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KOPEK VOCALIST/GUITARIST DANIEL JORDAN – A METAL ODYSSEY INTERVIEW!

KOPEK – Unless you have been on an extended vacation from Rock ‘N’ Roll, you should have heard of a band named KOPEK by now. This 3-piece Hard Rock Band comes from the beautiful country of Ireland, with a twist… they are redefining what Modern Hard Rock sounds like. I’ve even thrown the adjective of “special” at KOPEK, that’s how serious I am about their debut album – White Collar Lies. This KOPEK gem had it’s U.S. digital release on June 29, 2010 and a forthcoming physical release on September 14, 2010, on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Music Independent Network.

KOPEK’S three musicians; Daniel Jordan, (lead vocals & guitar), Brad Kinsella, (bass guitar) and Shane Cooney, (drums), probably should brace themselves for what’s ahead… and that’s plenty of Rock ‘N’ Roll attention this side of the Atlantic. O.k., worldwide Rock ‘N’ Roll attention too. Yes… KOPEK’S Hard Rock sound is that good, with a vibe of newness spilling out from every crevice, lending for cool accessibility that peeks in at the mainstream.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Jordan recently took a few moments from his stacked schedule to talk to Metal Odyssey about KOPEK, White Collar Lies, the new Love Is Dead video and what bands would be very cool to tour with, amongst other Rockin’ discussion. Dan’s polite demeanor and nonexistent ego will only carry KOPEK and himself to greater acceptance and respectability. Here is what Dan had to say:

Stone: How did the sound of KOPEK’S brand of Rock evolve? Was there ever a period of time for experimentation?

Dan: We’re actually experimenting more now as a band. As a three piece it can be so basic and we try new ways and new tricks to make the sound better. With our album, it’s a solid three piece base. When we were younger, we did play in different bands, with different set-ups.

Stone: I have written that KOPEK can really play like their lives depend on it. Do the three of you realize just how great White Collar Lies sounds and feels?

Dan: I suppose it has grown on us a bit, not as a product but as a finished piece of work we really feel strongly about.

Stone: It’s an amazing album and I can’t stop listening to it!

Dan: Thanks, I appreciate that!

Stone: How important to you, is the message conveyed in your song White Collar Lies?

Dan: Very important. It is something that I feel so strongly about, that it’s enough to write a song for. This song is about people at the top making bad decisions, that eventually affect us people below. A number of years ago I wrote this song. Now it’s on our album as well as the album title.

Stone: Writing the song White Collar Lies years ago and it is such a strong song today. That shows just how relevant this song’s theme is. Just watching the nightly or cable news makes me shake my head at all the corruption that is happening around me.

Dan: It goes to show nothing really changes. Your not the only country where this stuff happens, we have the same thing going on in Ireland too, it’s going on everywhere.

Stone: Floridian, besides it’s melodic up-tempo, has emotional lyrics that you resonate in such a fantastic way. What’s the influence behind Floridian?

Dan: It’s a love song, yet I don’t want to say it just that way. It can be a song for a friend. Floridian is about creating something new, to give a new kind of meaning to what you want. Floridian is about an object of desire. It’s also a need as well I suppose.

Stone: Love Is Dead is an absolute hot hit, both song and video! Did you guys get to choose the model for this music video?

Dan: It was out of our hands, although the lads did a good job!

Stone: You bet they did! (laughs)

Dan: Oh yeah! (laughs)

Stone: Did you have a good time making the video?

Dan: It was lot’s of fun! This song is so good lyrically to sing. Johann, the director, did an excellent job in creating the tattoos appearing on the nude. Love Is Dead is all about Rock ‘N’ Roll excess and is definitely a great song for us.

Stone: There really are so many songs on White Collar Lies that can be tagged as a hit single. I am blown away by Fever!

Dan: Fever has good kinds of memories for me. We went to L.A. on a self financed trip and stopped by Crazy Girls. Fever was born out of that situation, it was just a good time we had there at Crazy Girls!

Stone: Did you like L.A. itself?

Dan: Oh yeah! We like New York City as well, it’s really easier to get around there.

Stone: Coming from Ireland, how much of an influence is U2, if any at all, to KOPEK?

Dan: We were into their earlier albums, listened to Achtung Baby and Zooropa. U2 opened boundaries for younger bands and musicians in Ireland. They opened up a whole new musical ground for us too.

Stone: Does having the backing of Religion Music Group, coupled with Sony Music Independent Network, elevate your desire and confidence as a band?

Dan: KOPEK has been together for a few years now, so we do our thing regardless. There is a level of confidence we share, all the way through our career as a band. We travelled all around the world as a band beforehand. Still, it’s good to know there is money to record albums behind us. Sony, to have them on board in America is great for us.

Stone: Is a North American tour in the near future for KOPEK?

Dan: I hope so! We are very anxious to get over there to America. The crowds in America are so responsive to our music. America is the first place on our list for a tour! Our fans can keep checking the web for news on a tour, maybe in a couple of months or so we’ll know something.

Metal Odyssey Note: Click this link for your KOPEK updates: KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

Stone: What bands would you want to tour with in North America?

Dan: AC/DC! Them Crooked Vultures! Bruce Springsteen!

Stone: That’s a pretty cool and diverse list.

Dan: We listen to a little of everything.

Stone: Describe the general state of Rock ‘N’ Roll in Ireland today.

Dan: The heavier or Rocky stuff is not prominent. Indie and lighter sounding bands are on the radio.

Stone: Gee whiz.

Dan: The U.K. is where it would be at for bands that are heavier. A few bands can make it out of Ireland but it’s not many and not easy.

Stone: If you could pick a guest musician for the second KOPEK album, who would it be and why?

Dan: Jimmy Page. I love the work he does on guitar and his knowledge of music. To me, there is no one else like him. Led Zeppelin is a huge influence on KOPEK’S sound as a three piece.

Stone: Thanks Dan for sharing your time and thoughts. Good luck to KOPEK on your new album! Tell Brad and Shane, Stone says hey.

Stone.

1 Comment »

RAVEN – TOUR SCHEDULE: JULY 31st THRU OCTOBER 24th, 2010!

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal tours, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's heavy metal bands, current heavy metal music, hard rock music, heavy metal concerts 2010, heavy metal news, metal blade records, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, raven heavy metal band, raven tour dates 2010, raven walk through fire album, rock music, rock music news on July 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RAVEN – After releasing WALK THROUGH FIRE on March 30, 2010, on Metal Blade Records, RAVEN are on tour in support of this fabulous album of Old School Metal. RAVEN may be in your neck of the woods between July 31st and October 24th, 2010… so check out the tour dates below!

RAVEN are:

John Gallagher – vocals & bass guitars

Mark Gallagher – guitars

Joe Hasselvander – drums & percussion

The following are the RAVEN tour dates from July 31, 2010 to October 24, 2010, covering both European and North American cities. (Source: Metal Blade News Update)

* Metal Odyssey has no further concert information other than the dates disclosed.

European Tour Dates:

07/31 – Brande-Hörnerkirchen,DE Headbangers Open Air Germany

08/01 – Kerkradde, NL The Rock Temple

08/04 – Den Haag, NL Het Paard Club

08/06 – Wacken, DE Waken Festival

08/07 – Deinze, BE Alcatraz Festival

North America Tour (U.S. & Canada)Dates:

09/10 – Baltimore, MD, Sonar

09/11 – Virginia Beach, VA, Gill’s

09/12 – Springfield, VA, Jaxx

09/16 – Toronto, ON, Wreck Room

09/17 – Cleveland, OH, Peabody’s

09/18 – Chicago, IL, The Abbey Pub

09/19 – Detroit, MI, Blondies

10/01 – Seattle, WA, El Corazon

10/02 – Vancouver, BC, Red Room

10/03 – Portland, OR, Peters Room

10/22 – Dallas TX, Trees

10/23 – Houston, TX, Scout Bar

10/24 – San Antonio, TX, Scout Bar

* You can check out the album review for RAVEN – WALK THROUGH FIRE, which I posted on April 29, 2010, by clicking on that really cool header below:

RAVEN – RETURNS WITH A METAL DROP KICK ON “WALK THROUGH FIRE”

LONG LIVE RAVEN!

Stone.

2 Comments »

CLASSIC ROCK 101: ORION THE HUNTER “SO YOU RAN” – 1984 MUSIC VIDEO

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history, rock music videos with tags 1980's rock albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's music videos, 1980's rock bands, 1980's rock songs, aor, classic roc music, classic rock bands, classic rock songs, hard rock music, melodic rock music, metal odyssey, Music, orion the hunter album, orion the hunter rock band, out of print rock albums, rock music, so you ran music video on July 15, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ORION THE HUNTER – Let’s go back to those good ol’ ’80’s… again. When Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal seemed to mesh together for me, just like chocolate-caramel-fudge swirl ice cream. It was a decade when FM Radio really was the one-stop listening destination for great music. MTV proved to be the same for music videos. I can recall vividly hearing So You Ran on the FM dial… and I was hooked. Sure, it wasn’t a Heavy Metal song I was hearing, nonetheless, it was Rockin’ along with a melodic sound that made me feel alright… and still does.

This Orion The Hunter album is yet another great piece of vinyl that I let go many Metal moons ago. It was released back in 1984 on Columbia Records. Now, from what I have seen, the CD sells “new” from $50 to $125 (U.S.). It appears Orion The Hunter is… out of print.

Orion The Hunter was: former Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau, Boston vocalist Brad Delp on backing vocals, future Boston vocalist Fran Cosmo, Bruce Smith on bass and Michael DeRosier on drums.

Convict me of being sentimental sometimes… yet this song just brings back some good memories of being a young dude, with no bills and high taxes to pay.

Track listing for Orion The Hunter:

All Those Years

So You Ran

Dreamin’

Dark And Stormy

Stand Up

Fast Talk

Too Much In Love

Joanne

I Call It Love

REST IN PEACE, BRAD DELP – 1951 – 2007

Stone.

4 Comments »

SLAUGHTER – ROCKS HARD ON “EXTENDED VERSIONS” LIVE CD

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's hard rock bands, hair metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal music, live hard rock albums, mark slaughter vocalist & guitarist, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock n' roll, slaughter extended versions album review, slaughter hard rock band, slaughter heavy metal band on July 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SLAUGHTER – If your looking for a live CD of Slaughter, that is priced right, then this Extended Versions is choice. The liner notes do not reveal where or when these songs were recorded, just that they were recorded live. The compilation date on the back of this CD is 2002. Regardless, at the onset before the opening song, Mad About You, you can hear Mark Slaughter shouting out – “home sweet home, Las Vegas Nevada”! So, at least you know the city where Mad About You was recorded live.

There are those subtle breaks between the songs that obviously tells me this is not a complete/uninterrupted concert recording. Instead, this Extended Versions plays out as a compilation of live recordings. It really makes no difference to me if this is not a complete concert recording. Plus, it is noted on the back cover of this CD: this CD contains previously released recordings. The inside cover of the CD sleeve reads: all tracks 1998. (The 1998 live Slaughter album – Eternal Live, really comes to mind here and Las Vegas & Mexico were the live locations). The overall sound quality is excellent and the song selection is fantastic on this Slaughter – Extended Versions CD.

Having Mad About You as the opening song is a thrill to me, as it is one of my favorite songs from Slaughter. Mad About You just Rocks steady from beginning to end, making for a perfect pump-you-up song to get this live listen started. Up All Night is the fourth song, it’s always been just an amazing Hard Rocking anthem for me. Slaughter doesn’t disappoint with this live version of Up All Night, making it a true highlight of this Extended Versions CD.

An abbreviated and acoustic version of Spend My Life is included in the song selection. I have seen Slaughter perform an all live, acoustic set back in the early 90’s and it was extremely cool. To hear Spend My Life in it’s acoustic entirety would be even better. Despite the shortened version, it’s still a cool listen to hear Mark Slaughter prod the crowd into a sing along with this song’s chorus.

Wild Life is brought to live Hard Rock glory and is a standout listen. Don’t be surprised if you are to repeatedly play Wild Life… very loud, as it should be heard. An excellent, excellent, Slaughter song is Real Love and it is live and kickin’ on this CD. On this heavy ballad, Mark Slaughter sings his heart out. Rock The World has Slaughter Rockin’ on all heavy cylinders, with all the potency I like to hear in a live song such as this. If Rock The World can’t motivate your day, then take two healthy dumps and don’t call me in the morning because your probably constipated.

Throughout each song heard on this live Slaughter CD, I will readily admit that Mark Slaughter’s vocals sound very, very, good. Vintage good. I can’t imagine any Slaughter fan walking away disappointed, after listening to this live CD. Slaughter – Extended Versions I strongly recommend to all Slaughter and Hard Rock fans the world over. Fans of 1980’s and early 1990’s Hair Metal should be pleased by this Slaughter CD too. Slaughter – Extended Versions is readily available wherever CD’s are sold, in both used and new condition. I’ve seen this CD out there and a new copy should set you back no more than $5 or $6 (U.S.), at the most.

* Slaughter – Extended Versions was released on BMG Special Products.

Track Listing For Slaughter – Extended Versions:

Mad About You

Fly To The Angels

Move To The Music

Up All Night

Spend My Life

Wildlife

Real Love

Rock The World

Shout It Out

Dance For Me

SLAUGHTER – (Original Lineup) – From left to right: Dana Strum, bass guitarist * Mark Slaughter, vocalist & guitarist * the late Tim Kelly, guitarist * Blas Elias, drummer

Long Live Slaughter Rock ‘N’ Roll!

Stone.

2 Comments »

BRET MICHAELS “CUSTOM BUILT” – MAKES FOR A DIVERSE ROCKIN’ LISTEN

Posted in country music, country rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock album reviews, rock and roll, rock music with tags 2010 rock album reviews, bret michaels custom built album review, bret michaels vocalist, country music, country rock music, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, new album releases 2010, rock & roll, rock albums 2010, rock music, rock music celebrities, rock n' roll on July 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRET MICHAELS – Bret Michaels did not leave us… thank you God and all the Rock ‘N’ Roll angels for that. Now, Bret Michaels has his brand new solo album Custom Built out, released on July 6, 2010, on Poor Boy Records Inc. and it is built on Rock ‘N’ Roll diversity. Anyone expecting a full-throttle Hard Rock album should prepare for a little bit o’ Country, a little bit o’ Club Mix and some acoustic music from Bret Michaels on Custom Built. Not to worry though… there are a couple of decent Hard Rock moments on this new Bret Michaels album too. Just because Bret Michaels wants to exhibit his fondness for some other music genres shouldn’t make this Custom Built album any less desirable for fans of Bret, Poison and good ol’ Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Am I thrilled by the Club Mix of “Go That Far”? (Club Mix by Jason Miller of Godhead). Nope. Not a chance. It’s not my cup o’ Rockin’ tea. With that said, it grooves enough for someone to dance to, wiggle to, or whatever to. At this point in Bret Michaels life, I feel he can basically do whatever he damn well feels like with his music anyways. You only live once. Plus, there are probably gonna be hordes of fans that will dig “Go That Far”. Just because I don’t dig it, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.

Open Road is a Country Rock song to relish however. Bret Michaels can really sing Country. He sings Country like it’s his second nature and I’m buying into it. “Open Road” has some classic Country lyrics to go along with it too… it’s upbeat in both it’s music and lyrics. “Rock’n My Country” is… you guessed it. Country! Hey, if I am to see Bret Michaels live someday and he sings this song, I’m gonna be doin’ my sneaker kickin’ (or is that boot kickin’?) stomp with one hand held high. My other hand shall have a cold one in it. Maybe two cold ones. A fun Country Rock song is “Rock’n My Country”.

“Nothing To Lose (Bret Only Demo)” is an acoustic gem. What a cool and mellow listen this song is. Lyrically moving and yes, inspirational. Is it a kleenex song? Maybe… only I’m too damn tough for that. Excuse me please… while I blow my nose and wipe my eyes now. Yes, yes, yes… the duet version of “Nothing To Lose” with Miley Cyrus is on this album too. Hey, it’s a good song and that’s what writing and playing good music is all about. Plus, Miley Cyrus has come of age in doing this song with Brett Michaels… in my Metal opinion. No, no, no… my eyes are not welling up. Stop it… and leave me alone. Gee whiz. Someone pass me a damn beer. Um, please.

I’d Die For You is a raw and downright non-commercial song that Rocks. It’s the last song on Custom Built and ends this album on a pretty Hard Rockin’ note. Plus, Bret Michaels sounds pretty bad ass singing this song too. Riding Against The Wind is the album opener and it falls somewhere between Hard Rock and Hard Rock Country. It’s a song that lyrically flirts with some patriotism and flourishes with undeniable emotion and reflection. Yes, this song I would raise the horns in the air to with Rockin’ glee.

Lie To Me is the bona fide Hard Rock song on “Custom Built”. Hell yeah… this song is a heavy hitter. Bret Michaels made the right move in adding this song to the mix… plus a psyche-you-out mini guitar solo doesn’t hurt “Lie To Me” either. “Wasted Time” is a Hard Rock song that wastes no time in grabbing my attention. This Rocker leans more towards being a tough Power Ballad, as it sounds semi-raw with Bret Michaels adding a sandpapered tone to his vocals, to enhance it’s overall heavy appeal.

My recommendation is buy “Custom Built”, listen to the songs on it and celebrate a musician who loves music. This is an album of songs, regardless if I don’t happen to like any Club Mix or not, it’s a song too… a song for someone else. Bret Michaels isn’t going anywhere anytime soon… there is just too much Rock ‘N’ Roll, Hard Rock and Country in his veins and “Custom Built” proves it.

Track Listing For Bret Michaels – Custom Built:

Riding Against The Wind

Lie To Me

Nothing To Lose (Featuring Miley Cyrus)

Wasted Time

What I Got

Every Rose (Country version featuring Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down, Chris Cagle, Mark Wills)

Go That Far (Club Mix by Jason Miller of Godhead)

Driven (Rock Mix)

Open Road

Rock’n My Country

Nothing To Lose (Bret only demo)

I’d Die For You

Long Live Bret Michaels! Only… the Club Mix has to go.

Stone.

8 Comments »

CAVO “BRIGHT NIGHTS DARK DAYS” – ROCKS HARD WITH A MODERN EDGE

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Rock, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags bright nights dark days album review, cavo hard rock band, cavo my little secret song, cavo rock band, current hard rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock bands 2010, hard rock music, hard rock songs, melodic rock bands, melodic rock music, metal odyssey, modern rock music, Music, rock album reviews, rock music on July 7, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CAVO – Upon listening to the opening track, Champagne, one would be lent to believe CAVO is going to blast through Bright Nights Dark Days with reckless Hard Rock abandon. Um, wrong. CAVO does electrify with Champagne, this song is one to play at maximum potential and has all the ingredients to “pump-up” the party. This is the chart topping single that has catapulted CAVO into the Rock stratosphere of popular music, which also appeared on their 2008 EP aptly titled – Champagne. Only this is a band that delves deeper into an all around Modern Rock sound, allowing some thick maturity to seep forth from their music and lyrics. Bright Nights Dark Days is a thorough listen into what a Rock band can accomplish, when song writing and lyrics are looked upon conscientiously.

It’s always a grand achievement when a Rock band can show their different levels of Hard and Heavy sound, while not coming across as being too darn diversified for their own liking. CAVO has assembled 11 songs on their major label debut album that sincerely gives them a true Rock identity. I like to steer away from the Post-Grunge label that has been given to CAVO here and there… I’d rather label CAVO as a Rock/Hard Rock Band that mingles with a flare for Modern sound. In a sophisticated way. To simplify things, CAVO Rocks.

CAVO is not the second coming of CREED, nor are they a commercial/bubble gum ready band for the Nickelodeon Network. CAVO is already carving out their very own Rock legacy only one year in since their major record label debut. This band has grasped that fine balance between Rock’s mainstream accessibility and Hard Rock hallelujah, while making their songs sound and feel like the now. CAVO has obviously tasted and experienced quite a bit of success since this album has been released, with another huge hit – Let It Go being included on the soundtrack for – Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen. Let It Go is a powerful song, with it’s total Rock vibe and memorable chorus, I can understand why this song was picked for a blockbuster movie soundtrack.

I hear a genuine emotion that resonates from the vocals of Casey Walker. Casey Walker never comes across as pre-fabricated when he sings on this album, he comes across as really feeling the song’s respective musical and lyrical message. Cry Wolf and Ghost are two excellent examples of what I mean. Ghost is as personal a song can be lyrically and Casey Walker has a natural born talent to convey some moving emotion through his vocals. One listen to My Little Secret and it is quite clear as to how inspiring this lead vocalist sounds, taking a ballad that could have been turned into sappy city and instead Casey Walker makes this song a riveting listen.

Musically, CAVO comes across loud and clear as being one Rock solid unit. This is not a band that was born overnight, almost a decade in the making is CAVO. With numerous new Rock and Hard Rock Bands evolving within the last several years, it’s the bands that make quality songs and albums that stand out to my ears. CAVO should appeal to fans of Creed, of course, yet fans of Nickelback, Papa Roach, Pop Evil, Daughtry and even Saliva, (to name a few), should easily embrace their Rock & Hard Rock sound and songs. CAVO seems to be off to an incredible start with Bright Nights Dark Days, I honestly look forward to what this band delivers in the future.

* For more info on CAVO, you can freely click on the links below!

CAVO – MySpace Music Page

CAVO – Official Website

* Bright Nights Dark Days was released on August 11, 2009, on Reprise Records.

CAVO Are:

Casey Walker – vocals

Chris Hobbs – guitars

Brian Smith – bass

Chad LaRoy – drums

Track Listing For CAVO – Bright Nights Dark Days:

Champagne

Crash

Let It Go

Cry Wolf

Ghost

Blame

My Little Secret

Beautiful

We All Fall Down

Over Again

Useless

* Transformers Revenge Of The Fallen soundtrack was released on June 23, 2009 on Reprise Records. Let It Go by CAVO is track #3 on this soundtrack.

Stone.

CHEAP TRICK “WOKE UP WITH A MONSTER” – SPOTLIGHTING A STANDOUT 1990’S HARD ROCK ALBUM

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1970's rock bands, 1980's rock bands, 1990's hard rock albums, 1990's rock albums, 1994 rock albums, aor, cheap trick rock band, classic rock music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, melodic rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music legends, woke up with a monster album review on July 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CHEAP TRICK – Don’t be fooled by those “elitist” Rock magazine reviews on this prize of a Cheap Trick album called – Woke Up With A Monster. Past reviews from pathetic Rock Music publications, that can’t grasp great Rock ‘N’ Roll bands and their music, just make for incredible comedy. Why drop names here now… we fans know the politically biased Rock magazine I’m referring to. Woke Up With A Monster is a Hard Rock album from 1994 that glows bright amongst the glut of mid 1990’s Rock and Hard Rock album releases, which many seemed to stray away from having any semblance of Classic Rock influence all together.

Amidst competing with the popular Grunge movement of it’s time, Woke Up With A Monster pulsated then and radiates still, in 2010. With eleven songs that beat down the door of stagnant Rock Music and kicks it’s weak ass from sunrise to sundown, this is a Cheap Trick album that sets an example of just how to ROCK STEADY in the face of pop-cultural ignorance of the day.

Phew. That felt kinda gooood. Now, onto this outrageously infectious delight, that is Woke Up With A Monster. The very last song on this album grooves along with a Rockin’ melodic aura that makes me feel like… the album is over? Can’t be! This song is just too cool and it flows through my veins like Rock ‘N’ Roll oxygen! This last song I’m referring to is Love Me For A Minute. Rick Nielsen on guitar plays some crafty licks throughout Love Me For A Minute, giving this song it’s melodic driving appeal. Robin Zander sings this song like it’s the biggest Cheap Trick hit from their career too. A “wow” song that ends this album on a very, very, high note.

Now, if the last song on Woke Up With A Monster is this chewy delicious, just how good are the other songs? For all intents and Rock ‘N’ Roll purposes, the remaining ten songs are a listen and quick study in what Rock greatness is all about, when you don’t try to reinvent the F’n wheel. The song writing, the lyrics, the vocals, the all too irresistible Rock sound of Cheap Trick. Just like comfort food. Sounds so simplistic doesn’t it? If Rock ‘N’ Roll “focus” was a pre-requisite for Cheap Trick to carry on as a band for all these years, they certainly bestowed a monumental ton of it, while creating their 12th studio album, regardless if there was “outside” assistance in song writing.

Despite what may be “read” from “other” reviews on this album over the years… I just don’t buy into the notion that there is a Grunge sound on Woke Up With A Monster. Hell, my ears don’t even hear a hint of it. Even if the band members themselves were to tell me they veered towards a Grunge “feel”, I’m not listening. This is Cheap Trick and it’s as underrated an album as there can possibly ever exist. Metal be thy name.

As fickle and wavering the “general Rock listening public” was back in the mid ’90’s, Woke Up With A Monster did get released. It was during an era where the “flavor of the month club” was buying up whatever the “experts” on MTV and VH1 were hawking. Great Rock Music will always, (here comes the cliche’), stand the test of time. The songs on this Cheap Trick album should easily speak for themselves in 2010, with an almost bone chilling relevancy. Woke Up With A Monster, perhaps, is an album that was sixteen years ahead of it’s time. If you think that sounds far fetched… just listen to The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album and try to convince yourself it really was released in 1967.

From the onset, My Gang sets off the Rockin’ tone of this album with all the Cheap Trick familiarities that are so unique to this bands sound. From the tight as cousins rhythm section of Tom Petersson on bass and Bun E. Carlos on drums, to Robin Zanders’s Rock profound vocals, with Rick Nielsen’s song altering guitar play, Cheap Trick certainly walloped my senses with Woke Up With A Monster. The title track being my favorite song doesn’t distract me from the other ten. However, this title song gets more tasty to my ears each time I listen to it… even if I have lost count after all these years.

True and great Rock Music was never meant to be disposable… we’ll leave that disposable stuff to the Pop Bubble Gum Music world. My intent, in getting the word back out on Woke Up With A Monster is to rekindle past fans of this album and shake loose new fans that this Cheap Trick release exists. Regardless of any “out-of-print” or “unavailable” status for Woke Up With A Monster, the digital download world like itunes does exist for albums such as this.

* For more info on Cheap Trick, just click that fantastic link below:

Cheap Trick – Official Website

Cheap Trick Are:

Robin Zander – lead vocals

Rick Nielsen – guitars

Tom Petersson – 12 string bass

Bun E. Carlos – drums

Track Listing For Cheap Trick – Woke Up With A Monster:

My Gang

Woke Up With A Monster

You’re All I Wanna Do

Never Run Out Of Love

Didn’t Know I Had It

Ride The Pony

Girlfriends

Let Her Go

Tell Me Everything

Cry Baby

Love Me For A Minute

* Woke Up With A Monster was produced by Ted Templeman.

* Woke Up With A Monster was released in 1994, on Warner Bros. Records.

LONG LIVE CHEAP TRICK!

Stone.

22 Comments »

URIAH HEEP “HEAD FIRST” – 1983 HARD ROCKIN’ ALBUM FLASHBACK

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock guitarists, rock music with tags 1970's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock albums, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's heavy metal videos, 1980's melodic rock music, aor, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, progressive rock music, rock music, rock n' roll, uriah heep hard rock band, uriah heep head first album 1983 on July 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

URIAH HEEP – Back in 1983, Uriah Heep released their 15th studio album – Head First. Granted, this was not the original Classic Rock lineup of Uriah Heep. The sound and style of Uriah Heep had changed considerably as the ’70’s came to a close and the colorful ’80’s came reeling in. With the 1982 Uriah Heep album – Abominog ushering in a new lead vocalist in Peter Goalby, Head First would be the second of three albums that this vocalist would be fronting. (Equator from 1985 would be the third and last Uriah Heep album featuring Peter Goalby as lead vocalist). For comparison purposes, the class of Rock/Hard Rock vocalists that best fits alongside Peter Goalby are: Lou Gramm, (Foreigner), Kelly Hansen, (Foreigner/Hurricane) and Brian Howe, (Bad Company/Ted Nugent), to name just a few.

I consider Head First, to be a Hard Rock swirling with early ’80’s commercial Heavy Metal album. Head First is AOR for certain and is not lacking with melodic Rockin’ songs. This is not a blockbuster of a heavy album by any means. Instead, Head First is an album of songs that gives off some cool vibes… vibes that I still find appealing after all these years. My favorite song on this album is hands-down: The Other Side Of Midnight. When I first heard this song played on FM back in ’83, I was hooked. This song is very much a psyche-you-out listen, with it’s up-tempo and melodic Hard Rock sound.

In 1983, I was a junior trying to survive in High School and working part-time as a grocery store bagger and shopping cart gopher. The supermarket I worked at was named Finest… only there was nothing very fine about it. One cool aspect about working for this dingy and depressing supermarket was it’s next door neighbor store… Bradlees. This department store had a semi-impressive records & tapes department, so I used to spend most of my $20 – $30 paycheck there on music. I bought this Head First album there… only I don’t have it on vinyl anymore. (itunes cured my hankering for this album though).

Stay On Top and Sweet Talk are two other extremely melodic and accessible songs that probably made it to the FM airwaves way back then. I just can’t say for certain. Stay On Top is “kinda like” an anthem represented on Head First. This song has a bit of toughness about it… early ’80’s Heavy Rock toughness that is. Sweet Talk is dominated by the keyboards played by John Sinclair. It’s the keys that really makes Sweet Talk elevate with it’s pumped-up tempo and mood. During his musical career, John Sinclair was also the keyboardist for The Babys and Ozzy Osbourne.

Bob Daisley plays bass on Head First and is most famous for his Rock ‘N’ Roll stints with Rainbow and Ozzy Osbourne. Longtime Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake was on board for Head First. Lee Kerslake was also the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne’s 1980 debut album – Blizzard Of Ozz and 1981’s Diary Of A Madman.

Lonely Nights is the Bryan Adams cover song that Uriah Heep plays a bit heavier than the original. Not by much though. Lonely Nights is from the Bryan Adams 1981 sophomore release titled – You Want It You Got It. Both the Bryan Adams and Uriah Heep version of this song just screams with that early ’80’s Rock sound, feel and… may I add vibe? No, no, no… I HATE the word “dated”. It makes ME feel… um, uh… old. Regardless of my rhetorical nonsense here, Lonely Nights is undisputedly a very emotional and inspirational song, in my Metal opinion.

If there has ever been that #1 constant with Uriah Heep, since day one, it is lead guitarist Mick Box. A founding/original member of Uriah Heep, Mick Box seems to have quietly become a Rock legend in his own much deserving right. Ever since the 1970 Uriah Heep debut album – Very ‘eavy… Very ‘umble, Mick Box has been on lead guitar. Fast forward to 2008 and Uriah Heep have released their 21st studio album – Wake The Sleeper. Uriah Heep is still Rockin’ the lights out live in 2010 from what I have read and been told… a Rock historic band that I would love to see live sometime soon. Then, I could boast that I have seen Mick Box play guitar… in real time.

Classic Rock, 1980’s mainstream Heavy Metal & Hard Rock, Melodic Rock, Progressive Rock and AOR fans should take a keen liking to Head First from Uriah Heep. This is a band that stretches across quite a few Rock genres, both past and present.

* For more info on Uriah Heep, just click on the link below:

URIAH HEEP – THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

URIAH HEEP – MySpace Music Page

Uriah Heep, as they appeared on the Head First studio album:

Peter Goalby – lead vocals

Mick Box – guitar

John Sinclair – keyboards & backing vocals

Bob Daisley – bass

Lee Kerslake – drums, percussion

Original Track Listing For Uriah Heep – Head First:

The Other Side Of Midnight

Stay On Top

Lonely Nights

Sweet Talk

Love Is Blind

Roll-Overture

Red Lights

Rollin’ The Rock

Straight Through The Heart

Weekend Warriors

LONG LIVE URIAH HEEP!

40 years of Uriah Heep Rock ‘N’ Roll is something to celebrate.

Stone.

3 Comments »

4th Of July 2010 – Some Rock ‘N’ Roll Songs To Celebrate Independence Day!

Posted in american holidays, classic rock, classic rock music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, holidays, metal odyssey, Music, patriotic music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 4th of july 2010, america the beautiful, american holidays, classic rock music, classic rock songs, hard rock music, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, independence day 2010, metal odyssey, patriotic heavy metal music, patriotic music, patriotic rock music, patriotic rock songs, rock and roll, rock music, rock n' roll on July 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MANOWAR – Warriors Of The World (2002)

July 4th, 2010 – Independence Day: Happy Birthday U.S.A.! On July 4th, 1776, The United States of America declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, adopting the Declaration of Independence. What better way to celebrate July 4th, by listening to some patriotic Rock ‘N’ Roll songs that embody the spirit of America? Plus, I make no apologies to all of the Hollywood deadpans and political deadbeats that will be most offended by celebrating America, through song, on the 4th of July. For the rest of us Patriotic Americans out there… enjoy this list of songs that you might just crank up LOUD on this July 4th holiday!

Bruce Springsteen – Born In The U.S.A. (1984)

Grand Funk Railroad – We’re An American Band (1973)

The Charlie Daniels Band – In America (1980)

James Brown – Living In America (1985)

Helix – The Kids Are All Shakin’ (1985)

Kansas – Song For America (1975)

Billy Joel – Allentown (1982)

Ace Frehley – New York Groove (1978)

W.A.S.P. – Blind In Texas (1985)

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Stone.

5 Comments »

SERGEANT STEEL “LOVERS & MANIACS” – GOOD TIMES & CONTAGIOUS HARD ROCK DEBUT FROM AUSTRIA!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music, rock music news with tags classic rock, current hard rock bands, hair metal music, hammer of love music video, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock bands, hard rock from austria, hard rock music, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, international hard rock bands, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rock music, rock music news, sergeant steel hard rock band, sergeant steel lovers & maniacs album review on July 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SERGEANT STEEL – Yes Virginia, there is some kick ass Hard Rock being imported out of Austria and they are known as… Sergeant Steel. Sergeant Steel has released their debut album of Hard Rock blood, sweat and tears titled – Lovers & Maniacs, back on March 6, 2010. A young and talented band, invigorated to take on the world by Hard Rockin’ storm, while obviously having fun along the way is Sergeant Steel. Just one of their song titles – Taking The World By Storm, gives this fact away quite clearly. This song is a speed driven example of just how Heavy Sergeant Steel can play their Rock, plus showcasing that lead vocalist Phil Vanderkill can hit the high notes, with an influential nod to perhaps the Metal God himself, the legendary Rob Halford.

While Taking The World By Storm may be Lovers & Maniacs fastest, grittiest and Heaviest song, the remaining album is loaded with Hard Rock glory. My favorite song on this album is Hammer Of Love, (see and listen to the music video below!). Hammer Of Love embodies all things great about psyche-you-out Hard Rock, it’s melodic drive is noteworthy and was instantly memorable to my ears. I can hear and feel the contagious enthusiasm that Sergeant Steel has for their music throughout Lovers & Maniacs, especially on Hammer Of Love. If this song alone does not put Sergeant Steel on the Hard Rock map, then Metal be thy name.

Guitarists Jack Power and Chuck Boom give Sergeant Steel a double dose of Old School licks, the leads and solo’s are aplenty and gives this debut album a head turning appeal. On the unforgettable anthem Chasing Love, the dual axe attack stands out and screams Arena style Hard Rock, big and bold, a sound and energy that is what Sergeant Steel is truly all about. Looking For An Angel is a feel-good song that Rocks so damn good, it very well could be bottled up, marketed and sold as an elixir to cure the F’n blues. On Looking For An Angel, the upbeat and spirited lyrics combined with it’s music makes it a Hard Rock hit, complete with a saxophone and backing vocals that really compliments this song’s style and mood.

Lovers & Maniacs shouldn’t become a Hard Rock album catalogued within the “best kept secrets” file of 2010. Instead, Sergeant Steel should be considered a Hard Rock newcomer that has released a can’t miss debut album of catchy songs, that remind me why Rock ‘N’ Roll was meant to be fun and illicit cool vibes. This is not a sound-alike band, your not going to be listening to a copy cat album with Lovers & Maniacs. You will hear, however, influences of Hard Rock’s glorious and time proven sound… which is down right dynamite to me. Sergeant Steel is yet another young band that gives me all the more confidence in our Hard Rock and Heavy Metal future. Let Heavy Music freedom ring!

Sergeant Steel makes it proudly known, (in the CD liner notes), that this is a band that shunned trigger drums and auto-tune programmes. Sergeant Steel, (within the liner notes), reveal their sincerity for the music they created, thus making for an honest album. I can appreciate Sergeant Steel’s Old School approach to recording, their Old School Hard Rock sound is a proven result of this.

Any fan of 1980’s Hard Rock and/or mainstream Heavy Metal should take a liking to Sergeant Steel. Old School isn’t checking out anytime soon and Sergeant Steel have submitted their registration to Rock with Lovers & Maniacs. This is a band that can only get better… and that is an incredible thought for they are a damn decent Hard Rock group now.

* Metal Odyssey gives Sergeant Steel – Lovers & Maniacs 4 out of 5 Metal Fists!

* Check out the music video for Hammer Of Love by clicking on the very cool box below! Just be well advised… one must crank up Hammer Of Love… LOUD!

* For more info on Sergeant Steel, just click on the links below:

SERGEANT STEEL – Official Website

Sergeant Steel – MySpace Music Page

SERGEANT STEEL ARE:

Phil Vanderkill – lead vocals

Jack Power – guitars, backing vocals

Chuck Boom – guitars, backing vocals

Cosy Cox – bass

Kevin King – drums, percussion

Ben Bateman – keyboards, piano

* Lovers & Maniacs produced by Jack Power

* Mastered by the legendary Beau Hill (Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Europe, Warrant, Ratt, Winger & more!)

Track Listing For Lovers & Maniacs:

Hammer Of Love

Chasing Love

Looking For An Angel

Still In Love

Taking The World By Storm

Seizin’ The Crown

Love Hurtz

High On Life

Miss U Tonite

Nuts Of Steel

Go Get ‘Em Sergeant Steel!

Stone.

6 Comments »

KOPEK “WHITE COLLAR LIES” – DEBUT ALBUM IS A PRESENT & FUTURE STANDOUT OF MODERN ROCK

Posted in alternative rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, modern rock music, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags album reviews, alternative rock albums 2010, alternative rock music, hard rock albums 2010, hard rock music, heavy metal music, kopek modern rock band, kopek white collar lies album review, love is dead music video, metal odyssey, modern rock bands 2010, modern rock music, modern rock songs 2010, Music, new modern rock albums, rock music, rock n' roll on June 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – Each era seems to have one, two or maybe three “new” Rock bands that illuminate with an unexpected specialness. Dublin Ireland’s Rockin’ trio named Kopek is special to my ears. It is 2010, and a whole new era of Rock ‘N’ Roll has just begun. Sure, my ears may have some Rock ‘N’ Roll mileage on them, only what I hear in the music from Kopek is Modern Rock that isn’t just shunning that dreadful and uninvited guest named the “status quo”… Kopek has obliterated it with their debut album – White Collar Lies.

The lyrics, song writing, musicianship and Modern Rock angst I hear on White Collar Lies, all points to the direction of Kopek one day becoming bigger than they could ever dream of being. As long as Kopek does not lose sight of keeping their music’s intentional and unintentional sound, feel and message within the parameters of soul and passion, all the while saturating it with pulsating modernism, they may very well be an iconic example of Rock influence in 2020. A momentary sigh of relief came upon me, after my very first listen through of White Collar Lies… there just isn’t any Pop accessibility happening in the music of Kopek. Thank God.

Certainly, the first single from White Collar Lies, Love Is Dead, most credibly will garner enough mainstream attention without a doubt. Once anyone unfamiliar with Kopek listens to Love Is Dead, they shall forever and always know who Kopek is. A personal and emotional Mod Rock march to psyche-out madness, may very well erupt in the streets, if Love Is Dead was played loud upon a giant metropolis. That would probably be a sight to see and doesn’t sound too far fetched, especially once Love Is Dead begins it’s Rockin’ and groovy Modern takeover of your soul.

If I was in charge of handing down the “first single” from White Collar Lies, it would be Cocaine Chest Pains. This opening track on Kopek’s debut not just establishes them as a refreshing and viable Mod Rock Band, this song let’s it be known that Kopek can Rock quite Hard. The song – White Collar Lies is a show stopper in and of itself. The lyrics are applaudable, with Kopek putting a spotlight of despicable shame on corporate greed and selfishness. Kopek plays music that makes me feel like I’m supposed to stand up and be counted, with a seasoned attitude of musicianship radiating from every note, from every song.

It is not difficult to find myself doing a semi-headbang to the Mod Rock of Kopek. Fever is a song that makes my Metalhead soul peek out the cracks and wonder what the hell is going on. Fever should, with it’s melodic foot stomping and Hard Rock influenced edginess, be another single embraced by the whole darn world too. Floridian is the up-tempo ballad that is highlighted by it’s ability to be melodic beyond belief. Inspiring melodies and just brazenly memorable is Floridian, making for guess what? Another potential single from this ultra-dynamic debut album called White Collar Lies.

The trio of Kopek play their instruments so well, it is almost too easy to succumb to, while letting my mind wander off to the lyrics, energy, spirit and mood that Kopek has created throughout White Collar Lies. In the end, the music on White Collar Lies… albeit Modern Rock dominate, still has flashes of Alternative, Rock and at times Hard Rock influences, dictating from beginning to end, that Kopek really can play like their lives depend on it. Lead vocalist Daniel Jordan may very well carry you off, into an excitingly edgy and engagingly powerful world of listening delight. There is a confident streak in Daniel’s vocals, that exhibits the strength in Kopek’s songs.

Kopek laid out their path of music for my ears to journey on, little did I know of the unexpected Rock ‘N’ Roll finds I would encounter along the way while listening to White Collar Lies. Let the uniqueness of Kopek’s Mod Rock blended with Hard edged crunchiness take your ears for a much overdue surprise of Rock newness. Believe me, once you’ve listened to White Collar Lies for yourself, you might very well be thinking this band is special as well.

* Just click on that groovy video box below, to watch and hear just how insanely cool the Kopek song – Love Is Dead from White Collar Lies is. Plus, this Kopek music video comes with Stone’s stamp of Rock ‘N’ Roll approval! Enjoy!

KOPEK ARE:

Daniel Jordan – lead vocals & guitar

Brad Kinsella – bass guitar

Shane Cooney – drums

Track Listing For KOPEK – White Collar Lies:

Cocaine Chest Pains

White Collar Lies

Fever

Love Is Dead

Floridian

Sub Human

The Easy Way (D.B. Cooper)

Bring It On Home

Love Sick Blues

Bigger Than Us All

Sin City

* For more info on KOPEK, just click on the link below:

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

* KOPEK – White Collar Lies – will have it’s U.S. release, digitally, on June 29, 2010. The physical release for White Collar Lies will be on September 14, 2010. Both digital and physical releases are on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Music Independent Network.

* White Collar Lies was produced by Glenn Herlihy and mixed by Tom Lord-Alge.

Stone.

15 Comments »

SCORPIONS AT M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 – THANK YOU SCORPS!!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, hard rock music, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news, scorpions heavy metal band, scorpions live, scorpions m3 rock festival 2010 on June 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCORPIONS – Last Saturday, June 19, 2010, I and Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale watched, sang along to and jumped for Metal joy as the ultra legendary Scorpions performed as the headliner, closing out a memorable day of Hard & Heavy Rock ‘N’ Roll, at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival in Columbia Maryland. Never once did I really dwell about the fact, that this is the Scorpions farewell tour. How could I? The Scorpions, for as long as they were on stage that night, made me feel as though the world around me was in unison with the Metal euphoria that I was experiencing. Sound sappy? Not to me… this was the Scorpions and I was finally seeing them, hearing them and experiencing their songs LIVE. O.k., I did dwell a little.

The Zoo and Big City Nights were two songs the Scorpions played at M3 that I shall never forget. Just the thunderous power from Paweł Mąciwoda’s bass and James Kottak’s drums as The Zoo began it’s Heavy Metal stomp, was an exhilarating feeling and sound to envelope my mind and ears! The power, the excitement, the LOUD Heavy Metal that exploded around me from this Scorpions performance is what I was anticipating and wishing for, weeks leading up to this M3 Rock Festival. To say I felt like a teenager again is an understatement. I did. So be it. It’s not a crime to feel so damn good from the music I am hearing, from a band I revere so highly, in an outdoor live setting like M3. Metal be thy name.

I don’t think I have ever, in my Metal life, sung along to Big City Nights as loud as I did that night at M3. Riveting. My body felt as if I was picked up and given wings to fly, while Big City Nights was being played by the Scorpions. After all these years, of listening to such incredibly classic songs like Blackout, I am finally seeing Klaus Meine on vocals with Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs on guitars… owning the stage. Klaus Meine explained his voice was a tad under the weather, in response to a fan close to the stage wanting him to sing louder. Klaus Meine explained to the thousands of fans that he was – “singing straight from the heart”. Yes, you were Klaus. I and Scott Coverdale were loud and proud lawn creatures for this M3 Rock Festival… and we both heard the great Klaus Meine just fine. Thank you Klaus Meine for giving it all you had that night… I’ll never forget hearing your voice sing live.

I have been ecstatic, blown away and wowed by the new Scorpions album – Sting In The Tail since it’s release day. Hearing the Scorpions play Raised On Rock… live… gave me more ostrich bumps up and down my arms than ever before, in my entire Metal life. If a song is so grand, so personally emotional to me, I can easily be driven to happy tears. Hearing Raised On Rock, played live by the Scorpions that M3 evening, brought me to those happy tears. Sound Sappy? Not to me… this was the Scorpions… F’n live.

Each time a song ended, Klaus Meine would thank the thousands of screaming Scorpions fans. Scott Coverdale still kids me now… and will never, ever, cease to kid me… that I shouted right back – “No, thank you Klaus”!! I could not help myself, I needed to thank Klaus Meine and the Scorpions for all the wonderful moments I spent alone as a teen… listening to their albums and songs for inspiration. Inspiration to get through another grueling day of high school. I was thanking this iconic band for all those wonderful moments, where I partied till dawn with their albums being played… Blackout, Animal Magnetism, In Trance, Savage Amusement and Love At First Sting… just to name more than a few. I was shouting back my “thank you’s” for being a band that my ten year old twin daughters and Rockin’ great wife think are the greatest too.

Seeing, hearing and being a part of the Scorpions live performance at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival was much more about the music, it was about saying goodbye. Saying goodbye to an old, good friend. Saying goodbye to knowing this important and Rock historic band, shall may never get near my neck of the woods again for a concert. Saying goodbye to knowing in three years, it’s over for the Scorpions as a band. Still, in my Metal heart, this night at M3 felt more like a celebration to me. A night to personally celebrate a live performance of the Scorpions and really feel their songs go through me.

I met and talked to a real cool dude this night at M3, he sat in a folding chair next to me on the lawn. A middle aged dude, very friendly and a knowledgeable Scorpions fan. A very loyal Scorpions fan too. You see, this dude checked himself out of a hospital, just before a major operation, with multiple fractures in his hip, just to see his favorite band play live… and bid farewell to them as well. I could see the pain in this dude’s face, yet the Scorpions made him feel no real pain that night… he stood up for the last two songs of their set with some help of his friends… and he sang along with his fists pumping in the air.

When the Scorpions finished their set, with the encore performance of Rock You Like A Hurricane, the celebration was nearing an end and reality began to set in. I fist pumped into the air, sang the lyrics to this ultra memorable song very loudly and felt my body jumping up and down… without my control. This is what Rock ‘N’ Roll is about. This is what the Scorpions are all about. This… is what a band that has meant so much to me, made me feel like that night at M3.

As Scott Coverdale and I made our long trek back to his air conditioned SUV, I felt both exhausted and wired, inspired and very hungry. Walking amongst the enormous crowd, I heard many fans speak of the Scorpions performance. Sure, there were plenty of fans wanting “their song” to be played that wasn’t. Not hearing “a certain Scorpions song” was never an issue for me that night at M3. This night was NOT the time to squabble about petty stuff like that. No sir. Just knowing I have a lifetime memory of seeing the Scorpions live on their farewell tour, seeing them play their hearts out on stage for us fans… that is what it’s really all about.

THANK YOU SCORPIONS, FOR A MEMORY OF A METAL LIFETIME.

I’ll miss ya’ Scorps.

Stone.

5 Comments »

RETROSPECT RECORDS – BRINGS BACK ’80’S AOR, HARD ROCK, METAL & DC STAR REISSUES!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal records, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags 1970's hard rock bands, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, aor, classic rock music, dc star hard rock band, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, independent record labels, m3 rock festival vendors, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, retrospect records at m3 rock festival, rock music, rock music festivals, rock music news on June 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

RETROSPECT RECORDS – While at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival, held in Columbia Maryland on June 19th, I took in most of, if not all the merch and vendor tables & booths. One vendor that I’m very glad to have met and purchased from at M3 is Retrospect Records. This is an independent record company that advertises themselves as “The Worlds Largest” Hard Rock, Metal, AOR Reissue Label. Retrospect Records began it’s journey into re-issuing the Hard Rock, AOR and Metal albums of ’80’s bands back in 2003.

Walking up upon the Retrospect Records booth was like finding Metal gold! The vast assortment of ’80’s Hard Rock, AOR and Metal Reissue CD’s that were conveniently laid out on tables was a Metal sight to behold. Plus, the Metal bonus was Retrospect Records was selling these CD’s at $5 (U.S.) each! Now… that is a festival bargain of Metal bargains. As Best Metal Buddy, Scott Coverdale and I stopped to stare at the CD’s for sale, that’s when I saw DC Star – The Best Of Record Classics. Whoa! This is a band I’ve been wanting to find on CD for a very, very, long time! I exclaimed, rather loudly… “DC Star”! Then, a courteous rep came towards me from behind the Retrospect Records booth.

I requested to buy this DC Star CD and the rep asked me – “you don’t want both DC Star CD’s”? I replied, “both”? Then, he pointed out to me, the second DC Star CD he had for sale… The Best Of DC Star Records Vol #2. Whoa again! Without hesitation, I told the rep, “I’ll take both”! For $10, (U.S. funds), I snagged 23 DC Star songs on two CD’s! It turned out, this cool rep happened to be the owner of Retrospect Records, Sam McCaslin. (The other owner is Lisa McCaslin).

Sam’s enthusiasm and knowledge for these enormously great genres of 1980’s Hard Rock & Metal was overflowing. Sam told both Scott Coverdale and myself, that he has tried to get DC Star to reunite for an M3 Rock Festival performance. Sam stated, the only thing standing in the way of a DC Star reunion, is that two key band members are not talking to each other. (I won’t drop the names of which two band members of DC Star they are. Metal Odyssey will never venture into the gossip world of Heavy Music, this is as much gossip as you will ever read on Metal Odyssey). Intriguing information Sam shared with us, nonetheless.

DC Star was enormously popular on the East Coast of the U.S. back in the late ’70’s into the mid ’80’s. The sound of DC Star can be best summed up as a raw and hard edged Styx, an early Loverboy on overdrive, mixed with some Sweet or The Sweet influence, if you will, to make a surface comparison. DC Star is Old School Hard Rock, flirting at times, with an accessible Heavy Metal sound and style. Extremely melodic is the Hard Rock of DC Star, with unreal memorable guitar licks aplenty.

DC Star’s lead vocalist Kenny Taylor was undisputedly a talent, this guy could sing with the best of his generation. Just a great band was DC Star, as solid of a band of blue collar musicians, as I’ve ever listened to. I really wish I could have seen them live years ago. Once in awhile, I’ll find some DC Star vinyl turn up during my Heavy Metal hunts… only now I have two “Best Of Volumes” of DC Star on CD!! It would be an ultra great happening, however, if DC Star did reunite for even next year’s M3 Rock Festival.

* Here is what the CD cover of DC Star – The Best Of Record Classics looks like:

* Here is what the CD cover of DC Star – The Best Of Records Vol #2 looks like:

Let me just add, the selection of Old School – 1980’s bands that Retrospect Records has to offer on CD is very impressive. Many, if not the majority of the ’80’s bands and/or titles on Retrospect Records are either hard to find or have never been released on CD until now. Many great underground bands from the ’80’s are to be found at Retrospect Records. Where else are you gonna find ’80’s Heavy Metal band – KRANK. How about Hammerhead? Or… Cleveland’s very own Hair Metal representative… Ginger Roxx from 1989? Just peruse through the online store of Retrospect Records and you shall find that the obscure and rare are all there.

Once you visit Retrospect Records website, you will see a cool logo that reads: RETROTHRASH RECORDS. There is a Metal bounty of Old School Thrash Bands out there, that would probably just love to have their albums reissued by Retrospect Records. Go get ’em Retrospect Records!

* To learn more about and/or purchase from Retrospect Records, just click on the link below:

RETROSPECT RECORDS

Here is the very cool Retrospect Records cap I bought at a fair price, at the M3 Rock Festival, from Retrospect Records owner Sam McCaslin:

I’ll have to admit, this cap feels very comfortable on my corn-dog head.

Stone.

5 Comments »

NELSON – A ROCKIN’ CLASS ACT AT THE 2010 M3 ROCK FESTIVAL

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, concerts, hair metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags 1950's rock and roll music, 1970's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock music, 1990's hard rock music, 2010 m3 rock festival experience, classic rock, classic rock music, hair metal music, hard rock music, metal odyssey, rock and roll, rock bands 2010, rock concerts 2010, rock music, rock music 2010, rock music festivals, rock music history, rock music news, rock n' roll on June 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NELSON – Ricky Nelson was a 1950’s Rock ‘N’ Roll – Pop sensation that reached #1 in 1957 with his debut album aptly titled – Ricky, on Imperial Records. Up until his untimely death in 1985, Ricky Nelson was without doubt, a successful Rock ‘N’ Roll singer and songwriter. I can remember spinning the 45 rpm of Ricky Nelson’s 1972 hit – Garden Party, when I was just a little kid. This 45 rpm was my late Mother’s and she let me listen to it unconditionally. For me, listening to Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers records as a little kid came long before I knew of KISS or Cheap Trick.

I’m old enough, (trust me), to remember watching and enjoying the re-runs of – The Adventures Of Ozzie And Harriet, after school. This was a light-hearted and innocent comedy series that starred Ricky Nelson, alongside his Mother, Harriet and his Father, Ozzie. Ricky Nelson was just a young boy when this show hit television in 1952, coming to a series end in 1966. Ricky’s older brother, David, also starred in this same television series. Black & white television ruled my house when I was a kid. Seeing re-runs in black & white made no difference to me then, nor does it make a difference to me now.

Whenever Ricky Nelson was on a television variety show performing back in the ’70’s, I would know. My mother would let it be known to all he was on. (The same thing would happen whenever Tom Jones or Jim Morrison and The Doors were on t.v. too). Memories… even if they are about television stars and early ’70’s flashbacks, the cool thing about it is these guys I’ve mentioned were/are about music and Rock Music history. Music always seemed to bring me and my family together while growing up as a kid, it excited us and made us feel happy.

Fast forward to the 2010 M3 Rock Festival… Ricky Nelson, Ozzie and Harriet would be proud. Ricky Nelson’s twin sons and Ozzie and Harriet’s grandsons known as Nelson, performed at the M3 Rock Festival, in Columbia, Maryland, with the upmost Rockin’ class. And I’m not foolin’ around when I say that.

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson can play Rock and Hard Rock with the best of them. Why do I state this? Nelson played alongside bands such as KIX, Winger, Cinderella, Vince Neil and the ultra iconic Scorpions at this M3 Rock Festival. Throw in the Metal fact, that Mark Slaughter, (of Slaughter fame), played guitar onstage, right alongside of Nelson at M3 and I’m not talking smack. Mark Slaughter has joined Nelson on their 20th Anniversary Tour. I have always and forever will be enamored by the vocals and music of Mark Slaughter.

Nelson put on one cool, feel-good, Rock ‘N’ Roll set. Matthew and Gunnar played many of their career’s best songs, making each one as melodically contagious as the other to my ears. Actually, Nelson could have easily played for another two hours and I would have gleefully stood in the thick, sticky and humid air to watch them. (Just as long as their set wouldn’t overlap the Scorpions, of course).

As I stood at M3, watching Nelson perform their set, I realized just how important Rock ‘N’ Roll roots truly are. Nelson is a third generation of musicians from their family. This is quite impressive, when you stop to think of how difficult it is to grasp success and hold onto it in the Rock Music world.

I’ve never claimed to be a wizard at taking live concert photos. Nonetheless, here is a photo I took of Mark Slaughter, while performing onstage (second stage) with Nelson at M3 2010. Mark Slaughter is on the far left with the yellow shirt.

Here is another photo (below) of Mark Slaughter onstage to the far left, alongside Nelson. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are seen in the center of stage.

When Nelson released their debut album, After The Rain, back in 1990 on Geffen Records, they were an MTV gold mine of musical talent, looks and personality. Twenty years later, Nelson is still Rockin’ out their songs, albeit with much shorter hair. If success in music is measured in the number of albums you sell or how often you walk the plastic red carpet in Hollywood, then so be it to the corporate money hounds. My idea of success is still being able to play your songs, better than ever, twenty years after the fact, with a blue collar touring ethic that Nelson bestows. Throw in the fact that I witnessed a patriotic and genuine band, that were conscientious of our U.S. troops abroad, making a point to dedicate their music to them on stage… at M3. Kudos to you, Nelson.

Nelson welcomed the fans to join them at the merchandise booth, upon completion of their set, extending an invitation to their fans, to shake hands and sign autographs at the merch booth. Kudos to you, Nelson, once again. Oh, yes… I did take advantage of the meet & greet invitation from Nelson. Not only were Matthew and Gunnar gracious about shaking hands and having their photo taken with me, (and with many, many other fans as well), they also happily signed the liner notes to their “Greatest Hits & Rarities” CD I purchased at the merch table. The photo Scott Coverdale took of me and Nelson below proves that Nelson is permanently in the Metal Odyssey camp.

Nelson looks like they could go another couple of sets here. I think I look a tad worn at this point, needless to say, I kept on Rockin’ and downin’ the cold brews. Metal be thy name. Yup.

I connected the dots by tracing the Nelson Rock ‘N’ Roll family tree at the beginning of this post for good reason. To hopefully let visitors to Metal Odyssey know, in abbreviated form, a musical background of where Matthew and Gunnar Nelson came from. It’s all relevant, the Nelson family television and music history. These two Rock ‘N’ Roll twins are musicians, that have honed their craft at delivering some very cool Rock and Hard Rock albums over the last twenty years. With their dedication to the music they play, as well as their thankfulness to their fans, while honoring our U.S. troops abroad on stage, only makes me say once again…

A ROCKIN’ CLASS ACT IS NELSON.

* For more info on Nelson, just click this link below:

NELSON KICKS ASS.COM – OFFICIAL WEBSITE!

Without the “Roots of Rock ‘N’ Roll” the M3 Rock Festival would never exist.

Stone.

12 Comments »

SCORPIONS “FACE THE HEAT” – AN UNDERRATED & CLASSIC 1993 ALBUM REVISITED!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, current heavy metal bands, face the heat album review, hard rock music, heavy metal album review, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, scorpions alien nation song, scorpions heavy metal band, scorpions hidden rockabilly track on June 23, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCORPIONS – Back on September 21, 1993, the Scorpions released Face the Heat on Mercury Records. This was studio album #12 from this beyond legendary Heavy Metal Band. On June 19, 2010, Best Metal Buddy, Scott Coverdale slid his Face the Heat CD into his Mercury SUV CD player… as we embarked on our journey to the 2010 M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland. Scott was not the least bit bashful at playing Face the Heat extremely LOUD on our ride and I was NOT complaining. This is one highly underrated Scorpions album, quite possibly due to it’s being released back in 1993… when Heavy Metal was supposed to be a hurtin’ and dried up genre and scene. (Yeah, right, whatever).

The opening track – Alien Nation, is one absolute powerful and thunderous listening experience of Scorpions Heavy Metal. The rhythm section alone is high octane/psyche-you-out detonation to the maximum level. Alien Nation is easily one of my favorite Scorpions songs ever recorded and I’m sure Scott feels the same way too. If there was to be that one Scorpions song that seemed to set the Metal tone on that ride to M3, it’s certainly Alien Nation. Metal be thy name can this song lift my mood to an unreal high.

Under The Same Sun is another standout song on Face the Heat. This song is a power ballad, one that is inspirational and yes… emotionally uplifting. The basic theme of this intelligent and melodic song is: if we all live under the same sun, then why can’t we all live as one? Yes, a philosophical question does rear it’s mighty ethical head from Under The Same Sun, only it is an almost magical thought to digest.

There is a hidden track at the end of Face the Heat and it does not appear until a few minutes after the CD comes to a close. One must keep the CD on play and not hit the stop button in order to hear this Rockabilly style song from the ever iconic Scorpions. Yes… it’s a Rockabilly song, taken from the mold of the historic and also legendary Queen and their classic song – Crazy Little Thing Called Love. When my ears first became introduced to this hidden track, it was around ten years ago, right around the time my twin daughters were born. I can actually recall that moment I first heard this song… it was as if I discovered a real gold nugget alongside a river bank! Truth be told, it only took me about seven years to discover this hidden track! I had owned Face the Heat since it’s year of release too, never knowing about the hidden track for so long. Gee Metal whiz.

Face the Heat proved to be a winner of a choice for Scott Coverdale to choose for our ride to the 2010 M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland. It was great to become reacquainted, once again, with a true classic of a Scorpions album. The overall heightened and Arena Style, Heavy Metal sound on Face the Heat is what makes it so memorable for me. This Scorpions album is not as “modernistic” as some “professional” reviews have alluded to over the many years since it’s release, in my Metal opinion.

If you have never listened to Face the Heat, I urge your doing so, especially if you are a new fan to the Scorpions. I am not endorsing Face the Heat as the greatest Scorpions album of all time, what I am endorsing here is a Scorpions album that should garner the attention and respect it so justifiably deserves. Any fan of Old School, 1980’s or 1990’s Heavy Metal should appreciate what the Scorpions created with Face the Heat – a quality album of melodic Heavy Metal songs. This CD is readily available just about everywhere online… from Best Buy to Amazon.

* Metal Odyssey Notes: This Face The Heat CD I have always owned, is an original American release pressing. Therefore, I do not know if this hidden track is found on any imported version or re-mastered re-release. I do not know the title of this hidden track, it is not found anywhere within the liner notes of Face the Heat, that I own. If anyone out there knows the title of this hidden track, please comment it!

Scorpions as they appeared on Face the Heat:

Klaus Meine – lead vocalist

Matthias Jabs – lead guitar & rhythm guitar

Rudolf Schenker – rhythm guitar, lead guitar & backing vocals

Ralph Rieckermann – bass

Herman Rarebell – drums & percussion

Track Listing for Scorpions – Face the Heat:

Alien Nation

No Pain No Gain

Someone To Touch

Under The Same Sun

Unholy Alliance

Woman

Hate To Be Nice

Taxman Woman

Ship Of Fools

Nightmare Avenue

Lonely Nights

Stone.

9 Comments »

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 PART I: THE STATE OF HEAVY MUSIC ACCORDING TO STONE

Posted in concerts, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock festivals, rock music with tags hair metal music, hard rock bands 2010, hard rock festivals, hard rock music, heavy metal bands 2010, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy music 2010, live heavy metal music, m3 rock festival 2010, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock concerts 2010, rock festivals, rock music, rock n' roll on June 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 – As I was a part of the many thousands of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans at this year’s M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland this past Saturday, I came upon a realization… that Heavy Music is alive and very F’n well in 2010. Fans from teens to Old School Metalheads were in attendance at this Heavy Music event and they were not at all bashful at letting their excitement be seen or heard. The excitement for music that moves them, grooves them and makes them all feel like one gigantic and united family. Music, regardless of genre, should and most often does, ignite and bring out the emotions in all of us. How thrilling and satisfying it was, to witness thousands of Heavy Music fans at the M3 Rock Festival, celebrating together, (very peacefully too I might add), some of the greatest songs and bands that time has not forgotten.

We are a rowdy and straight forward bunch, us Heavy Music fans. Yet our rowdiness comes with jubilant horns raised in the air, a handshake, a high five or a slap on the back to our fellow fan. While I was amongst the massive M3 Rock Festival crowd on June 19th, I shared stories, anecdotes and countless quips with what I thought were strangers. After a couple of days have passed since this memorable day in my Metal life, I’ve come to the realization… that these strangers were never really strangers at all. They were passionate and loyal Heavy Music fans, just like myself. We were all family on June 19th, at the M3 Rock Festival. A proud, loud, loyal and raucous family at that.

We all live during a time of war, economic instability and political mud slinging that engulfs the headline news each and every moment. For one day, thousands of Heavy Music fans along with more than a dozen bands and countless vendors, created a world where politicians could never bullshit with or dare enter without running away with their heads caught between their legs. A world where spending eight dollars on a cold beer brought a smile to my face. A world where thousands of us could escape to, away from the crap that our cable network news shoves down our throats continuously. A world where us Heavy Music fans proved once again to society, we did not come to conquer, burn and pillage a community that accepted us in. God Bless the world of Heavy Music and Columbia, Maryland.

As days, weeks and years shall go by, I’ll never forget this 2010 M3 Rock Festival. I shall never forget the bands I Rocked to, the evil humidity that enveloped the air, the beer that went down like candy water and my fellow Heavy Music fans as well. I was truly in my element at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival and so too were thousands of other fellow fans. The state of Heavy Music has never been more defiant, loud and resilient… the 2010 M3 Rock Festival proved this to me, both bands and fans. We are really one big happy and Heavy Music lovin’ family. Metal be thy name.

I will be writing a series of posts that feature this 2010 M3 Rock Festival in the days and most likely, weeks to come. There are many stories to still tell, from the bands to the vendors that made this day ROCK… for me.

STONE.

4 Comments »

ROCK MUSIC VINYL FLASHBACK: ALICE COOPER – “YOU AND ME” 45 RPM FROM 1977

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history with tags 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's classic rock music, alice cooper you and me 45 rpm, classic rock music, classic rock records, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal oddysey, Music, rock music, rock music history, rock music legends, rock music vinyl, rock music vocalists, rock n' roll on June 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER – While on one of my “usual” Rock ‘N’ Roll and Heavy Metal hunts, I found and purchased this vintage Alice Cooper 45 rpm of You And Me, released on Warner Bros. Records back in 1977. The above photo is the 45 rpm sleeve, while the photos below is the 45 rpm, (these are photos of the actual 45 rpm that I bought). The B Side of this 45 rpm is the song – It’s Hot Tonight. Both of these songs are from the Alice Cooper album – Lace And Whiskey, released back in 1977 on Warner Bros. Records. The asking price, for this piece of Alice Cooper vinyl history, set me back a whopping $1 in U.S. funds. Whoa.

This 45 rpm plays very well on my turntable, while the condition of the record sleeve is in very fine condition as well. An ultra worthy addition to my Alice Cooper collection for certain. This is Rock history, Alice Cooper history.

Both songs on this 45 rpm are classics, with You And Me being a mellow and acoustic ballad, while It’s Hot Tonight being the Hard Rock album opener to Lace And Whisky. The photo of Alice Cooper on the record sleeve above, is not the “usual” image of this Rock Horror living legend. I feel that is what makes this record sleeve so classic, that a more laid back Alice Cooper is shown. The song You And Me coupled with this photo of Alice Cooper, only proves there has always been more to this Rock Music icon than just full blown Hard Rock and Horror… in my Metal opinion.

* The producer for this Alice Cooper 45 rpm and the Lace And Whiskey album was the legendary Bob Ezrin.

* Alice Cooper performed You And Me on a 1978 episode of The Muppet Show.

Here is the A Side – You And Me:

Here is the B Side – It’s Hot Tonight:

Here is what the album cover looks like for Lace And Whisky:

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

7 Comments »

SCORPIONS – A METAL SPOTLIGHT ON THE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010!

Posted in classic rock music, concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, live rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1970's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal bands, classic rock music, hard rock music, heavy metal concerts 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal music, heavy metal music 2010, m3 rock festival 2010, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music festivals, rock music news, scorpions live on June 18, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SCORPIONS – There are those certain bands that just seem to feel like they are a part of your family. You know that type of band… for some, it’s The Beatles. For others, The Rolling Stones or maybe Elvis. Actually, I have a semi-long list of bands that feel like family to me… and the Beatles and the Scorpions are on it. The Scorpions are a Heavy Metal Band that I grew up with, followed and purchased their album’s either on cassette, vinyl or CD. One can easily take for granted that a band or particular musician shall live forever and continue to make music and tour. Such is not the case though. (Ronnie James Dio passing away is a reality check that I have learned from). With the Scorpions embarking on their three year farewell tour, the M3 Rock Festival, on June 19th, 2010, in Columbia, Maryland, is one of those many dates this ultra legendary band will be performing live.

As I mentioned in my previous post, (Cinderella), I will be at this M3 Rock Festival, accompanied By Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale. Rob Rockitt from Hard Rock Hideout and Ryo Vie from The Rock and Roll Guru will be attending this event as well and I look forward to catching up with both of them. With the Scorpions headlining, (of course), it will be a day of incredible Metal anticipation for me. I feel very fortunate to be able to witness not just Heavy Metal history once the Scorpions hit the stage that night… it will be Rock Music history too.

Fellow Metalheads know, it isn’t easy to find the mainstream handing out praise or awards to legitimate/credible Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Bands. No sir, not since I can remember. The Scorpions are above any mainstream silly awards or plastic trophies. I truly hope the Scorpions know, that it is their loyal fans, crossing generations, that are the true reward for them… not some silly gold plated phonograph, on a cheap aluminum base, that’s handed out by the corporate Grammy’s.

No corporate minded Rock and Roll Hall of Fame could even grasp, what the Scorpions mean to their fans. Nor could this plastic and turtle neck wearing (bored) board of directors, at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, understand what it means to have a band such as the Scorpions, affect one’s life in such a positive and inspiring way like they have for me. The Scorpions never entered any damned popularity contest, nor did they ever record a Pop single for some watered and dumbed down, corporate Disney soundtrack. Thus, that clownish establishment in Cleveland, Ohio is obviously not interested in enshrining the Scorpions… why should they when there are (gulp) bands like ABBA out there who are more “Rock” worthy? Chuckle, chuckle. Ahem. What the Scorpions have done, spanning decades, is create a sound and style of music that is unique unto them and throughout the Rock world and not to be duplicated by any other band in the slightest. Call it what you like… in the end, it’s Scorpions music. Hard, Heavy, melodic, emotional, influential and memorable.

The Scorpions never sold out or compromised… not to my Metal ears, over the years. And NO, the Scorpions never pranced around Hollywood, rubbing elbows with elitists, lobbying day and night that they are the greatest thing to electrify Metal Music, to gain artificial passage or acceptance into a Hall of Shame. A #1 album? Who gives a rats butt about #1 albums. A wise man once told me… it’s lonely at the top. Consistency and quality, with undeniable integrity in their albums, is what the Scorpions have represented and still do. What this incredible band has done for Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal is realistically, immeasurable. Yes, I am a Scorpions fan… Metal be thy name.

* You can catch up on more Scorpions info by clicking the link below:

SCORPIONS – Official Website

* You can find out more about the M3 Rock Festival 2010 by clicking the link below:

M3 Rock Festival 2010

* If you have been cool enough to read thus far, you can check out my album review for the new Scorpions album – Sting In The Tail. Just click on the gigantic header below:

SCORPIONS – “STING IN THE TAIL” DELIVERS THE ANTIDOTE OF HEAVY METAL EUPHORIA!

LONG LIVE SCORPIONS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

CINDERELLA – A METAL SPOTLIGHT ON THE M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's hard rock bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal songs, cinderella heavy metal band, hard rock concerts 2010, hard rock music, heavy metal concerts 2010, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, m3 rock festival 2010, metal odyssey, Music, rock festivals, rock music, rock music legends, rock music news on June 17, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CINDERELLA – Since their 1986 debut album – Night Songs, I have been a fan of Cinderella. Be it Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal or good ol’ Heavy Metal… Cinderella can play it extremely well and with a classy touch of the Blues. Cinderella is slated for performing at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival, in Columbia, Maryland, on June 19th. Their set time is from 7:40 – 8:40 pm on the Pavilion Stage. They are the last band on the Pavilion Stage to perform before… the ultra legendary Scorpions headline and close out the night!!! I’M THERE! I literally am counting down the hours to this cool festival of Hard Rock ‘N’ Roll and so is my Best Metal Buddy… Scott Coverdale. This will be the third time I will have seen Cinderella live and it has been quite a few years since I’ve seen them last.

To pick my favorite Cinderella album, (there are four studio albums in all), is really not that easy. Metal truth be told, each Cinderella album is uniquely great, in it’s total Rockin’ totality. There is that one Cinderella album, however, that I turn to more often to listen to… Heartbreak Station from 1990. Bluesy, Hard Hittin’, American Rock ‘N’ Roll at it’s finest is the best way to sum up Heartbreak Station. My favorite song from this album is Shelter Me. Man, if there ever was a song that justifies why Cinderella is as genuine as a freshly minted and non-circulated, gold dollar coin… it’s this one. The lyrics of Shelter Me resonate with strong relevance, a song that can surely be adapted to today’s nightly news bull crap. Plus, Cinderella took a fine swipe at the censorship machine known as the PMRC within the lyrics of Shelter Me as well, which makes me very proud as a fan.

The More Things Change is another example of lyrical relevance, coupled with Bluesy Hard Rock excellence. This song opens up Heartbreak Station and truly signaled that Cinderella was more than just merely an inappropriately tagged – Hair Metal Band. For anyone to pigeonhole Cinderella into just the Hair Metal genre is nonsensical… this is an American Rock ‘N’ Roll Band that has proven their Rock diversity through four studio albums, the proof is in their music. Throw in a clear fact that Cinderella has not released a studio album since 1994’s Still Climbing, all the while maintaining a level of popularity that puts them second to the Scorpions on the M3 Rock Festival bill and the word impressive comes to mind.

Cinderella is a perfect example of quality and talent over quantity… their four studio albums hold up against the sands of time. The songs on these Cinderella albums are not just fad infused… these songs were and still are Hard Rockin’ genius. The word relevance keeps popping up as I write this, only it is so applicable to Cinderella. One of the items on my Metal wish list, is for Cinderella to make another studio album sometime soon. Then again, I’m just psyched this great band is still around and still touring, affording me the opportunity to see them live once again at M3!

* Heartbreak Station was released in 1990, on Mercury Records.

Track Listing For Cinderella – Heartbreak Station:

The More Things Change

Love’s Got Me Doin’ Time

Shelter Me

Heartbreak Station

Sick For The Cure

One For Rock & Roll

Dead Man’s Road

Make Your Own Way

Electric Love

Love Gone Bad

Winds Of Change

* Cinderella NOW and as they appeared on Heartbreak Station:

Tom Keifer – lead vocals, guitar, piano

Eric Brittingham – bass

Jeff LaBar – guitar

Fred Coury – drums, percussion, backing vocals

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

CINDERELLA – Official Website

* For more info on the M3 Rock Festival 2010, just click the link below:

M3 Rock Festival 2010

LONG LIVE CINDERELLA!

Stone.

4 Comments »

DIO “INTERMISSION” – LIVE ALBUM FROM 1986 IS A METAL MUST!

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags 1980's heavy metal albums, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's heavy metal songs, dio heavy metal band, dio intermission album review, hard rock music, heavy metal history, heavy metal legends, heavy metal vocalists, live heavy metal albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school heavy metal, rock music, ronnie james dio on June 14, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DIO – Released in June of 1986, DIO – Intermission has always been a favorable listen for me. The lone studio track, Time To Burn is a major reason why I bought Intermission so many years ago. This song just stuck to me instantly, from the very first time I heard it on either WCCC FM or WHCN FM out of Hartford, Connecticut. The combination of the melodic hardness and lyrics of Time To Burn just never seems to dull on my Metal senses. I still get the same ostrich bumps on my arms and face when I listen to this song today. Metal be thy name. The only difference between now and then, while listening to this vintage DIO song, is that at this point in my Metal life… I don’t feel I have that much “Time To Burn” anymore.

Back in 1986, there was no such thing as itunes, so buying just the song Time To Burn was not an option for me. Buying a song or two like we do today, at any time of the day, with the click of a computer mouse, was pure Science Fiction back then. Of course I wanted the entire song package that Intermission bestowed, as of 1986 there was no official live DIO title until this album was released. Furthermore, I, like so many millions of other DIO fans, was riding the wave of incredible album releases by DIO during those early to mid 80’s… 1983’s Holy Diver, 1984’s The Last In Line and 1985’s Sacred Heart were a triple dose of Heavy Metal ecstasy and still are!

In Metal truth, Intermission can easily be referred to as an EP, with only six songs. Five of the songs are live, with of course Time To Burn being the studio track. Track five is a live medley of three songs – Rock ‘N’ Roll Children, Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain. Adding two classic Rainbow songs into the live mix, with Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll and Man On The Silver Mountain was a brilliantly cool idea from Ronnie James Dio, in my Metal opinion. These two Rainbow songs were and forever will be synonymous with Ronnie James Dio.

The overall sound quality of the live songs are well above average, you won’t be listening to a bootleg when it comes to quality. Intermission will never go down in Metal history as the greatest live album… still it is an excellent live DIO album that is a must for new fans. Old School DIO and Heavy Metal fans should already be familiar with Intermission, embracing it as much as I do could differ from one fan to the next. Ronnie James Dio left us fans with an incredible and unparalleled catalog of music. Intermission is a DIO album that captured a moment in time and is too good to ignore.

Intermission is still readily available at nearly every online music retailer, plus it sells for well under ten dollars, (U.S.), in both new and used condition. I’ve also seen Intermission on vinyl, selling in the ten dollar, (U.S.), range for both new and used condition. Adding this DIO album to your DIO or Heavy Metal Music collection is a smart Metal move… who knows for how much longer it will be in print?

Track Listing For DIO – Intermission:

King Of Rock And Roll

Rainbow In The Dark

Sacred Heart

Time To Burn (Studio Track)

Rock ‘N’ Roll Children/Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll/Man On The Silver Mountain (Medley)

We Rock

* DIO – Intermission was originally released on Warner Bros. Records in North America.

The musicians of DIO, as heard on Intermission:

Ronnie James Dio – vocals

Vivian Campbell – guitar

Jimmy Bain – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

Claude Schnell – keyboards

Craig Goldy – guitar on Time To Burn (studio track)

* Craig Goldy has been the guitarist for: Rough Cutt, Giuffria and Craig Goldy’s Ritual.

* Intermission was the official introduction of Craig Goldy as the guitarist for DIO, replacing Vivian Campbell.

* Craig Goldy is the guitarist on DIO’s studio albums: Dream Evil (1987), Magica (2000) and Master Of The Moon (2004).

* You can check out more info on Craig Goldy by clicking on the link below:

CRAIG GOLDY – MySpace Music Page

* After leaving DIO, Vivian Campbell joined Whitesnake in 1987 for their World Tour, through 1988. Vivian Campbell went on to play guitar on Lou Gramm’s 1989 solo album – Long Hard Look. He also played guitar for Riverdogs and Shadow King before joining Def Leppard in 1993. The Def Leppard album from 1993, Retro Active, was Vivian Campbell’s first appearance as guitarist with them.

Stone.

5 Comments »

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