my review on Hope & Ruin, (posted on August 5th, 2011), click on the large header link below:

THE TREWS – “HOPE & RUIN”: A Rock Album of Solid and Memorable Songs

Thank you to all the Rock bands & musicians above! Happy Holidays & Happy New Year To All!

LONG LIVE ROCK.

Stone.

* For more cool “2011 Best Of Lists” of Rock, Hard Rock and Metal, click on the links below and visit these fantastic blogs/websites!

All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/

Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/

The Crash Pad of Ray Van Horn, Jr. – http://www.rayvanhornjr2.blogspot.com/

Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/

Hard Rock Nights — http://hardrocknights.com

Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/

Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/

Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/

Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/

Metal Excess — http://metalexcess.com/

The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/

Stone.

6 Comments »

Jingle All The Way (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – A Christmas CD Recommendation

Posted in christmas, christmas rock albums, christmas songs, holidays, movie soundtracks, movies, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on December 19, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Jingle All The Way – Last Friday I patrolled the CD aisles at my local Super Walmart and found: Jingle All The Way (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). I bought it for a very decent price of $5 (U.S.). Super Walmart seems to have hundreds of very cool CD’s for sale at the $5 price point. There may even be more than hundreds, there’s that many at this particular location.

I never knew this soundtrack existed. Heck, I’m not a Christmas motion picture soundtrack expert! I am an expert at eating Lay’s potato chips lately though and that has to stop. Um, yeah. The front cover to this CD shows the two stars of Jingle All The Way: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. Both the movie and CD was released back in November of 1996.

This CD was released on TVT Soundtrax. This movie, (in case you haven’t seen it), is an action-comedy, released by 20th Century Fox. I’ve always enjoyed catching this movie when it airs on one of the 150,777 cable networks out there. I’ve always appreciated the funny side of “The Governator” too. The dude just makes me laugh when he does comedy. Sinbad is a comedy legend, hands down.

The Brian Seitzer Orchestra is featured with 4 songs. The Brian Seitzer Orchestra is very cool in Stone’s world, by the way. Brian Seitzer should be inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame too, only we all know how that “institution” goes. Um, yeah. My favorite all-time Christmas song is featured on Jingle All The Way as well: Chuck Berry – Run Rudolph Run. Chuck Berry is an ultra Rock ‘N Roll icon. ‘Nuff said.

The ever popular Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms and The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by Johnny Mathis are among the 12 songs. If I had to count the number of times I’ve heard this Johnny Mathis Christmas classic, while I’ve been shopping during the holiday season, my guesstimate would be: 1,650,444 times. Give or take about 55,000. I still kinda dig the song too. Metal be thy name.

If you dig Christmas movie soundtracks, love Christmas songs or need to have every CD that features Sinbad on its front cover, then Jingle All The Way is a semi-mandatory recommendation from Stone.

Alright. Since some of you are already asking, here is the complete track list for Jingle All The Way:

Jingle Bells – The Brian Seitzer Orchestra

So They Say It’s Christmas – Lou Rawls with The Brian Seitzer Orchestra

Sleigh Ride – Darlene Love with The Brian Seitzer Orchestra

Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Johnny Mathis

Merry Christmas Baby – Charles Brown

Back Door Santa – Clarence Carter

The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole

Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

* Father and Son – David Newman

* Finale – David Newman

** Deep In The Heart Of Xmas – Darlene Love with The Brian Seitzer Orchestra

* Original Motion Picture Score Composed and Produced by David Newman

** Bonus Track

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year.

Stone.

1 Comment »

MISFITS – Billboard Chart Position For “The Devil’s Rain”: Week Of October 22, 2011

Posted in metal odyssey, Music, Punk rock, punk rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on October 17, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

MISFITS – That really cool Billboard.com chart position bar below tells the entire Rockin’ story!

“The Devil’s Rain” has been flooding charts nationwide including with the largest independent record store coalition throughout North America, The Music Monitor Network, reporting “The Devil’s Rain” #1 in the Top 50 Indie albums nationwide!



Online, the new release has been the #1 selling punk CD on Amazon.com for two consecutive weeks in a row. The ‘Fits extend sincere thanks to you—the fiends who’ve made your voices heard by the masses globally, and helped make this possible.

(Source: Official MISFITS Records Newsletter, October 16, 2011)

CONGRATULATIONS MISFITS!

* For more info on the MISFITS, click on the link below:

MISFITS – Official Website

LONG LIVE the MISFITS.

Stone.

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X Announces “Xmas Rock N Roll Revival”! Joins Pearl Jam On South American Tour This November

Posted in metal odyssey, Punk rock, punk rock bands, punk rock music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on September 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo Credit: Frank Gargani)

FALL U.S. LOS ANGELES TOUR CELEBRATES 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF CLASSIC ALBUM LOS ANGELES

Will Also Screen the Rock-umentary X: The Unheard Music At Select U.S. Shows

(Los Angeles, CA – September 13, 2011) – The perennial L.A. punk-rockers, X, announce plans for their annual holiday run of shows this December. Billed as the “Xmas Rock n Roll Revival” the original four X band members will be joined by the gospel duo, Sean Wheeler and Zander Schloss, and Rock N Roll rebels, The Black Tibetans, for the December 9 start of the tour in Phoenix AZ, winding up in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve.

As previously announced, X will join Pearl Jam as special guests on their South American tour this November, visiting various parts of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Mexico City for the first time.  Just prior to the South American tour, X will take to the road in September for a series of dates across the U.S. on a special Los Angeles Tour.  Starting off in Philadelphia at Riot Fest East on September 24th, the band will rock their way to New Orleans for VooDoo Fest on October 29th, before heading to South America.

This year X celebrates the 31st Anniversary of the legendary album, Los Angeles, one that not only defined their career, but an entire musical genre as well. The band will also be celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the rock-umentary, X: The Unheard Music. Throughout the September/October dates only, the film, recently included in the prestigious Sundance Film Institute Independent film archives, will run in its entirety on screen before the band hits the stage to perform, track by track, the Los Angeles album.

X band members continue to keep busy in the off-time.  John Doe’s new album Keeper, his first solo album since the 2007 acclaimed A Year in the Wilderness, was released August 30 on Yep Roc Records. Meanwhile, Exene released her latest solo album, The Excitement of Maybe, this past spring and has guested on a number of albums. Exene has also performed many solo shows, made live guest appearances and has been featured in art exhibits. While DJ continues to play with the Syncopators and his other band, The Stripminers (featuring Brett Anderson of the Donna’s and Paul Stinson of The Radishes among others), Billy Zoom continues work at his custom amp shop and studio.

The L.A. punk scene in the late 70s saw its share of greatness, but few acts as talented as the now world-class, live, rock & roll band X. Their 2008 “13-31” Tour across the U.S. was really something special, celebrating the band’s 31st anniversary. 2009 shaped up to be just as amazing for the veteran rockers, with appearances at SXSW and Coachella Festivals, along with their own “X – TRL” Tour, where fans were able to help select each night’s set list.  2010 saw Ray Manzarek of The Doors fame and producer of the band’s first four records join them on stage in San Francisco for two very special performances of the Album Los Angeles.

The original line-up of X is: John Doe, Exene, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake.

(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

LONG LIVE X.

Stone.

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Led Zeppelin – Mothership and Remasters: Greatest Hits Albums Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on August 4, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

LED ZEPPELIN – I’m recommending Mothership (2007/Atlantic) and Remasters (1992/Atlantic), as the “Greatest Hits Albums Of The Day” from the ultra iconic Led Zeppelin. Honestly, what in the hell could I possibly write about, regarding any Zofo song or album, that has never been written about before? Break down a Led Zep album? C’mon, I’m a realist. Anyhow, I bought Mothership this past Winter due to my “want” behavior that sometimes is difficult to control… especially when it comes to Rock and Roll.

Due to my being a spontaneous album/CD collector geek, I own both these dandy Led Zeppelin “Greatest Hits” I’m recommending. (Remasters is shown below). I picked up Remasters in a “trade” many years ago. Due to my very serious lack of disposable income all those years ago, I traded away the CD’s of Pink Floyd The Wall and threw in Metallica …And Justice For All to get this Remasters.

This trade happened back around 1993 or ’94. I finally picked up The Wall on CD this past year, once again reuniting myself with a Pink Floyd classic of classics. I parted ways with …And Justice For All due to my disliking the song One so badly. I never to this day replaced …And Justice For All either. I most likely will replace it, however. As Lenny Wolf of Kingdom Come would say: “It is what it is”.

Remasters is an odd size, (approximately 5 3/4″ x 12″), while it looks and feels like a long hardcover book that opens up. This Remasters is a 3 disc set, with disc 3 being an interview with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. This set was released back in 1992 on Atlantic Records. Of course, with the interview CD on Remasters, it does set itself apart from Mothership.

If I was “forced” to choose my favorite Led Zeppelin song of all-time, then that song is: Houses of the Holy. I’ll say this though, Trampled Underfoot comes a very, very close second.

LONG LIVE THE ROCKIN’ LEGACY OF LED ZEPPELIN.

The word “dandy” was once again used, on Metal Odyssey.

Stone.

3 Comments »

Without Warning, This Song Starts Playing In My Head: Melanie – “Brand New Key”

Posted in classic rock, folk music, folk rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on July 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Do you ever have those days, where a song starts playing in your head and you absolutely, positively, don’t know why? It happens to me all the time, therefore I’m quite used to it. 99% of the time, the song that invades my brain is Metal or at least one from the many Rock genres. Today was different though. Real different. This was a Folk Pop song going all the way back to 1971. The artist? Melanie. The song? Brand New Key. Whoa. Um, whoa again.

I do remember this song quite well however, while growing up as a very young lad back in those early 1970’s. When Brand New Key was released, I was only five years old. Metal be thy name. While this reminder of my childhood days played out in my head today, I could vividly remember the smile it brought to my mothers face all those years ago. My mother used to sing along to Brand New Key while driving the car, God rest her soul. Hearing and seeing her so joyful from this song, made me feel like everything around me was happy, safe and sound. My sister used to sing along to this song as well, as it played on AM radio. I believe I sang along too… or tried to.

What prompted Brand New Key to play out in my head today? I just don’t know. I can’t explain it. The one thing I do like about having this vintage song popping into my head, is the reminder of easier and innocent days of being just a child and singing along with my mother and sister. Reflecting on a simple moment in time. Happy memories, especially when they are triggered by a song… are truly priceless. I’ll never underestimate the magic powers of music.

Quick Facts About Brand New Key:

Melanie – Brand New Key was released on Neighborhood Records.

Melanie – Brand New Key: Climbed to #1 status on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, back in December of 1971.

Brand New Key – On Movie Soundtracks:

Brand New Key is on the Boogie Nights (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), which was released back in 1997 on Capitol Records.

Brand New Key is on the jackass 3D Soundtrack (various artists), having been released in 2010 on Epitaph.

God Bless My Mother and Sister In Heaven.

Stone.

9 Comments »

Würzel (Michael Burston) – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on July 10, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Würzel – As has been reported by numerous and credible Rock media sources in the past 24 hours, the news of Würzel (Michael Burston) passing away is sad to share. This sad news first broke on Tim Butcher’s facebook page on Saturday, July 9, 2011. Tim Butcher has been a longtime bass tech for Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead. No official statement has been made as of yet.

The former Motörhead guitarist was 61 years old. Würzel’s current band was Leader Of Down. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Würzel. God bless Würzel and may he rest in peace.

* Würzel appeared on seven studio albums while with Motörhead, (1984-1995), with No Remorse (1984) being the first.

* To read the comment on Tim Butcher’s facebook page, click on the link below:

Tim Butcher – Official facebook

* Pictured above: Würzel – Bess 7″ cover sleeve (1987/GWR)

Rest In Peace, Würzel.

October 23, 1949 – July 9, 2011

Stone.

3 Comments »

ZZ TOP – Live From Texas: A Very Cool Listen From Three Rockin’ Legends!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on July 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ZZ TOP – Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. Three undisputed Rock and Roll legends. On this 2011 July 4th holiday weekend in America, kickin’ back to some live ZZ Top with some cold brews aplenty, well,  just seems like the right thing to do. I pulled Live From Texas out a couple of days ago and thought this album should be recommended for any fan of good times, old school, Classic Rock. Aw, hell, any fan of Rock Music just has to appreciate what ZZ Top has accomplished over their glorious Rockin’ career. From Southern Rock to Hard Rock, with the Blues in-between, ZZ Top is Rock and Roll whoop-ass, no matter how you slice it.

Released back in 2008, on Eagle Records, Live From Texas is not short on sound quality and production. This album obviously makes for a very cool greatest hits and live combination. Fans both old and new should get a kick out of hearing Pearl Necklace being introduced, showing that a little band rhetoric with the audience surely goes a long way. I dig every song I hear on Live From Texas, including Rough Boy… Metal be thy name. Rough Boy seems to take an unfair hit every now and again and I’m tellin you now, this song is cool alone for just making the girls all mushy. Well, that’s how I observed it  “back in the day” with Rough Boy.

The live versions of Cheap Sunglasses and Just Got Paid flat out ROCK through my veins with Classic Rockin’ intoxication. Being able to see ZZ Top live during my lifetime is something I’ll always cherish and want to experience again one day soon. In the meantime, I’ll just reach for Live From Texas to get my dose of ZZ Top playing 16 songs live… with Texas and American pride!

* ZZ Top – Live From Texas was recorded on November 1st, 2007, at the Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Live From Texas – Track Listing:

Got Me Under Pressure

Waitin’ For The Bus

Jesus Just Left Chicago

I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide

Cheap Sunglasses

Pearl Necklace

Just Got Paid

Rough Boy

Blues Intro

Blue Jean Blues

Gimme All Your Lovin’

Sharp Dressed Man

Legs

Tube Snake Boogie

La Grange

Tush

LONG LIVE ZZ TOP.

Stone.

4 Comments »

Los Lonely Boys – Rockpango: A Positive and Feel Good Album of Dynamite Rock Songs

Posted in chicano rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, latin rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock album reviews, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

LOS LONELY BOYS – Are you currently hankering for an album that is: feel-good, easy going, fun, a bit funky, has some Soul and a sliver of Rap, a bit bluesy with Latin flavor and simply Rocks? Well then, that album is Rockpango. I can’t hold back my enthusiastic liking for this new Los Lonely Boys album. Rockpango was released back on March 29th, 2011, on their very own Playing In Traffic/LonelyTone Records. Being an early Spring release, Rockpango has gained some mighty steam as one of my favorite Rock albums of 2011.

This album I’ve been addicted to for over two months now and it’s all about the songs baby… it’s all about the songs. When an album like Rockpango has so many good songs, then it becomes memorable for me. The Garza brothers (Henry, Jojo and Ringo) have a remarkable knack for writing mainstream songs that are still street cool. Maybe it’s the Texican Rock and Roll vibe happening, still, Los Lonely Boys are a band that makes any dreary thoughts evaporate from my Metal mind the very second I listen to their music. That’s feel-good.

My favorite song on Rockpango is Smile. The orchestration is what makes this song standout, with the violin, viola and cello stirring up my infatuation with (my) beloved Electric Light Orchestra. Not to mention the guitar resonates a Classic Rock sound on Smile, bringing a retrospective feel to my listen. The song Rockpango takes a major chapter out of Santana’s Latin Rock groove, coupled with some tasty, bluesy guitar licks. The B3 organ (Riley Osbourn) lends a Classic Rock appeal to the overall recipe that this Rockpango song is all about in sound.

16 Monkeys is a fun listen in both music and lyrics. Los Lonely Boys certainly have their funny side and this song is a throwback to when Rock and Roll really did take aim at the funny bone. “16 monkeys on a chuck wagon rollin’ down the road… uh, huh”. Need I say more about (gasp) fun and Rock and Roll? Porn Star has the Rap, courtesy of Kush and the cuts and scratches are thanks to DJ Beans. Make no mistake, Porn Star does Rock along and the Funk I hear is no junk.

The always constant and harmonious vocals of the Garza brothers on Rockpango is a quality listen in and of itself. There is much to be said about creating positive Rock and Roll and Los Lonely Boys are masters at this craft. Believe, Love In My Veins and American Idle are three songs that deliver the high spirited Rock that’s chock full of genuine messages of kindness. No, Los Lonely Boys aren’t preaching, they’re just three cool dudes that aren’t about spreading hate through their music. Metal be thy name.

An admirable characteristic of Los Lonely Boys is their talented ability to incorporate so many styles of music to their sound, without ever coming across as stretching themselves too thin. Rockpango has turned out to be a highlight listen for me in the Rock category this year and will remain just that for years to come. When I listen to Rockpango, I’m listening to three musicians who just love music… period.

Los Lonely Boys:

Henry Garza – vocals, electric and acoustic guitar

Jojo Garza – vocals and bass guitar

Ringo Garza – vocals, drums and percussion

Track Listing For Rockpango:

American Idle

Fly Away

Love In My Veins

Road To Nowhere

16 Monkeys

Rockpango

Smile

Baby Girl

Change The World

Porn Star

Believe

* For more info on LOS LONELY BOYS, click the link below:

Los Lonely Boys – Official Website

LONG LIVE LOS LONELY BOYS.

Stone.

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Clarence Clemons – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock and roll news, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 19, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Clarence Clemons – It’s a sad feeling in the world of Rock and Roll for the legendary saxophonist Clarence Clemons has passed away on Saturday, June 18th, 2011, at the age of 69. Clarence suffered a stroke on Sunday, June 12th. Forever loved for his saxophone talents with The E Street Band and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Clarence released several successful solo albums as well. Clarence Clemons also played saxophone for Gary U.S. Bonds and Ringo Starr And His All-Star Band. Clarence was also an accomplished vocalist and percussionist.

Metal Odyssey extends condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Clarence Clemons.

* Top album cover photo: Clarence Clemons And The Red Bank Robbers – Rescue (1983 – Tristar).

Rest In Peace, Clarence Clemons.

1942 – 2011

Stone.

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Warren Haynes – Man In Motion: Five Reasons To Buy This Album

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, guitarists, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 19, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Warren Haynes – The second studio album from legendary guitarist and vocalist Warren Haynes was released on May 10th, 2011, on Stax Records. Rock, Southern Rock and the Blues have and always will be in the Rockin’ arsenal of Warren’s skillful guitar playing. Best known for his membership with The Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule, Warren has a Rock and Roll resume that goes much deeper than that. Playing guitar at a young age for Country legend David Allan Coe and even appearing live, onstage, with the Dave Matthews Band are a part of this highly respected guitarist’s musical history.

I want to share with you, five reasons why you should buy this new Warren Haynes album, here they are:

1. It’s all about the guitar. Any guitar aficionado will salivate at the pureness that Warren Haynes so eloquently expresses with his playing. Longtime fans of Warren Haynes surely know what I mean.

2. Diversity. Warren Haynes plays his patented Southern Rock tones, still he turns over some bluesy and funky licks that makes Man In Motion a case study in Rock appreciation.

3. Vocal coolness. When I listen to Warren Haynes sing, it’s listening to a dude that believes in his lyrics and the song. Storytelling and singing straight from the heart are two attributes of Warren that too many young vocalists nowadays don’t grasp… or even know exists.

4. Classic Rock never surrenders. The steady vibe of Classic Rock never subsides throughout Man In Motion. The organ, clavinet and tenor saxophone adds the old school mystique, making me drift back to those less stressful and technologically less invasive days of yesteryear. Songwriting never sounded so comfortably gilded.

5. “The three C’s”. Completeness, Competency and Creativity. When I can listen to an entire album that is richly guitar based and still be lured into the dynamics of the other instruments and vocals equally, that’s completeness. The competency is Warren Haynes and his musicians surrounding him on Man In Motion. The creativity is making an album of retrospective songs sound so suitable in 2011.

One big added bonus is the harmonious way all ten songs coexist together on Man In Motion. I’ve listened to this album many times now. I recommend Man In Motion to fans of discerning Rock taste and to those fans who keep their beer cold down in the creek; it makes no difference, this album comes across too damn refreshing. Warren Haynes has found, no, created a lucrative listen, into the world of a guitarist and vocalist who plays and sings with an immediacy that comes straight from his Rock and Roll soul.

* For more info on WARREN HAYNES, click on the link below:

Warren Haynes – Official Website

LONG LIVE WARREN HAYNES.

Stone.

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Ronnie James Dio and Yngwie Malmsteen: This Iconic Duo’s Cover Song Of “Dream On” Is A True Hidden Gem!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Ronnie James Dio & Yngwie Malmsteen  – On May 16th, 2010, the ultra-legendary Ronnie James Dio passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. This was a day when Metal cried. Hard Rock cried. Rock and Roll cried. I cried. I’ve always lived by a wonderful thought: “Time heals all wounds”. Each time I listen to any DIO, Rainbow, Elf, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell song and/or album now, I realize that Ronnie James Dio’s legacy will forever live on.

On the anniversary of Ronnie James Dio passing away, I decided to listen to some of his work that I haven’t pulled out in quite awhile. I remembered having a CD titled: Guitar Gods – The Classic Rock Anthems. On this fantastic CD is a cover song of Aerosmith’s Dream On. Ronnie James Dio sings and Yngwie Malmsteen plays his amazing guitar on this cover song of Dream On. Two legends covering an iconic Rock song, written and recorded by fellow legends. Simply put… the original version and cover version of Dream On are both everlasting.

I can’t even adequately put into words, just how sensational, how riveting this cover song of Dream On is to my senses. Ronnie James Dio sings the lyrics of Dream On in such a remarkable way… it’s Ronnie James Dio. With Yngwie Malmsteen stamping his signature tone to this song, it’s hands down the single greatest cover song I have ever heard of Dream On… Metal case closed. To admit I receive countless ostrich bumps up and down my entire body whenever I listen to this cover of Dream On is real and not fantasy.

This entire CD is a MUST buy for any fan of Rock, Classic Rock, Hard Rock and/or Metal. If there ever was that hidden gem of a Ronnie James Dio song, then this cover of Dream On is it. If there ever was that hidden gem of a Hard Rock/Heavy Metal compilation CD, then Guitar Gods – The Classic Rock Anthems is it. Wanna know something? I found this CD at Kmart about two years ago. Kmart. Metal be thy name and kiss the F’n sky. That is no lie.

Legends are galore on this CD, with Ted Nugent giving his spin on another Aerosmith classic: Rag Doll. The Motor City Madman sings and plays his patented guitar licks on Rag Doll and it’s a hell raiser. Just look at the track listing with the respective artists below, it’s ’nuff said and ring the Metal bell for glory! This CD is so electrified with guitar legends and vocalists that it’s Metal mind boggling.

I’ll say this much: Slash and Roger Daltrey cover Alice Cooper’s Rock classic No More Mr. Nice Guy with Hard Rockin’ brilliance. Whoa, the legenday duo of Slash and Roger Daltrey make an infinite impression on my Metal soul. Steve Lukather covers Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond… it’s jaw dropping. I truly don’t know what else to say about that. An unreal CD that I have revisited and won’t be putting away again for a very, very, long time.

* Guitar Gods – The Classic Rock Anthems was released back in 2006, via Fantastic Price Records.

* Guitar Gods – The Classic Rock Anthems was mastered by Anthony Focx at Foxhole Underground Studio, Los Angeles.

* I’ve seen this CD for sale at Amazon.com for just under $10 (U.S. funds).

* For some odd reason, I can’t play this CD in my car’s CD player. Every time I slide this CD into the car’s player, it gets sent back out! WTF? However, this CD plays just fine on my home stereo system.

Track Listing:

Slash & Roger Daltrey – No More Mr. Nice Guy

Ted Nugent – Rag Doll

Jimmy Page – Burn Up

Jake E. Lee & Phil Lewis – Journey To The Center Of The Mind

Steve Lukather – Shine On You Crazy Diamond

Rick Derringer – Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo

Santana – Jingo

Pat Travers – Snortin’ Whiskey, Drinkin’ Cocaine

Michael Schenker & Leslie West – Blood Of The Sun

George Lynch – He’s A Woman, She’s A Man

Yngwie Malmsteen & Ronnie James Dio – Dream On

LONG LIVE YNGWIE MALMSTEEN.

LONG LIVE EVERY ROCKIN’ CAT ON THIS CD.

REST IN PEACE, RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Stone.

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Phil Campbell of Motörhead – Happy Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock and roll birthdays, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Overnight Sensation/1996 – L to R: Phil, Lemmy & Mikkey)

PHIL CAMPBELL – Happy Birthday Phil Campbell! On May 7th, 2011, legendary guitarist Phil Campbell turns a stellar 50! Since 1984, Phil Campbell has been the guitarist for the world’s greatest, fastest and most persevering Rock ‘n’ Roll band known as: Motörhead. Thank you Phil for all the enormous Rock ‘n’ Roll you’ve created!

Phil was hired by Motörhead founder and ultra-legendary Lemmy Kilmister back in 1984. Former Motörhead guitarist Würzel was also hired at the same time. With the trio of Lemmy (bass & vocals), Mikkey Dee (drums) and Phil, Motörhead continue to be the lean, mean, Rock ‘n’ Roll machine in 2011 with NO end in sight!

Phil Campbell Rock ‘n’ Roll Facts:

* Phil Campbell formed the Heavy Metal band Persian Risk back in 1979, in Cardiff, Wales.

* Phil Campbell first appeared on the Motörhead compilation album No Remorse, which was released back in 1984 on Bronze Records. The songs on No Remorse (vinyl/LP version) which Phil Campbell played guitar on: Killed By Death, Snaggletooth, Steal Your Face and Locomotive.  Phil Campbell played guitar for two versions of Under The Knife, found on the No Remorse double CD as bonus tracks.

* Phil Campbell has played guitar on 14 Motörhead studio albums, the first being Orgasmatron from 1986 and the most recent being The Wörld Is Yours released in December of 2010.

* For more info on Motörhead, click here: Motörhead

Long Live Phil Campbell.

Long Live Motörhead.

Stone.

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VOLBEAT UPDATE: Win a Limited Edition Autographed Poster! U.S. Tour Dates Listed and 16 Dollars Video!

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, rockabilly with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Volbeat is in the middle of their first U.S. headlining tour, which is receiving rave reviews. In addition to giving away tickets to some of the U.S. shows via their Facebook, fans can now access the Volbeat Poster tab and enter to in an autographed limited edition tour poster!

Volbeat also has a new music video for 16 Dollars! Watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR_-PAWM9es&feature=channel_video_title

Volbeat’s video for “16 Dollars” is 1959 aesthetics wrapped up in smoke, fire and twisted love. The piece follows the adventures of the skullrider with beautiful images of metalbilly madness, created by Plastickid and featuring Jakob Øelund of Taggy Tones.

Part computer graphics, part blue  screen and part real life, the video for 16 dollars stays true to Volbeat’s fashion – undeniable rock n’ roll action.

Volbeat’s latest album, Beyond Hell/ Above Heaven debuted at #1 across Europe, reached #1 on CMJ’s Loud Rock chart, debuted in the top 10 on the iTunes Rock chart and was #5 on Revolver Magazine’s best albums of 2010 list.

Volbeat will also be performing at Revolver’s Golden God Awards, where they are nominated for Album of the Year.

Check out Volbeat on:

VOLBEAT – Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Beyond Hell / Above Heaven is available on iTunes | Amazon

CURRENT U.S. TOUR DATES:

4/09 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

4/10 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

4/13 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

4/14 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

4/16 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theatre

4/17 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues Orlando

4/22 – Baltimore, MD @ Sonar

4/23 – Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights

4/25 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

4/27 – NY, NY @ Irving Plaza

(Source: Universal Motown Republic Group)

LONG LIVE VOLBEAT.

Stone.

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PAUL – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Releases April 5th, 2011… Some Classic Rock Thoughts…

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, film scores, metal odyssey, movie soundtracks, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, soundtracks with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 1, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

PAUL – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Any regular visitor to Metal Odyssey knows by now, that I am a life-long admirer of the Electric Light Orchestra and anything that Jeff Lynne has been a part of musically. Once I heard All Over The World by ELO being played at the end of the movie trailer for PAUL, I became instantly psyched out. This ELO classic is track #22 on the PAUL soundtrack. All Over The World was originally released on another movie soundtrack, that goes back more than thirty years ago to 1980. That movie soundtrack is XANADU.

Xanadu – (1980/Jet Records U.K./MCA Records U.S.)

All Over The World is track #4 on side two on the Xandadu soundtrack. Side two has all five songs performed by the Electric Light Orchestra, with track 5 (title track) Xanadu being sung by Olivia Newton-John. Side one of Xanadu has five songs sung by Olivia Newton-John, which include her singing with: Gene Kelly, Cliff Richard and The Tubes.

Um… back to the PAUL – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack… plus a flashback to Nazz…

Hello It’s Me by the legendary Todd Rundgren is another Classic Rock blast from the past that is on the PAUL soundtrack. Hello It’s Me was originally released back in 1968, on the debut and self-titled album from nazz. Todd Rundgren was a founding member and lead guitarist of Nazz. (This debut album depicts the lower case “n” in nazz).

nazz – debut/self-titled (1968/SGC Records)

* PAUL – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be released on April 5th, 2011. I’ve seen the record label listed as UMTV and Hip-O Records as well… I don’t know which is correct or if both are correct?

* The film director for PAUL is Greg Mottola.

* Starring in PAUL are: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg and Seth Rogen (voice of Paul).

* The film score for PAUL was created by David Arnold. David Arnold has Independence Day and five James Bond film scores to his credit (among many other works).

Track Listing For PAUL – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:

01 – Paul Opening Title – David Arnold

02 – Another Girl Another Planet – The Only Ones

03 – Road Trip Number 1 – David Arnold

04 – Just The Two Of Us – Bill Withers & Grover Washington Jr.

05 – Passport – David Arnold

06 – Road Trip Number 2 – David Arnold

07 – Flying Saucers Rock n Roll – Bill Lee Riley

08 – Window Shopping – David Arnold

09 – Hello It’s Me – Todd Rundgren

10 – End Of The Road Trip – David Arnold

11 – Dancing In The Moonlight – King Harvest

12 – Campfire Confessions – David Arnold

13 – Got To Give It Up – Marvin Gaye

14 – A Little Talk With Paul – David Arnold

15 – I Chase The Devil – Max Romeo

16 – Chase – David Arnold

17 – Cantina Band – Syd Masters and The Swing Riders

18 – You Gotta Try – David Arnold

19 – 1st Contact – David Arnold

20 – Planet Care – B52’s

21 – Goodbye (It’s A Little Awkward) – David Arnold

22 – All Over The World – Electric Light Orchestra

LONG LIVE COOL SPACE ALIENS.

LONG LIVE ELO, TODD RUNDGREN & OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN.

Stone.

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KOPEK – ROCKED LIVE & LOUD! Concert Review: The Crocodile Rock Cafe, Allentown, Pennsylvania, March 19th, 2011

Posted in alternative rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – Through the years (or is that decades?) I’ve always been a believer in the small club setting for seeing a live night of Rock, Hard Rock or Heavy Metal. Most of my greatest experiences of seeing live concerts have been at small clubs. Seeing KOPEK live, on March 19th, 2011, at The Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was no exception to my long list of memorable, small club, Rock experiences. If anything, as I stood there bopping my head up and down to Kopek’s live set, I understood I was watching an electrifying band that I’ve felt all along will be HUGE one day.

As Kopek played through their set of several songs, taken from their insanely addicting debut album White Collar Lies, I had to redirect my view on this band becoming huge one day. Kopek is already HUGE. What was I thinking? Finally seeing Kopek play live was a validation in my believing in this band from day one. Kopek is as blue collar and unique as any of the “greatest” in Rock Music history. If the world of Rock needed a rejuvenation of itself in 2011, then the world of Rock should thank Dublin, Ireland’s very own… Kopek.

I am not bashful in stating that Kopek is a band that only comes around every fifteen years. The “vibe” I love most about Kopek is the “Rock and Roll mystique” they give off through their music and overall style, a mystique legends such as R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Motörhead, Metallica and Nirvana (to name a few) are historically and famously known for. Kopek took this mystique I hear from their Hard Rock sound and style to an entirely different level for me, on this Saturday evening in mid-March of 2011. Seeing and hearing is believing. Kopek’s live set proved to me, that Rock Music history isn’t an open and shut book after all. Kopek is now. Kopek is HUGE.

KOPEK – White Collar Lies (Religion Music/SIN)

Kopek is currently on a massive tour throughout the U.S. and eventually Europe, which runs throughout the course of 2011. If you have never listened to Kopek’s Alt/Modern/Hard Rock debut album White Collar Lies, I strongly suggest you do. Being left out of the Rock Music history loop is not a cool thing to experience.

* On this night of Rock at The Crocodile Rock Cafe, Kopek played alongside Oceans Divide, Egypt Central, Maddam Ink. and the legendary… COLD.

* All the live photos you see here are taken from the talented lens of Metal Odyssey’s staff photographer Tom Coderre. I’d like to say: A Metal job well done Tom!

Daniel Jordan, the lead singer and guitarist for Kopek, gave a tremendous performance live. His almost stationary presence on stage had me realizing to myself, that you don’t need to carry on like a Rock Star to be a real Rock Star. No theatrics. No selfish or plastic image to be seen, while my eyes were affixed on Daniel Jordan on this night. As Daniel broke into the vocals for Fever, it gave me the chills… his vocals are that uniquely amazing for me. As soon as Kopek broke out Love Is Dead, I was in Hard Rock la-la land. Hearing Kopek play this song live was an instant Rockin’ high!

I especially appreciated the moment when Daniel dedicated the song White Collar Lies to the United States Troops that are scattered around the globe, protecting our free societies each and every day. Thank you Daniel for acknowledging and remembering our U.S. service men and women. I told Daniel it was difficult in restraining my urge to jump around and go crazy during their set. Daniel understood the dilemma I went through and he added: keeping it cool is the better rule. Sometimes I just feel like a kid. Metal be thy name.

Brad Kinsella on bass was always aware of the crowd! This is a musician that shows he feels the music he is playing, with his fun and cool on-stage mannerisms. Never pretentious, just legit personified. This is a guy who loves what he does for a living. Brad had the fans up front instantly initiated into his Kopek world… and they were all loving every second of it. I had fun just watching Brad perform… plus he plays a thumping bad-ass bass.

Shane Cooney is not easy to ignore, especially when he was laying down the hard hittin’ beats that made it difficult for me to not move. Shane is another non-egotistical member of this amazing band. As a bonus, there was never a “look-at-me” drum solo to be heard from Shane. This is a drummer who does it the old-fashioned way, keeping it simple, keeping it real.

Daniel and Stone finally meet! After a year of knowing who each other was, Daniel and I were able to exchange conversation about the band, touring, the fans and the night’s show. Daniel is a Rock musician who is proud by all the success and attention that Kopek has received thus far. Kopek deserves every bit of success that comes their way. They are earning it. To say Daniel is happy about Kopek is an understatement. When I asked him if he’s had a good time touring America, Daniel never hesitated to give an emphatic – yes! Daniel eagerly signed for the fans all night long. There was nary a moment, the entire night, when Daniel wasn’t accessible to speak to or hang out with.

Stone finally meets Brad and Shane! As with Daniel, Brad and Shane knew my name, only getting “a face with the name” makes it all the better… and my face is not that pretty either. Brad had nothing but kind words to say about America, the fans, the bands they’ve toured with and the people behind the scenes. Brad is especially pumped up to play at this years Rocklahoma. Shane was the ever polite Rock and Roll drummer. Brad and Shane thanked me for the past promotion of their album on Metal Odyssey. (!) I in turn, thanked Brad and Shane for the music they are making.

Luc Nyhus is a touring guitarist with Kopek. Luc’s presence and guitar playing was strong and confident, while he trekked about the stage. In my Metal opinion, Luc fit right in with Kopek. Off the stage, Daniel, Brad, Shane and Luc got along like a brotherhood. Luc is one big dude, so I’m speculating Kopek has a body guard to watch their backs while on tour too! Luc was a cool and friendly guy to meet as well.

It’s always a thrill, to meet musicians like Kopek that I hold in high regard. Hearing Kopek thank me (!) for writing cool stuff about them this past year will forever be remembered by me. Their understanding of how it “gets done” in todays record industry, along with their friendliness, work ethic, grueling tour schedule and of course, musicianship is above admirable. It’s even a more immense thrill to realize that Kopek are fantastically good guys, they know where they came from and where they are going… which is straight to the top.

* For more info on KOPEK, click the links below:

KOPEK – Official Website

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

KOPEK TV Official Channel – YouTube

Visit The Crocodile Rock Cafe here: Crocodile Rock Cafe

THANK YOU KOPEK.

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

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THE TREWS – “Hope & Ruin” Releases April 12th, 2011! Track Listing, Album Art and Info…

Posted in alternative rock, alternative rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

“Big riffs, bigger hooks, anthemic choruses – Canadian Alt-Rockers The Trews bring all of that and more” – Guitar Edge Magazine

THE TREWS’ fourth full-length studio album, Hope & Ruin, due out on The Trews Records on April 12, is a level-raising evolution for the Toronto-based rock band with two gold records, 10 top-10 singles and 800-plus concerts logged. After wrapping up the first leg of touring for 2009’s  Acoustic – Friends & Total Strangers retrospective, The Trews found themselves with time off and a blank canvas in front of them for the first time in years. The band decided to retreat to Tragically Hip’s fabled Bathhouse Studio’s, which is an old converted lake house just outside of Kingston, Ontario.

Recorded live-off-the-floor, they captured lightning in a bottle, resulting in a sound that is raw, electric and igniting. Of course, the ripping rockers that have made front man Colin MacDonald; his brother, guitarist John-Angus; their cousin, drummer Sean Dalton; and long-time friend, bassist Jack Syperek one of Canada’s top live acts are still present with the heavy “The World I Know,” unrelenting “Misery Loves Company” and pummeling “People of the Deer.”

“We haven’t forgotten how to rock, but there’s new ground being covered,” says Colin. The Trews have never made an album in the manner in which they recorded Hope & Ruin, and it’s an album they never could’ve made before now. There’s a certain connection, comfort and intuition that’s needed to write and record in such an off-the-cuff, inspired manner. And that takes years to develop.

As the “Hope & Ruin” single continues to climb up the Active Rock charts in The Trews native Canada (currently at #7), the band is receiving accolades from around the globe. Performer Magazine here in the U.S. claims that “The Trews are, without a doubt, the greatest rock band of their generation” and upon their departure from their Australian tour  this month, famous native and rock affectionado Russell Crowe tweeted “Bon Voyage @thetrews hope you make it back to Australia soon. They came, they saw, they rocked”

The Trews will be touring the U.S. this Spring.

Hope & Ruin Track Listing:

Misery Loves Company

One By One

People of the Deer

Stay With Me

Hope & Ruin

If You Wanna Start Again

The World I Know

Dreaming Man

I’ll Find Someone Who Will

Love Is The Real Thing

Burned

You Gotta Let Me In

* I’ve listened to One By One, a song currently streaming from Hope & Ruin several times over. The Alternative Rock sound blended with a relevant Classic Rock feel and vibe, makes One By One erupt with all things fabulous about quality songwriting, memorable lyrics and guitar driven Rock Music. I’m really looking forward to landing my ears into this entire new album from The Trews.

* For more info on THE TREWS and to hear One By One streaming, click the links below:

THE TREWS – Official Website

THE TREWS – myspace music

LONG LIVE THE TREWS.
Stone.

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