Archive for the rock ‘n’ roll Category

Newer Entries »

KISS – FIGURINES BOX SET I ADDED TO MY KISS COLLECTION!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – It was a cold, dark and dank night this past Winter, when the family and I realized we had a very low supply of food and necessities to keep us alive. So, when a family of four knows they need  the essentials to keep the cupboards and fridge stocked… a grocery store trip soon follows. Hello, Super Walmart. We took our sweet time inspecting and deliberating our vast grocery choices that Winter’s night. And why not? Once in awhile in life, a family of four has to stop to smell the groceries… you know?

Our grocery shopping experience was drawing to a close as we positioned ourselves and shopping cart into a check-out line, when all of a sudden, I hear my two daughters exclaim… KISS! Well, that word is Metal Music to my ears. Knowing that Walmart had some KISS merchandise hidden about the Super Store only made me all the more Metal giddy. My head turned to my daughters, then I saw my wonderful wife holding the most gorgeous KISS surprise! Check out the pics below… this is what the KISS figurine box set that I own looks like, both front and back!

Front:

The front of this box shows graphics that are slightly different from other retail store chains that carried this KISS “Super Stars” box set. This KISS box set was released in late 2009, when the KISS album Sonic Boom hit the shelves at Walmart. (I still have to take the price sticker off, located at the top right corner on box front).

Back:

(Photo’s and cropping of these KISS images were done by my graphic design guru wife and I thank her with a million Metal hugs!)

Apparently, when I had my head turned, my wife went into the trading card aisle of this Super Walmart… that is where this unreal cool KISS figurine box set was hiding. The price you might ponder? $20 (U.S.) is what it cost for a terrific piece of KISSTORY. If anyone thinks that is too pricey for this KISS gem, just think about the billions of dollars that BP is throwing away each day in the Gulf Coast. An alarming Metal perspective it is… a real Metal reality check I might add too.

Well, enough with BP… on with my KISS figurine story. I had a smile on my face like the Chesire Cat as I gazed at this KISS memorabilia. Guiding it from my wife’s hands onto the check-out conveyor was crucial… this was one item that could not be plopped down on top of the frozen foods. As this KISS box set made it’s way down the conveyor, I made certain no other item banged into it. Now, the next crucial step was getting it past the cashier’s hands without there being a mishap. The cashier that Winter’s evening was courteous and diligent in her handling of my KISS bounty. She deftly placed this KISS box set into it’s very own Walmart shopping bag too. Score!

With our shopping cart very much filled, (again, we really needed a major grocery order), I made certain that the bag containing my KISS booty was delicately placed on top of all the other bags. As we made our way out of this Super Walmart, concern quickly came over me… is it snowing? Could there be, (gasp), freezing rain? The last thing I needed was inclement weather descending upon my KISS box set, regardless if a paper-thin, plastic shopping bag was covering it. As we approached the exit doors, I noticed there was some very minor precipitation falling from the Winter sky… a very light snow. It was not enough however, to cause any Metal alarm or damage to my new found KISS item.

Placement of the bag, that contained this KISS box set, within the car’s trunk was critical. I could not afford another shopping bag the opportunity to fall or even lean against the KISS box set. No Metal way. My Metal mission was accomplished… the drive home proved a success with no bags moving about in the car’s trunk! Getting my new piece of KISSTORY into the house was now a piece of Metal cake. All of my corn dog worrying about transporting this KISS item from my beautiful wife’s hands at Super Walmart to our house was over. Phew. I have this KISS figurine box set on display now… in my Rock ‘N’ Roll room of course.

I truly thank my wife and daughters for scoping out KISS memorabilia at Super Walmart that Winter’s night… they are the heart, soul and light of my life.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

10 Comments »

GARY MOORE “AFTER THE WAR” – A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY HITTING GEM FROM 1989

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

GARY MOORE – With twenty studio albums and five live albums to his legendary music credit, Gary Moore has played it all. From Rock to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal to Blues, Gary Moore’s name is synonymous with guitar icon. One of my favorite Gary Moore albums is After The War, which was released back on January 25, 1989 on Virgin Records. After The War is a Hard Rock album and can be easily considered Heavy Metal, due to Gary Moore’s guitar style that he so effortlessly displays. I have always been enamored by Gary Moore’s guitar and his vocals, both are showcased in a grand way on After The War.

Anytime I listen to After The War, it is like turning the key on the ignition and letting these songs take me for a terrific Hard Rockin’ ride. Never does Gary Moore ever lose me while he plays guitar. He is just one of those elite musicians that can make his guitar sing with emotion. In my Metal opinion, Gary Moore has that unique, unintended ability to have me listen more to his guitar playing than his vocals. That is not an insult, it is a significant reality that occurs to my ears and Gary Moore can sing with the best of them.

* As I continue on reviewing After The War, please bear in mind it is the cassette release from 1989 that I am referring to. This is the only version I have owned all of these years. Any regular visitor to Metal Odyssey knows of my never fading fondness for the cassette. I’ve taken care of my cassettes over the years and they have taken care of me. Metal be thy name.

The song opener After The War, is melodic filled, with strong vocals, backing vocals and guitar licks aplenty from Gary Moore. Keyboards play an important atmospheric role throughout this song and entire album, courtesy of Andy Richards and Don Airey. Speak For Yourself is a Heavy Metal song that is standout. Gary Moore makes it all the more Heavy with a mid-song solo that scorches. A fast tempo and loaded with attitude from Gary Moore’s vocals, Speak For Yourself just has that extra crunch I like to hear.

Livin’ On Dreams is yet another standout song, and there are quite a few like this on After The War. Very harmonious backing vocals that compliment Gary Moore’s more spirited vocals are what makes Livin’ On Dreams come across as inspiring. A melodic, Hard Rock listen that is an Old School treat, due to it’s sing-a-long vibe. The Messiah Will Come Again is an instrumental that proves why Gary Moore plays from his heart and Rock ‘N’ Roll soul. The tonal emotion that spills over from his guitar playing, has me staring into space in sheer Metal wonderment, each and every time I listen to this song over the years. With Gary Moore’s touch and feel for the Blues, The Messiah Will Come Again needs to be heard by any and every guitar aficionado the world over.

The accompaniment of musicians that surround Gary Moore on After The War is top tier talent. Step in, Ozzy Osbourne please. On Led Clones, Ozzy is the lead vocalist and he sounds vintage and great. Led Clones is saturated with keyboards, written in such a manner where these keyboards are an audible necessity. The programming of strings and utilizing them in Led Clones really accentuates this song’s subjectivity. This song is about the many bands back in the 1980’s that tried to “copycat” the sound and brilliance of the legendary Led Zeppelin.

Running From The Storm is an excellent song, with it’s pent up heaviness and deliriously melodic sound. It’s as if each musician assembled here brought their A game to this song. Gary Moore just embellishes Running From The Storm with his trademark leads and a potent solo for good measure. Ready For Love is the commercial/mainstream Hard Rocker that makes me feel F’n damn good from head to F’n toe. If Gary Moore’s vocals and guitar doesn’t grab you on this flavorful song, then something is dreadfully wrong. The rhythm section is tight and grooves, keeping the  tempo consistently upbeat and steady. Ready For Love is very relevant to what 2010 Hard Rock and mainstream Heavy Metal is about. What am I saying… this entire After The War album is extremely relevant to the now.

* Check out the music video below – Ready For Love, from 1989! Crank it up LOUD!!

The Musicians On After The War:

Gary Moore – lead vocals & guitar

Andy Richards – keyboards/Fairlight Programming

Don Airey – keyboards

Simon Phillips – drums

Charlie Morgan – drums

Steve Piggot – sequencer bass

Laurence Cottle – Wal Bass

Andrew Eldritch, Chris Thompson, Sam Brown, Miriam Stockley – backing vocals

* Ozzy Osbourne contributes backing vocals on Speak For Yourself.

* Metal Odyssey note: the track listing below is for the cassette release from 1989.

Track Listing For After The War:

Side One:

After The War

Speak For Yourself

Livin’ On Dreams

Led Clones

The Messiah Will Come Again

Side Two:

Running From The Storm

This Thing Called Love

Ready For Love

Blood Of Emeralds

Dunluce

LONG LIVE GARY MOORE & HIS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

11 Comments »

ALICE COOPER “CONSTRICTOR” – 1986 ALBUM REVISITED!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, 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, horror metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER – Constrictor was released on September 22, 1986, on MCA Records. Constrictor was the ninth studio album representing the “solo” career of Alice Cooper. This was the album that marked the return of Alice Cooper, (The Nightmare Returns Tour soon began). A three year “retirement” of sorts had begun since Alice Cooper’s 1983 studio album – DaDa. This Constrictor album changed all of that “retirement” thinking… Alice Cooper was really back, on MTV and even at WrestleMania III on March 29, 1987.

Alice Cooper was in the corner of Jake “The Snake” Roberts as he squared against The Honky Tonk Man during WrestleMania III. I can remember watching this all unfold, seeing Alice Cooper in the ring, thinking to myself… man, Alice Cooper could kick some ass right now! (Honestly, I used to think Pro Wrestling was real… the WWF kind that is). I had bought tickets to WrestleMania III with my cousins, only it was tickets for the then extremely popular – closed circuit television at a large theatre.

Ah, Metal… I mean, WrestleMania memories. Now, back to this Constrictor album:

The Constrictor album cover itself is vintage Alice Cooper, shock and horror imagery really goes hand in hand with this Rock ‘N’ Roll icon. Aw, heck, compare this album cover to most Grindcore, Death and Black Metal album covers and you are looking at the age of innocence, with Alice Cooper’s neck and face being the fixture for this boa constrictor. I do love this album cover… it’s the persona and image of what Alice Cooper conveys as a performer.

The most commercial and late 80’s accessible Hard Rock song on this album is without a doubt – He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask). This keyboard dominated song was also a major song for the movie soundtrack – Friday The 13th Part Vl: Jason Lives. With all of it’s open air silliness, I still like this song. It’s different. Very different. Let’s face it, this song was written and recorded for a purpose, to promote both a major slasher film franchise and Alice Cooper as well. When the Metal goal is to intentionally make a commercial song such as this, (which is obvious), then I’m agreeable.

The Great American Success Story is another mainstream blast of Hard Rock, which teeters on Pop Metal by way of 1986. The Arena style guitar takes the upper hand in making this song navigate through it’s friendly swirl of lyrics and melodic undertaking. Even Alice Cooper himself sounds more amicable than formidable on The Great American Success Story.

Life And Death Of The Party takes a more harder and heavier turn for the Metal better. Alice Cooper even has a semi-sinister delivery with his vocals, a characteristic that is essential to his voice and persona. The more sinister Alice Cooper gets… the better. Thrill My Gorilla can either be construed as tongue-in-cheek or just plain Hard Rockin’ fun, take your Metal pick. This song can only work for Alice Cooper back in 1986… this song in 2010 would go down as ? and in 1978 this song would have been ? as well. Really, c’mon, it’s the Metal truth.

Give It Up, with it’s “Give It Up” chorus and open door friendly ambiance, was tailor made for a late ’80’s motion picture soundtrack about teens in love. The mid to late ’80’s was oozing with these type of flicks… and songs like Give It Up were all over them. There is nothing wrong with it’s appeal, plus it really does “fit” into this mainstream bag o’ tricks that Constrictor musically advertises.

Teenage Frankenstein… what more can be said than that? At first glance, this song title appears as one a Punk Rock novice might expect to find… on an early Misfits album. Alas, this song is actually the opening track on Constrictor. The lyrical rhyming coupled with Alice Cooper’s very slick vocals, makes this song actually work it’s Hard Rock wonder with me. Metal be thy name.

Once again, I am convinced that fun lyrical content can coexist in Heavy Music… Alice Cooper has proven this with Constrictor. The front cover of Constrictor may lead one to believe it’s a much heavier and darker album than it really is. What this album exchanges for heaviness, it makes up for with it’s good time 80’s feel and attitude. I’ve owned Constrictor for a very long time, upgraded it to CD without thinking twice, in all Metal honesty.

Sometimes it’s the atmosphere of an album of songs that mesmerizes me so. This Alice Cooper album is a fine example of that. I don’t feel a hint of hesitation in recommending this album to any fan of Classic Rock, Hard Rock or 80’s Heavy Metal. Constrictor is a mirror image of it’s pop cultural backdrop of 1986… lot’s of flash, swagger and accessible songs that one can crank up loud, in a church parking lot, without getting hit by lightning.

The Band Behind – Constrictor:

Alice – vocals

Kane Roberts – guitars, bass, keyboards, background vocals, drums

David Rosenberg – drums

Donnie Kisselbach – bass guitar

Kip Wringer – bass guitar

Paul Delph – keyboards, background vocals on “He’s Back”

Tom Kelly – background vocals on “He’s Back”

Beau Hill – background vocals

Track Listing For Alice Cooper – Constrictor:

Teenage Frankenstein

Give It Up

Thrill My Gorilla

Life And Death Of The Party

Simple Disobediance

The World Needs Guts

Trick Bag

Crawlin’

The Great American Success Story

He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)

* Here is what the WrestleMania III promo poster looks like:

When I was a young lad, I witnessed both Andre The Giant and Hulk Hogan wrestle live. It was in my old High School Gym too. (This was way before the WWF became super enormous, long before the WWF changed to the WWE). Andre The Giant was an incredibly large human being and Hulk Hogan… he had muscles growing out of his eyeballs for Metal sakes.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

9 Comments »

ALICE COOPER “LIVE AT TORONTO” – INDIE LABEL CD FOR DIEHARD FANS ONLY

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, 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 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here is an offbeat Alice Cooper CD I found while moseying around a flea market in Quakertown, Pennsylvania recently – Live At Toronto. The exact year this Toronto concert was recorded is a Metal mystery to me, the info just does not exist within the liner notes… for there are no liner notes with this CD! The back of this CD does show the track listing, the usual record company info and a photo credit. Classic Sound, Inc. is the record company/distributor and the front cover photo of Alice Cooper is dated – 1993. I’ve seen this same CD available at Amazon.com, with sellers listing the starting price as low as 2 cents! (Must be Ebay sellers). As you shall read further, this Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD is for diehard fans only… for those fans who absolutely, must have every album/CD title out there, of this ultra Rock legend.

With no real liner notes, it is not definite as to who the musicians are backing up Alice Cooper. I would not want to make any guesses without having credible information regarding who exactly played on stage, with Alice Cooper for this recording. My Metal research has turned up nothing, in regards to this CD, other than the “basic” info that I am mentioning in this post. The overall sound quality of Live At Toronto is not going to blow anyone away… it does not impress me at all. The song selection does not contain Alice Cooper’s standout hits, nor even any standout deep album cuts from the Alice Cooper catalog. Listening to Live At Toronto gives my ears the impression that this was a concert in a smaller venue, not an Arena.

It’s really a shame, this live CD could be quite a vintage and Rock solid listen, if only some qualified sound engineer did some tweaking where necessary. There are many moments throughout, where I swear I’m listening to a 45 rpm being played as a 33 1/3 rpm… no kidding. Classic Rock should never be recorded to sound so old. I’ll say this many times though… this is NOT the great Alice Cooper’s fault. Alice Cooper cannot be held accountable for some indie label messing up with one of his concert recording’s and trying to cash in on his legendary and  Classic Rock.

There is a silent break between each song, so the continuity of the “live” concert experience is non-existent. Alice Cooper is not caught live talking it up to the crowd, nor are there any memorable moments that would make me want to recommend this CD to new fans of Alice Cooper. My best Metal advice is stick to the main titles of Alice Cooper, on the major labels. Sometimes these offbeat and indie labels that release live CD’s are not privy to quality standards in live recordings. My disappointment after listening to Live At Toronto is again, not any fault of Alice Cooper, it is obviously a failure on the part of the people behind mastering this live recording.

Track Listing For Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto:

Ain’t That Just Like A Woman

Painting A Picture

Medley: A.C. Instrumental – I’ve Written Home To Mother

Freak Out Song

Goin’ To The River

Nobody Like Me

Science Fiction

I’ll be keeping my Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD… and I will most likely listen to it again. My Metal admiration and liking Alice Cooper for so long, makes me one of those fans who finds it very cool, to seek out, find and keep his albums and CD’s within my collection. Even if the CD is a sub-par, indie-label, live recording. Part of being a Metalhead, is having that “gotta have it” Metal mentality… especially when an album or CD is priced dirt cheap.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

11 Comments »

NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” REISSUE – BEING RELEASED JUNE 15, 2010!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, 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 & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NAZARETH – From Dunfermline, Scotland, came the now ever legendary Rock & Hard Rock Band – Nazareth. Back in January of 1979, Nazareth released No Mean City, which has been a lifetime favorite album of mine. This ever memorable album of richly crafted Rock and Hard Rock songs will have it’s reissue on June 15, 2010, on the record label called – Salvo. For nearly forty years, Nazareth has been Rockin’ around the globe, bringing their Rockin’ bluesy boogie and Hard Rockin’ blue collar thunder to the masses. Forty years… that is an ultra impressive tenure for a Rock Band, simply amazing. No Mean City deserves it’s recognition and deserves to be heard by a younger generation of Rock, Hard Rock and yes… Heavy Metal fans too. A sub-caption on this No Mean City album cover should read: Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Roots.

It was first brought to my Metal attention about this reissue of No Mean City by Metal buddy Rob Rockitt over at Hard Rock Hideout. Upon Rob informing me of this terrific news, I thought to myself, it’s about time! There are those certain Rock albums of yesteryear that explode with well written songs and incredible musicianship, No Mean City is just one of those albums… in my Metal opinion. Plus, the most current No Mean City CD that is available around the internet record sites, that was released back in 2002 on Eagle Music Europe, sells in the $68.00 range in U.S. funds!! Whoa. Whoa again. This insanely expensive 2002 import/remastered version of No Mean City can soon hit the Metal road… a more competent price point of around $17.00, (U.S. funds), will be the version of choice by fans who know the value of a dollar.

I have excitedly praised this Rock historic band Nazareth over my lifetime, especially this No Mean City album, to just about anyone who cares to lend an ear. Rob Rockitt has been no exception… he is without a Metal doubt, looking forward to giving this No Mean City album a thorough listen. I can’t wait to hear/read about what he has to say, about this all time favorite Rock album of mine.

If you are already a fan of Nazareth and this No Mean City album from 1979, you definitely know what I am talking about with all of my adulation for this Rock album gem. In the Metal event you are “new” to Nazareth and never heard of No Mean City… do the right thing and buy this reissue, thou shall not be disappointed if you are a fan of quality Rock/Hard Rock and/or Classic Rock Music that never dies. Metal be thy name.

For now, you can read the review I wrote/posted on No Mean City… this post was launched on Metal Odyssey on October 9, 2009. Just click the cool header link below for my review:

NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” – 1979 HARD ROCK ALBUM IS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Track listing for the 2010 reissue of Nazareth – No Mean City:

Just To Get Into It

May The Sunshine

Simple Solution (Parts 1&2)

Star

Claim To Fame

Whatever You Want Babe

What’s In It For Me

No Mean City (Parts 1&2)

Bonus Tracks:

May The Sunshine (Single Mix)

Snaefell (previously unreleased instrumental)

* This reissue of No Mean City will be packaged in a wallet-style digipak.

Nazareth, as they appear on No Mean City:

Dan McCafferty – lead vocals

Pete Agnew – bass guitar, backing vocals

Manny Charlton – guitars

Zal Cleminson – guitars

Darrell Sweet – drums

Back Cover of the 2010 No Mean City reissue:

LONG LIVE NAZARETH AND THEIR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

3 Comments »

BRET MICHAELS IS BACK! … PHEW.

Posted in hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRET MICHAELS – The lead singer for Poison, solo artist and Celebrity Apprentice “champ” seems to be out and about… just about everywhere these days. How I see it, great for him! Heck, Bret Michaels has every reason in the world to make things happen now. If I was in the same position, I would have an extreme sense of urgency to get it done… especially if you have the musical talent, contacts, resources and funds to lean on. The incredible turnaround for Bret Michaels health only makes me feel great inside, it inspires me to enjoy each moment of each day, like there really is no tomorrow.

Having a sense of urgency to accomplish life’s goals is a great thing to bestow… in my Metal opinion. Witnessing this incredible comeback by Bret Michaels inspires me to “get it done” and not sweat the small stuff. (Well, I’ll still complain about crap and act like a corn dog from time to time). I wish Bret Michaels nothing but the very best at life… we are all only given one pass on Earth as it is… and there are no rain checks or reverse button to push for living life either.

Welcome back Bret Michaels!

Stone.

Leave a comment »

ELO’S ORIGINAL AND VELVET REVOLVER’S COVER – “CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD”

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive rock music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

What does the Electric Light Orchestra and Velvet Revolver have in common? The song – Can’t Get It Out Of My Head.

Here is the cover version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by Velvet Revolver:

Here is the original album version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by the Electric Light Orchestra:

Which version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head do you like better? For me, it’s ELO’s original. Listening to ELO’s original just takes me back to when I first really became interested in music. The exploration and journey into the vast world of music, of Rock and Roll, was a profoundly exhilarating and personal experience for me as a kid. Just hearing the orchestration and the arrangements, makes me marvel at how this song was put together. There is emotion that seeps from both ELO’s original and Velvet Revolver’s cover version, only the ELO original really packs in the higher emotion, due to the string arrangements, in my Metal opinion.

Velvet Revolver substitutes an electric guitar courtesy of the ultra great Slash, in exchange for the piano and synthesizer that ELO used, making for a more harder and edgier sound. Velvet Revolver makes Can’t Get It Out Of My Head really Rock, for certain… while still not losing sight of the song’s original outpouring of emotion, that it is so well known for. My personal feeling, is that this is one of Scott Weiland’s finest moments as a vocalist in his entire career… Stone Temple Pilots, his solo album and Velvet Revolver combined. I do embrace this cover version from Velvet Revolver, no question about it, making for one of my more favorite Velvet Revolver songs from their two albums.

This is the cover for the ELO single Can’t Get It Out Of My Head, released in 1974.

* Electric Light Orchestra released Eldorado, their fourth studio album, back in 1974.

* Velvet Revolver released Libertad, their second studio album, back in July of 2007.

At the end of my Metal day, I can easily recommend both versions of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head to anyone. Yet ELO’s original can never be topped.

Stone.

10 Comments »

HAIR METAL 101: POISON – “GREAT BIG HITS LIVE! BOOTLEG”

Posted in Hair Metal, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 13, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

POISON – Of course the extremely world famous Poison has and forever will be classified as a Hair Metal Band. You know what… at the end of my Metal day… it’s all Rock ‘N’ Roll anyways. I like Poison a good deal, always have. What’s really not to like? C.C. Deville has delighted my Metal ears for many years with his guitar play, plus his affiliation with the legendary Motorhead is forever etched in Metal… C.C. appears on the 2007 Motorhead album – Kiss Of Death, playing the guitar solo on God Was Never On Your Side.

Bret Michaels really is the real deal front man, a showman and he can surely sing. My Metal take on Bret Michaels has always been that he is the total Rock ‘N’ Roll package as a lead singer. I’m not saying he is the greatest lead vocalist in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal history… he just fits right in to the whole Poison persona, without him… no Poison. (In my Metal opinion). I or anyone can make their own “personal” list of “total package” Rock ‘N’ Roll musicians and/or singers… it’s all about Metal preference. It’s just very hard to argue that Bret Michaels is not really great at what he has done/does for Poison and Rock ‘N’ Roll in general.

Poison became a gigantic brand over the decades due to their loyalty to their fans and vice versa, constant touring and staying extremely relevant. It’s actually a refreshing example, that Poison never called it a day when all the nay sayers were out there putting down Old School Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in the early to mid 1990’s. Poison just kept doing what they always did best… tour and play their songs. Poison never went away… Metal be thy name.

I did get to see Poison once, back on Saturday, June 8, 1991 at Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, Connecticut. I will attest to the Metal fact, that Poison played LOUD and were very, very, very, good live. Slaughter and Bulletboys opened up for Poison on that night. Slaughter played an all acoustic set. That was a night I’ll never forget… a damn good time we had, my wife, (she was my girlfriend at the time), was with me for this night of Hair Metal glory. My wife’s sister and boyfriend also were with us at this concert… they eventually married each other too. This Metal memory of that Poison concert so many years ago, gets rekindled each time I play Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg.

Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg may not go down in Rock history as the greatest live album ever… still it is a cool listen into Poison’s live Rock ‘N’ Roll. All the crucial hits are on this album, my favorite song being Unskinny Bop. That funky bass line I hear on Unskinny Bop gets me every time. Look What The Cat Dragged In and Talk Dirty To Me are two Poison classics… these two songs for Metal sakes flat out ROCK. To see and hear Poison play these two songs live, is proof in the Metal pudding as to what I exactly mean. I’ve never been the most thrilled fan of the ballad – Every Rose Has It’s Thorn, (hey, I can’t like ’em all!), regardless, the live version proves to be a more cool listen to my Metal ears.

There are live albums that will go down in Rock history as being impeccable… this live Poison album should just go down in Rock history as being a Rockin’ good time listen and (gasp) fun. There are many moments on this live album where the songs do not run into one another… the lack of continuity may be a minor downer. At the end of I Want Action, the song is cut off while Bret Michaels is chatting up the crowd. Overall, this is a live Poison album that I will listen to without giving a second Metal thought.

The more I listened to this live Poison album recently, the more I realized that Bret Michaels, with his amazing and inspiring medical recovery, really has given his fans… Something To Believe In.

* Here is my concert ticket stub from that cool night of Hair Metal, back in 1991:

POISON:

Bret Michaels – vocalist

C.C. Deville – guitar

Bobby Dall – bass

Rikki Rockett – drums

Track Listing For Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg:

Look What the Cat Dragged In

I Want Action

Something to Believe In

Love on the Rocks

Fallen Angel

Let It Play

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Unskinny Bop

Nothin’ But a Good Time

Talk Dirty to Me

* The songs on Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg were recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, Atlanta Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina in 1999.

* Great Big Hits Live! Bootleg was released on July 4, 2006, on Sony/BMG Music Entertainment.

LONG LIVE POISON ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

KEEP THE FAITH, KEEP FIGHTIN’ BRET MICHAELS.

Stone.

10 Comments »

POP EVIL & CHARM CITY DEVILS CONCERT REVIEW: CROCODILE ROCK, ALLENTOWN, PA, MARCH 26, 2010

Posted in 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, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 12, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

POP EVIL – When Metal buddy Ryo Vie over at The Rock and Roll Guru had emailed me, asking if I was interested in going to the Pop Evil and Charm City Devils concert, at Crocodile Rock in Allentown, PA… two Metal thoughts quickly crossed my Metal mind: 1. Cool, I like Charm City Devils very much, 2. Pop who? In the grand Metal scheme of things, it really is impossible to have a pulse on each and every Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal band out there. Throw in the other genres and I’m playing Metal catch up like my cat chasing his tail. I have procrastinated in blabbing about this concert in detail, I did blurb a thought on this night back on March 27, 2010, still, the boss here at Metal Odyssey, (me), says it’s cool. Best damned boss I’ve ever worked for.

I need to clear something up here… Allentown, PA, F’n ROCKS. Why you ask? Well, the Crocodile Rock is one good reason. Anyone and everyone from KITTIE to JACKYL with the MISFITS in between comes here. Add in The Great Allentown Fair, (this year RUSH is scheduled!) and it’s can’t miss! Plus, you have the annual MUSIKFEST in our neighboring city of Bethlehem, PA which boasts a bevy of incredible bands of all genres. So… enjoy the Billy Joel classic – Allentown, just understand that it is not a dying city or area of the country. Good people, good music, great place to live and work.

Oh, yeah, back to the Pop Evil concert review. Many times, when I am introduced or stumble upon a new and/or younger band, I feel like that Burl Ives Snowman from the iconic Christmas Special Classic created by Rankin/Bass – Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. I believe that pudgy little snowman stated, during this Christmas Special… “ah, youth”. That thought crosses my Metal mind more often now, than during any other time in my Metal life. I’m NOT old, plus I do still look up to patriarchs of Rock and Metal like… Lemmy, Ozzy and Ronnie James Dio, like a little kid with a runny nose. Burl Ives… his music and voice will forever be timeless.

As Ryo and I drove up to Crocodile Rock, I was able to pull a “U” turn on the one-way and get a MINT parking spot right across the street from the front door! That’s Metal. Crocodile Rock is a fairly large club, a restaurant is located in the front, with a pool table and plenty of reminders that you are in a blue collar sanctuary. Once you enter the doors to the concert area, there are two large bars and plenty of standing room. Crocodile Rock can accommodate many patrons… that exact amount I won’t try to guess. There had to be at least a couple hundred people there to see Pop Evil and Charm City Devils. If I’m wrong with that figure, who cares.

Ryo and I bullshitted and had a few beers while we listened to Charm City Devils. Again, I really like Charm City Devils, Ryo doesn’t care for them too much… it’s alright though, ’cause eventually, one day, I’ll make him into a Cannibal Corpse fan. John Allen, (singer, songwriter and founding member) of Charm City Devils is as legitimate a front man for a Hard Rock band as any. I still say, if Charm City Devils was around in the late ’80’s, they would probably be filling arenas. Those were the days. Overall, Charm City Devils ROCKED, I know I blabbed that before, yet it is my Metal opinion and I’m sticking to it. I would without doubt, go see Charm City Devils again… and again. John Allen worked the crowd pretty good and the band was solid.

You see, when I go to a concert, I don’t write down the songs that the bands played. Why you ask? Well, once a couple of beers gets into my system… I’m just not interested in holding a pen and paper. I WANNA GET MY EARS ROCKED! Let’s just say, Charm City Devils played songs from their debut album Let’s Rock-N-Roll, with the title track being my highlight of seeing them live.

Step up onto the stage… POP EVIL. Ah, youth. Leigh Kakaty, the lead singer for POP EVIL, was animated, energetic, enthusiastic, dynamic and just DAMN GOOD. As a front man, Leigh is probably one of the biggest stars in the waiting when it comes to Rock and Hard Rock. Aw, heck, Leigh gave these POP EVIL songs an added boost of psyche-you-out fuel during the entire set. Metal be thy name. POP EVIL is Heavy Music diversity personified. From Rock to Heavy Metal, add in the Alternative and Funk ingredients to their musical recipe too. Whoa… I had a real great time watching these guys called POP EVIL. This band had the crowd in front of the stage in their very own, spellbound euphoria.

Matt DiRito on bass worked the stage like a seasoned Heavy Metal veteran, he has all the classic moves and poses patented… he can back up his swagger with his playing. Dave Grahs and Tony Greve made for a terrific exchange of guitar licks, real pro’s. Dylan Allison on drums made an impression on me too… no showboating… just playing with real emotion. Not to stray off into the corn dog field of dreams here… yet, POP EVIL is one mighty cool and Heavy band. Greatness is being sown here with POP EVIL… if an opportunity comes your way to see this band, grab ahold of it and experience this band LIVE.

* A Metal kudos goes out to POP EVIL for acknowledging their music heroes during their live set… one in particular is the late Dimebag Darrell Abbott of the mightily incredible – PANTERA. Leigh Kakaty had the crowd in a Metal frenzy upon his tribute to Dimebag… then when POP EVIL broke into WALK from PANTERA… it was Metal euphoria for me. To hear a live band such as POP EVIL, pay tribute to such an important Metal band and song, made me realize that the genres of Heavy Music are in good hands for years to come.

Ah, youth. Ah, POP EVIL. I’ve jumped on board for the ride… and I’m not getting off.

* For more info on POP EVIL, click here: POP EVIL – Official Website

* For more info on Charm City Devils, click here: Charm City Devils – Official Website

* For more info on Crocodile Rock, click here: Crocodile Rock

* POP EVIL was supporting their album lipstick on the mirror, released back on August 12, 2008, on Universal Republic Records.

* Charm City Devils was supporting their album Let’s Rock-N-Roll, released on May 26, 2009, on Eleven Seven Music.


Thanks Ryo, I’m now a POP EVIL fan.

Stone.

8 Comments »

KROKUS – “OUR LOVE” MUSIC VIDEO FROM 1984!

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal records, heavy metal songs, heavy metal videos, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 11, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Alright, o.k., this is one Heavy Metal ballad that I can never grow tired of. Never. Our Love just brings back some good time memories… isn’t that what Rock ‘N’ Roll is supposed to do? Hey… it’s KROKUS. Our Love can be played from afar and my Heavy Metal ballad antennae get all fired up. The Blitz is the eighth album released from KROKUS, back in that super year of 1984, on Arista Records. Our Love, Midnite Maniac and the cover song of Sweet’s – Ballroom Blitz are the three songs I can remember getting the major attention of FM radio back then, as well as on MTV.

I hope you enjoy this vintage KROKUS song and video of Our Love as much as I do… if so, crank it up LOUD mutha!!

KROKUS as they appeared on The Blitz:

Marc Storace – vocals

Fernando Von Arb – lead guitar

Jeff Klaven – drums

Mark Kohler – bass guitar

Here is a really cool KROKUS promo pic from around 1988, that Metal Buddy – Kinger from Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival sent my way. Promo pics like these are visual Heavy Metal history.

Stone.


Leave a comment »

JACKYL – “WHEN MOONSHINE AND DYNAMITE COLLIDE” LET’S THE HEAVY BOOGIE RUN WILD!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, heavy metal songs, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JACKYL – And on the eighth day… God created Jackyl. The only thing is, I don’t think even God knew just how true to the bone, blue-collar and hard hittin’ this band was going to be with their Rock ‘N’ Roll. If I have said it once, I’ll say it again… just so everyone knows… Jackyl is as American as F’n apple pie. This is one Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Metalin’ band that I don’t ever want to see call it a day. Metal alas… a NEW Jackyl album is OUT! Even with Jackyl earning the distinction of being a touring band over the last several years, these Southern Fried, Heavy Metal foot stompers have released – When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide, released on May 4, 2010, on Mighty Loud Records.

Listening to Jesse James Dupree belt out his grainy, sandpapered vocals to the Janis Joplin classic – Mercedes Benz, only solidifies the fact that Jackyl aint lookin’ to cow tow to no status quo. Long live Janis Joplin… for Jackyl hasn’t forgotten her! I like the vocal cover that Jesse did with Mercedes Benz, I dare anyone to tell him it sucks… to his face. Cover songs are a mainstay to Rock ‘N’ Roll, they exist to salute the Rock legends and influences of our past… Metal be thy name.

Jackyl’s Rock ‘N’ Roll brand has always sizzled with, dare I say… fun? Good Lord… Jackyl is not only still loud, hard & heavy with plenty of bang, bang, boogie beat, they are having a damned good time too! Somebody call the good times police… Jackyl is back with a new album!!

* If there is one warning that should come with this new Jackyl album, it is: When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide – must be played very F’n LOUD!

* Oh, another warning should read: Not meant for the fragile and clean ears of turtlenecks.

In the event that I have to point out my favorite song from When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide, (well, that event is now), the wood splittin’ winner is – She’s Not A Drug. Metal be damned, this song kicks my ass from sunset to sunrise. This song is saturated with Hard Rockin’, fist pumpin’ psyche-you-out glory… PUH-POW!!

I Can’t Stop and Loads Of Fun reaches back for some extra heavy on all counts, with the chorus electrifying each song to the good ol’ Arena Rock heights. The song – When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide, escalates into the sound of a Southern Hard Rock Classic, almost instantly upon my first listen, to my Jackyl tailored ears.

Guitarist Jeff Worley consistently garnishes this new Jackyl album with fired up, inventive and groovy licks. Jesse James Dupree’s vocals has his Old School, heavy hurlin’ attitude and back roads swagger heard loud and F’n clear on each and every song… PUH-POW!

Roman Glick on bass and Chris Worley on drums hold all this infectiously Hard & Heavy fun, uh, I mean music, together. I just find it difficult for myself to hold it all together each time I listen to When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide… if this new Jackyl album doesn’t make you get up and move, then check yourself into… yes, here it comes… The Rolling Hills Lame Ass and Uptight Clinic. I hear they are giving out free turtlenecks too.

* For more info on JACKYL, just click this link: JACKYL – Official Website

Track Listing For When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide:

Loads Of Fun

I Can’t Stop

She’s Not A Drug

My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaine Ass

Get Mad At It

The Overflow Of Love

When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide

Just Like A Negro

Deeper In Darkness

Freight Train

Mercedes Benz

Full Throttle

LONG LIVE JACKYL!

Stone.


13 Comments »

MORPHINE KILLER – NEW SINGLE “THROW IT ALL AWAY” IS OUT NOW AND CAN’T MISS!

Posted in hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MORPHINE KILLER/Final Breath Records:

Released this past March, 2010, the NEW and unreal solid single from Stanton California’s very own Morphine Killer – Throw It All Away is out now and available for purchase through the following cool outlets:

* MORPHINE KILLER – Official Website

* iTunes

* Amazon.com

* ReverbNation

In my Metal opinion, this is THE song that should catapult Morphine Killer onto an entirely new level of Metal notoriety. This song for all Metal intents and purposes… ROCKS. The vocals of Belle have never sounded more alluring. She has proved to this veteran Metalhead, that she can be counted as one of the top new female vocalists in Heavy Music today. Metal be thy name.

Eski’s tireless work ethic and Metal Music prowess shines through on Throw It All Away, with extremely contagious riffs and a melodic, driving sound. The outer crust of Throw It All Away has the flavor of Old School and that makes it all the better. Polished, while still delivering the Hard & Heavy, this single is one of the best introductions to those unfamiliar with Morphine Killer. This single can easily be one of the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal songs of 2010 that fans of Heavy Music shouldn’t miss!

IF THE FUTURE OF HEAVY MUSIC IS IN THE HANDS OF BANDS LIKE MORPHINE KILLER, THEN I CAN SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT.

Stone.

2 Comments »

ENUFF Z’NUFF – “NEW THING” IS METAL ODYSSEY’S SONG OF THE DAY!

Posted in glam metal music, hair metal albums, hair metal bands, hair metal music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ENUFF Z’NUFF – I recently stumbled upon the CD single of Enuff Z’nuff – New Thing during one of my Heavy Metal hunts. For $2 I figured what the Metal heck, it is an out of print CD single, still sealed and I like my Rock ‘N’ Roll collectibles. This song is just drooling and seeping with that late 80’s Arena Rock and Hair/Glam Metal sound. New Thing is an up tempo song, it kinda reminds me of a humid and sunny day in late July, as I’m running through a water park, care free, acting like a corn dog.

Sometimes there are those songs that just give me that good times feeling… the feeling of having a ton of money even if I’m broke or feeling like it’s a vacation day even when it’s not. New Thing just seems to provoke that embarrassingly funny feeling – inside of me. This song is… (gasp), fun. Metal be thy name.

Do I like this song? Hey, I did make it the “Metal Odyssey Song Of The Day” for May 5, 2010. I’m down with it. I tend to listen to a vast array of bands and songs… add Enuff Z’nuff to that list. New Thing is from the Enuff Z’nuff debut/self titled album, released back on August 22, 1989, on Atco Records.

Check out the music video below for New Thing. It’s really kinda corn dog… then again, I’m a corn dog most of the time myself.

ENUFF Z’NUFF as they appeared on their debut/self titled album:

Donnie Vie – lead vocals, guitar & keyboards

Chip Z’Nuff – bass guitar, guitar & vocals

Derek Frigo – lead guitar

Vikki Fox – drums

Track Listing For the 1989 ENUFF Z’NUFF debut/self titled album:

New Thing

She Wants More

Fly High Michelle

Hot Little Summer Girl

In The Groove

Little Indian Angel

For Now

Kiss The Clown

I Could Never Be Without You

Finger On The Trigger

Stone.

2 Comments »

VINNIE MOORE – “TIME ODYSSEY” 1988 GUITAR INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM & METAL MARVEL

Posted in Guitar, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock guitarists, 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, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 2, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

VINNIE MOORE – It was 1988, I was in college and I listened to Vinnie Moore’s Time Odyssey more times than I could count. Already a seasoned listener to Vinnie’s debut instrumental album – Minds Eye, (released in 1986 on Shrapnel Records), there was in 1988 and still is something about his guitar tone that shoots right through me like a bolt of Metal energy. Listening to Vinnie Moore seems to inspire me to go that extra mile… to actually become more emboldened.

I may have mentioned one time before, in a past post about something to do with… Metal, that I used to listen to Vinnie Moore’s music while doing many (if not all) of my college art projects. Be it drawing, painting or slapping together some weird modern art creation… Vinnie Moore’s guitar was heard in the air. The speed, melodies and pure Metal language that Vinnie’s guitar spoke to me while I labored away on those art and graphic design assignments… somehow made me a better graphics and fine arts student! Metal be thy name.

As with any of Vinnie Moore’s solo instrumental albums, no vocalist is heard, nor is one necessary… the guitar of Vinnie Moore sings… for my ears.

My favorite track from Time Odyssey? It’s not as cut and dry as it may seem. Pieces Of A Picture, Morning Star and the instrumental cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps stand out amongst the rest, only I honestly love every song on Time Odyssey. The emotion that Vinnie Moore captures on guitar is beyond what my own Metal words can express here. Vinnie Moore is that incredible of a guitarist to my ears and Metal soul.

My admiration for the Beatles and especially George Harrison is incredibly personal. I cried aloud upon hearing the news that George Harrison passed away. It was November 29, 2001, I was alone, driving to work that lousy morning and the radio DJ gave the somber news to my ears. Listening to Vinnie Moore play George Harrison’s unreal legendary song –While My Guitar Gently Weeps brings back memories of being an art student, college life, falling in love with my wife and of course… George Harrison. Whoa… does this Vinnie Moore instrumental version of this song make my head swirl in thoughts and memories!!

There are so many unique and unearthly gifted guitarists that have played in Rock, Hard Rock, Punk and Metal. So many of these guitarists that I embrace… Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Jimi Hendrix, Tim Armstrong, Brian Setzer, Jeff Beck, Dez Cadena, George Harrison, Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee… these are some of my lifetime top favorites. Then there is Vinnie Moore. I guess if I was forced to choose my top three favorite guitarists of my Metal lifetime… Vinnie Moore, Yngwie and Michael Schenker are the ones.

There was a period of time in my life, where I did not realize what I was doing in trading away and selling away my vinyl albums… this was back in the mid 1990’s. Time Odyssey fell victim to my blundering display of vinyl album unloading…. ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Well, as the old saying goes… time heals wounds. Just last week, I was making a trip to pay some (gasp) bills, when there it was in the distance… an antiques mall! This antiques mall contains a used record dealer who always seems to have that record or two, that I so desperately need to bring back into my Metal life.

I found Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey on that trip into the antiques mall last week! I felt like I was floating on air… I wanted to tell the cashier how ecstatic I was, only I bit my Metal lip. I paid a ridiculous low price of 3 dollars U.S. as well for this Vinnie Moore marvel! The album is in unreal excellent condition too… it plays on my turntable without a single crackle or pop. The album jacket is in excellent shape as well. (See my album pics below). This time in my Metal life… I’m not parting with Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey again. No way. Someone would have to offer me the Metal moon for it… and even then, I would not consider the offer. What would I possibly do with a Metal moon anyways?

* As a bonus, the prior owner of this Vinnie Moore album had inserted an 8 page article on Vinnie Moore, in the album jacket. This article was ripped out of an Issue of Guitar World, dated July 1987. I’m keeping it with this album… as it was meant to be.

* The band behind Vinnie Moore on Time Odyssey:

Jordan Rudes – keyboards

Joe Franco – drums

Michael Bean – bass

* Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey was released on Squawk/Mercury/Polygram Records.

Track Listing For Vinnie Moore – Time Odyssey:

Side One:

Morning Star

Prelude/Intro The Future

Beyond The Door

Message In A Dream

As Time Slips By

Side Two:

Race With Destiny

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

The Tempest

Pieces Of A Picture

April Sky

Here is what the front cover of my Time Odyssey album looks like, note there is some minor wear on the top left corner… whoopee Metal doo is what I say!

Here is what the back cover of my Time Odyssey album looks like:

Here is what the 8 page Guitar World article looks like, that I found inside the album jacket:

LONG LIVE VINNIE MOORE!

* “Whoopee Metal doo” was stated for the very first time on Metal Odyssey, courtesy of this post.

Stone.


2 Comments »

TEN VERY UNCOOL HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS

Posted in album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, humor, lists, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 1, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

I don’t advertise myself to be an “expert” in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album cover design. Nor am I a photography expert either. What I do know is this… a Hard Rock or Heavy Metal album cover should entice fans or potential fans to buy the album. Skulls, flames, guitars, dragons, sword & sorcery, space aliens, monsters and the macabre is right up my Metal alley when it comes to album covers. You won’t find this cool stuff on the album covers below. Marketing Hard Rock and Heavy Metal should be simple, right? Well, that is not always the Metal case, as you shall see from the following list of ten very uncool album covers that I have compiled… just for you.

Years ago, I did earn a degree in Graphic Communications, therefore I think I know what cool Hard Rock and Heavy Metal album artwork is supposed to look like. Then again, what do I know? Some, if not many of the albums in this top ten list have probably sold millions of copies worldwide… so my opinion on these very uncool album covers is probably one big and smelly fart in the wind anyways.

Here are my Top Ten Very Uncool Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Album Covers, enjoy! Or, try to enjoy.

#10:

WHITE LION – BIG GAME (1989)

What this White Lion album cover really is… too many ideas that seemed to collide onto one front cover. You have The White House, some woods, a field and a lion. Wow… very compelling… where is there any darned hint of Hard Rock? Forget about any imagery of Heavy Metal… this entire image makes me want to fall asleep in a field somewhere. This album went Gold too… gee Metal whiz.

#9:

BREAKING BENJAMIN – SO COLD EP (2004)

Look, if I was to actually read all the jibber jabber on this Breaking Benjamin front cover, It would give me a migraine headache . The album cover eludes to So Cold being a “spoken word” EP for Metal sakes. I always thought tons of text was supposed to be found in the damned liner notes anyways. Despite this being an EP, it makes my list… so Metal be it.

#8:

MR. BIG – BUMP AHEAD (1993)

Ha, ha, hee. Was I supposed to laugh? Ahhhhhhh! Am I supposed to be frightened? What is this enormous man-head doing in the middle of a busy city street? Just another fine example of a genius and artsy idea gone astray. I can’t find any hidden and profound message in this album cover art either. Some linkage to Mr. Big being tied into Hard Rock and commercial Heavy Metal would have helped here.

#7:

BON JOVI – LOST HIGHWAY (2007)

Gosh, just what I need to look at… some strangers cluttered dashboard. No semblance of Rock ‘N’ Roll in this front cover pic. Lost Highway is a perfect title for this Bon Jovi album… for the art direction became totally lost in the creation of this album cover. Plus, as a bonus… it is IMPOSSIBLE for a highway to become lost! Grammatically incorrect alert!! Yeah, yeah, yeah… Bon Jovi gets the last laugh here, due to his selling a million albums a month. This cover still stinks though.

#6:

SAXON – INNOCENCE IS NO EXCUSE (1985)

What appears to be a teenaged girl eating an apple… well, it’s not cool. What’s the point? It’s NOT Heavy Metal either. Adding the Saxon logo that’s carved into the apple is just plain ridiculous too. This Saxon album cover does not advertise head banging music heard within at all. A superiorly unimpressive album cover from a band that I really, really like… what a Metal shame.

#5:

VIXEN – LIVE & LEARN (2006)

Whoa! This Vixen album cover just SCREAMS Heavy Metal! Look out! Vixen looks so thrilled doing this cover shot too. Sorry, I don’t buy the connection of the front cover photo to the album title either. This album cover is simply boring and boring again. Did I mention it was boring?

#4:

KILLER DWARFS – BIG DEAL (1988)

Um, uh, yup.

#3:

NICKELBACK – CURB (2002 reissue alternate cover)

Well, at least we now know where Bon Jovi got his inspiration for the anti-amazing Lost Highway album cover. If I am not mistaken, this road really needs some traffic… and Curb really needs a new album cover.

#2:

GUNS N’ ROSES – “THE SPAGHETTI INCIDENT?” (1993)

This Guns N’ Roses album cover does not make me yearn for opening and eating a can of Spaghettio’s. I actually lose my appetite for half a day each time I stare at this album cover. I’d rather look at any and all of the Cannibal Corpse album covers before I look at this disgustingly stale spaghetti on this album cover. Again, I am so wowed at the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal imagery found here.

#1:

AEROSMITH – GET A GRIP (1993)

Voila! Here it is! What I consider to be the upmost in uncool… an F’n pierced cow udder. This is so Rock ‘N’ Roll. NOT. The fake Aerosmith branding into the side of this cow only makes matters worse. What were everyone involved with creating this album cover thinking? Yeah… just as the album title states, the culprits involved in the decision making of this extremely uncool album cover should… get a grip.

Stone.

15 Comments »

Newer Entries »