Archive for the southern hard rock Category

MOLLY HATCHET “Paying Tribute” – Cover Songs Album – Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, news, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock, world news with tags , , , , , , , on February 7, 2014 by Metal Odyssey

Molly Hatchet - Paying Tribute - promo cover pic

4 Metal Fists Out Of 5!

Metalfistredbckgrndsmall4

Molly Hatchet Paying Tribute was released back in 2013, via Collectors Dream Records. The mighty Molly Hatchet covers ten Rock classics, while adding three live bonus tracks; with all three being Molly Hatchet originals: Whiskey Man, Beatin’ The Odds and Flirtin’ With Disaster. Molly Hatchet covers songs from the legendary Thin Lizzy to Mountain, with The Rolling Stones in-between, making this CD ooze with Classic Rock appeal from its every crevice!

Molly Hatchet doesn’t try to reinvent these songs they cover so well; there are those ass kickin’ moments, (for example), where the guitar solo on Sharp Dressed Man is elongated from the original and (to me) that’s highly acceptable. If there is one constant, these cover songs are party ready and made to fuel my adrenaline into the Classic Southern Hard Rock realm. All three live original Molly Hatchet songs sound fabulous; making for a righteous hell-raising ending to this album. Metal be thy name. – Stone

Check out the back cover, with track listing and band info:

Molly Hatchet - Paying Tribute - back cover - promo pic

You might pay a little more for this imported CD, if you live in North America. Still, buying Paying Tribute is a necessity if you’re a Molly Hatchet and/or Southern Rock/Southern Hard Rock fanatic.

Collectors Dream Records - red & white logo - 2014 - #399

* For more info on MOLLY HATCHET:

http://www.mollyhatchet.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE MOLLY HATCHET.

LONG LIVE SOUTHERN HARD ROCK.

Stone.

MOTORTRAIN – 2013 Spring Tour Dates Announced! “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” Music Video Is: Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , on March 22, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Motortrain - 2013 Spring:Summer Tour flyer

MOTORTRAIN – Westville Oklahoma’s outlaws of Southern down and dirty Rock ‘N’ Roll will be hitting the road this April! Check out the dates and venues below! Then, when y’all are done, crank up and check out Motortrain’s Goin’ Goin’ Gone music video… cause it kicks Rockin’ ass. Yes it does and this video is also: Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day! Metal be thy name.

As reported on Motortrain’s facebook:

Hey Brawlers and Bad Girls! We’re still working out the details on a few more shows, but wanted to give you what we’ve got confirmed so far for this tour:

Confirmed April Dates: 

Thurs 4/4 – Tankz in Tulsa, OK w/SoGen and Dale Denver
https://www.facebook.com/events/118247491695048/

Sat 4/6 – Blooze in Phoenix, AZ w/HOGJAW and LoveMound
https://www.facebook.com/events/345748415542658/

Mon 4/8 – The Drunken Lass in Prescott, AZ
https://www.facebook.com/events/616060375075686/

Wed 4/10 – Burt’s Tiki Lounge in Salt Lake City, UT
https://www.facebook.com/events/487577197956103/

Fri 4/19 – Hero’s in Ft Smith, AR W/ SCATTERED HAMLET
https://www.facebook.com/events/163246893833896/

Motortrain - classic logo - B&W

Check out and crank up Motortrain’s Rockin’ Goin’ Goin’ Gone music video below! It’s time for some Motortrain down and dirty Rock ‘N’ Roll! Whoa!

Goin’ Goin’ Gone is from Motortrain’s 2011 EP – Straight Six (Slam Bang Records).

_________________________________________________

MOTORTRAIN:

Ump – Vox/Guitars

Sig – Thunder

Levi – Sticks & Stones

Red – Guitar

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Motortrain - large logo - B&W

For more info on MOTORTRAIN, click on the links below!

http://motortrainmusic.com

facebook: Motortrain (Official)

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE MOTORTRAIN.

Stone.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – ‘Last Of A Dyin’ Breed’ Got Me Through The Week

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , on September 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

THANK YOU

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

FOR YOUR ROCK ‘N ROLL

GOT ME THROUGH

ONE HELL OF A SHITTY WEEK.

LAST OF A DYIN’ BREED

IS TRULY AN AMAZING ALBUM.

I’LL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR IT.

GOD BLESS LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

METAL BE THY NAME.

STONE.

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION’S ‘PEACEMAKER’ MAKES ITS MARK

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , on August 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Red Dirt Metal rockers Texas Hippie Coalition continue their string of success with the release of their incredible third studio album ‘Peacemaker’ (Carved Records). This week, the band made their highest Billboard debut at #4 on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart as well as #31 on Record Label Indie Current Albums and #20 on Current Hard Music Albums.

On the radio front, the band debuted at #15 on CMJ’s Loud Rock Chart and #39 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart. So far, the band has garnered over 1,000 Media-base monitored spins reaching over 2.4 million listeners earning major-market airplay including WIIL/Chicago, WRIF/Detroit, KBPI/Denver and KUPD/Phoenix.

Meanwhile, THC is riding a swarm of rave reviews as critics embrace their most ambitious album to date. Loudwire exclaims they are “the bastard that spawned from a threesome between Monster Magnet, Willie Nelson and Pantera… What ‘Peacemaker’ does is takes that brand and elevates it to a more significant level. The band sounds tighter than ever, the guitar riffs are incredibly crushing to say the least and the lyrics are exactly what you’ve come to love and adore about this band.” About.com says “Peacemaker is furious witness to THC cranking through 11 tracks that declare what bad-ass outlaws they are…”

“Whether you want to call it “red dirt metal” [or]… “Southern fried Texas rock,” T.H.C. combines a little of everything for a rock/metal melting pot that garners fans from across the musical spectrum. – Metal Underground

Texas Hippie Coalition are currently on the road including a handful of dates opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Stay tuned for more tour dates.

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To read Stone’s album review for Peacemaker, click on the link below!

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION ‘PEACEMAKER’ – A Paramount Hard & Heavy Rock Album; One You Should Be Required To Own

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(Source: Carved Records)

For more info on TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, click on the links below!

http://www.thcoutlaw.com

http://www.twitter.com/thcofficial

http://www.youtube.com/thcofficial

LONG LIVE TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION.

Stone.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – To Perform During Republican National Convention

Posted in concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , on August 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on Lynyrd Skynyrd.com:

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to perform during events outside of the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, August 26 as part of the fundraising event Citizens Helping Heroes presents Southern Tribute IV Honoring America’s Heroes. The concert takes place at The American Action Network Pavilion at Liberty Plaza (corner of South Morgan & East Whiting Streets next to the Tampa Times Forum) and is open to paid sponsors and their guests. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s show launches the four-day event which also includes performances by Trace Adkins (8/28) and Kid Rock (8/29).

About Lynyrd Skynyrd:

With a catalog of over 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American Rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having over two million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.

Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Lynyrd Skynyrd continues the tremendous legacy that began over 35 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida with their August 21, 2012 release, Last Of A Dyin’ Breed, a legacy that was halted for a decade after the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. Since then, the band tragically lost Billy Powell, Ean Evans, Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson and Huey Thomasson, yet they continue to forge ahead.

Rounding out the line-up is bass player Johnny Colt, an original member of the Black Crowes who recently joined the band, Mark “Sparky” Matejka on guitar, Peter Keys on keyboards, and Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase as the Honkettes backing vocalists.

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About Citizens Helping Heroes, Inc. (CHH):

Citizens Helping Heroes is a non-political, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to supporting those who selflessly defend our collective freedoms, primarily through their military service to our country. “CHH” as it is known, was formed in 2003 by a group of citizens who wished to offer recognition and assistance to our troops serving abroad, and has since expanded in scope to honor and assist all of our active military and their immediate relatives, with a special focus on our wounded warriors and families of the fallen. Our core mission is to utilize our unique position in the Washington, DC-metro area to provide regional and national assistance, recognition and “hands-on” support to our troops and to their families.

__________________________________________________________________

(Source: http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com)

LONG LIVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

LONG LIVE CITIZENS HELPING HEROES, INC.

Stone.

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION ‘PEACEMAKER’ – A Paramount Hard & Heavy Rock Album; One You Should Be Required To Own

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , on August 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – Everybody get your hands up, I said reach for the sky! Why? Cause Big Dad Ritch says so… that’s why. When Big Dad Ritch aka The King Of Texas sings with his powerful lungs, I’m listening. You better believe it. The album featured here is Peacemaker and the band of outlaws who created it are famously known as Texas Hippie Coalition aka THC. Best you remember that, my Hard Rock and Metal brethren. Best you all do.

Released on Carved Records on August 14th, Peacemaker is without question in my Metal mind, a paramount Hard Rock album. If I could dictate Metal Marshall Law (and that would be very cool) I would make it a requirement that all of the worldwide Hard Rockin’ populace buy and play loud: Peacemaker. That’s it and there would be no F’n way around it either. Big Dad Ritch and his band have added that extra boost of Heavy Rockin’ Texan juju into this sophomore album of theirs and it’s an F’n thrill to experience.

THC is as American as homemade beer. Screw that apple pie crap. THC blends Southern Hard Rock with a classic Hard Rock nod, while brandishing plenty of Heavy Metal aptitude and this band summons the roots of their own Rock and Country Rock influence. THC exemplifies how this genre should be played and delivered into your ears, veins and Rock ‘N Roll soul. If the Southern Hard Rock torch has been handed down, then THC is the band that took such torch with patriotic and Rockin’ pride. I personally couldn’t think of a better band to lead the Southern Hard & Heavy Rock charge for our future generations.

Take a listen and look below to the Turn It Up music video and… TURN IT UP!

From Hands Up to Turn It Up, the level of Hard Rock authority is so stunning that it’s an F’n dreamland of kicking the shit out of your worries, anxieties and fears combined. You will feel personal power from listening to Peacemaker. You don’t need to read any epic Tony Robbins book to get personal power anymore; cause THC will administer it through Peacemaker. Go ahead, tell Tony that Stone said that too.

From Wicked to the title track, the uncompromising heaviness of THC continues to reign. With guitar muscle supplied by Wes Wallace, the leads, rhythm, riffs and mini-solos will leave you begging for mercy… as you continue to hit the replay button. John Exall (bass) and Timmy Braun (drums) provide more heavy Texas thunder than a raging coastal storm heading straight for Corpus Christi. Crash, boom, bang and I’m not fibbing about a damn thang.

Where Big Dad Ritch ignites this album (non-stop) with his prolific vocals; he also brings Peacemaker to a surprisingly softer and momentous closing as he sings… a ballad. With piano keys as an intro, the stage is set for Think Of Me to be that song to make all the gals cry. Man, Big Dad Ritch can croon (still) he sings verses in Think Of Me with his trademark branding iron vocals. Wes Wallace lays down the (Arena Rock style) licks on guitar, while John and Timmy keep the heavy beats raining down on this mid-tempo (heavy) ballad.

Don’t pass up on Peacemaker. This album is just too entertaining and too damn energized with all grand things about Heavy Rock ‘N Roll! THC is a band to reckon with in our Heavy Rock world. It’s like I say to everyone who cares to listen: You either join THC or get the hell out of their way, cause Big Dad Ritch and his band are here to stay. Metal be thy name.

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION:

Big Dad Ritch – Vocals

John Exall – Bass Guitar

Wes Wallace – Guitar

Timmy Braun – Drums

PEACEMAKER – Track Listing:

Hands Up

Damn You To Hell

8 Seconds

Outlaw

Turn It Up

Wicked

Don’t Come Lookin’

Sex & Drugs & Rock And Roll

Paw Paw Hill

Peacemaker

Think Of Me

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For more info on THC, click on the links below!

http://www.thcoutlaw.com

http://www.twitter.com/thcofficial

http://www.youtube.com/thcofficial

LONG LIVE TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION.

Stone.

TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION – Joins LYNYRD SKYNYRD On Four Dates This September!

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , on August 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on http://www.thcoutlaw.com

We are pleased to announce we’ll be hitting the road with the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd for four dates in September! Catch us in one of the cities below!

9/26/12 – Wanatchee, WA Town Toyota Center

9/27/12 – Kent, WA ShoWare Center

9/28/12 – Boise, ID Idaho Center Amphitheater

9/29/12 – Reno, NV Reno Event Center

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Stone Says: If you haven’t bought the new studio album, PEACEMAKER, from TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, you best get it in your ears as soon as possible… cause it’s a keg O’ Heavy Rock ‘N Roll whoop ass that’s guaranteed to set you straight! Metal be thy name… THC F’N ROCKS.

PEACEMAKER was released on August 14th, 2012, via Carved Records.

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TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION:

Big Dad Ritch – Vocals

John Exall – Bass Guitar

Wes Wallace – Guitar

Timmy Braun – Drums

For more info on TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, click on the links below!

http://www.thcoutlaw.com

http://www.twitter.com/thcofficial

http://www.youtube.com/thcofficial

For more info on LYNYRD SKYNYRD, click on the link below!

http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com

LONG LIVE TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION.

LONG LIVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

Stone.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” – Releases On August 21st, 2012!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , on July 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – The thirteenth studio album from Southern Rock’s legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd will be released on August 21st, 2012, via Roadrunner / Loud & Proud Records. Last Of A Dyin’ Breed has 11 songs that carries on the proud, patriotic and influential tradition of this Southern Rock institution.

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LAST OF A DYIN’ BREED – Track Listing:

Last Of A Dyin’ Breed

One Day At A Time

Homegrown

Ready To Fly

Mississippi Blood

Good Teacher

Something To Live For

Life’s Twisted

Nothing Comes Easy

Honey Hole

Start Livin’ Life Again

_________________________________________________________

For more info on LYNYRD SKYNYRD, click on the links below!

http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com

LONG LIVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

Stone.

MOLLY HATCHET – 2012 “Justice” World Tour – Dates, Venues Listed

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , on February 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MOLLY HATCHET – The Southern Rock & Hard Rock sound of the legendary Molly Hatchet lives! Check out below the 2012 “Justice” World Tour dates and maybe Molly Hatchet will be Flirtin’ With Disaster in your backyard!

2012 Justice World Tour:

February 24th – Lockport, NY @ The Palace Theatre

February 25th – Plymouth, NH @ Flying Monkey Performance Center

March 24th – Mesa, AZ @ Chester’s Harley Davidson Pavilion

April 7th – Pooler, GA @ Ogelthorpe Speedway Park

April 28th – Fort Worth, TX @ Texas Motor Speedway

May 4th – Smithfield, NC @ Neuse River Amphitheatre

May 18th – Starke, FL – TBA

June 2nd – Scleswig, Germany @ Baltic Open Air Festival 2012

June 10th – Vernon, NJ @ Hidden Valley Club Rock Ribs Ridges

June 15th – Clisson, France @ Hellfest 2012

September 12th – Waterloo, Iowa @McElroy Auditorium National Cattle Congress

September 14th – Abingdon, VA @ Washington County Fair

* 2012 “Justice” World Tour Dates To Be Added

(Source: Molly Hatchet Official Website)

* For more info on MOLLY HATCHET, click on the link below:

Molly Hatchet – Official Website

LONG LIVE MOLLY HATCHET.

Stone.

COPPERHEAD – Southern Rock Band: 5 Cool Reasons To Buy Their Debut S/T Album From 1992

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock, southern rock albums with tags , , , , , , on January 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

COPPERHEAD – It was sometime during the Spring of 2011 when I came across the Southern Rock band Copperhead, while perusing the internet for all things Rock ‘N Roll. After sampling a few songs from the 1992 S/T debut album from Copperhead, I eagerly purchased it off of iTunes. This is the one and only studio album that Copperhead ever released too. Going back to 1992, I only remember Copperhead by band name only.

I guess that’s what makes being a lover of Rock ‘N Metal so damn fun, I’m always catching onto a new band from yesteryear! I steered best Metal buddy, Scott Coverdale, to this Copperhead album and he is as huge a believer in this band’s Southern Rock sound as I am. Copperhead may no longer be an active band, still they are a band well worth remembering and checking out. If Copperhead has reunited in any way, shape or form, please leave a comment!

Below are five cool reasons why you should buy this Copperhead S/T debut album. I’ve also included two fun facts about the album.

Reason #1: If you are a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Marshall Tucker Band, etc., then you shall have no problem at all diving ears first into Copperhead.

Reason #2: This Copperhead album in my most honest opinion… ROCKS from start to finish.

Reason #3: Neil Carswell (vocalist, guitarist & founding member) has that classic Southern Rock voice that’s just as contagious as his band’s music.

Reason #4: Copperhead could jam! From driving guitars to the keyboards, Copperhead just let it all loose on this album. In my opinion, this band kept it real with Southern fried and blue-collar enthusiasm through their songs.

Reason #5: This is straight-up Southern Rock here folks and nothing is watered down. So, crank up some Copperhead, grab your six-pack then kick back, while those good times and Southern Rock vibes take control.

Oh… by the way, my favorite song on this Copperhead album is: Highway. Whoa and Metal be thy name.

Two Fun Facts About This Copperhead Album:

Fun Fact #1: The song Long Way From Home became the title song for the motion picture: Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man. Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson starred in this movie too.

Fun Fact #2: The song Busted was included on the 1992 movie soundtrack: Dr. Giggles.

This is the cover for the Dr. Giggles movie soundtrack CD. Dr. Giggles is a Slasher film, can you tell?

COPPERHEAD – Track Listing:

Busted

Whiskey

The Scar

Brown’s Gold

Where Will I Be?

Keepin’ On

Highway

Hard Livin’

Lazy Days

Not My Tear

Born Loser

Long Way From Home

* Copperhead is available on iTunes, via Eastwinds Records. I’ve also seen it for sale on Amazon.

* Live & Lost (released in 2002), is a compilation of Copperhead studio and live tracks. It is also available on iTunes, via Eastwinds Records.

* For more info on NEIL CARSWELL and COPPERHEAD, click on the link below:

COPPERHEAD – Official Website

COPPERHEAD ROCKS.

Stone.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Bestows Charity In Their Southern Rock Hearts… Once Again

Posted in Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , on November 20, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on Lynyrd Skynyrd.com, November 17th, 2011:

We can’t wait for our grand opening concert on December 8th @Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer! Looking forward to helping out the students who receive scholarships from @Epicurean Charitable Foundation, the children who are in need of medical care at Nevada Children’s Medical Center and not to mention all of the children who benefit from the Lynyrd Skynyrd Foundation!!

* For more info on LYNYRD SKYNYRD, click the link below:

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Official Website

LONG LIVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

Stone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live From Texas – Track Listing:

Got Me Under Pressure

Waitin’ For The Bus

Jesus Just Left Chicago

I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide

Cheap Sunglasses

Pearl Necklace

Just Got Paid

Rough Boy

Blues Intro

Blue Jean Blues

Gimme All Your Lovin’

Sharp Dressed Man

Legs

Tube Snake Boogie

La Grange

Tush

LONG LIVE ZZ TOP.

Stone.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD “SKYNYRD NATION” – Previously Released Songs From This Iconic Southern Rock Band

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, live rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , on February 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – If I’m ever to be proven guilty for something, then my guilt is for the loyalty I have for the bands that I’ve listened to my whole life. Lynyrd Skynyrd is one such band, their Southern Rock/Hard Rock has moved and entertained me through good times and bad. I’m sure many of you out there know what I’m talking about. Therefore, whenever I see a CD for sale that I don’t own, with that classic Lynyrd Skynyrd logo on it… I’m buying.

From the offbeat compilations to the live Extended Versions, I can’t resist picking up some good ol’ Skynyrd. Regardless if I already own the songs on these compilations, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of those bands that secured my allegiance a long time ago, therefore building a collection of their vinyl and CD’s is fun. Hey, I just recently saw on television a woman who collects finger and toe nails. She then makes little “creatures of art” with them. Yes I did see that. Therefore, collecting the CD offbeats and compilations of Lynyrd Skynyrd is not a bad deal.

All along, the patriotic lyrics and vibes that shine through the songs of Lynyrd Skynyrd is an attribute that I find very special. Being born and living my entire life in America has obviously made me proud to be an American and to love my country. Still, the patriotic nature of this band with their undying love for America should serve as a symbol for anyone out there to love their respective country as well. It’s like that old saying: there’s no place like home.

With regards to lineup changes over the decades that have reshaped Lynyrd Skynyrd’s makeup, past tragedy and death are facts of life and are unavoidably sad. Changes in this Lynyrd Skynyrd family has never compromised their original sound or character. This is an American Band that has prospered on the dedication to their music, acting on what they believe in and forging ahead despite what tragic roadblocks may have stood in their way. This characteristic of Lynyrd Skynyrd alone has made them an inspiration to me… and to countless others that are know as: SKYNYRD NATION.

* SKYNYRD NATION was released on RoadRunner Records/Loud & Proud Records, on January 11, 2011.

SKYNYRD NATION Track Listing:

Tracks 1 thru 5 are from the 2009 album: God & Guns


01 – Still Unbroken

02 – Skynyrd Nation

03 – Simple Life

04 – That Ain’t My America

05 – Southern Ways

Tracks 6 thru 10 are from the 2010 album: Live From Freedom Hall

* Recorded live at Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY, June 15, 2007


06 – Travelin’ Man (live)

07 – Workin’ (live)

08 – Red White & Blue (live)

09 – Sweet Home Alabama (live)

10 – Free Bird (live)

LYNYRD SKYNYRD:

Gary Rossington – lead guitar

Billy Powell – keyboards

Johnny Van Zant – vocals

Rickey Medlocke – lead guitar

Mark “Sparky” Matejka – guitar

Ean Evans – bass

Michael Cartellone – drums

HONKETTES:

Dale Krantz Rossington – back-up vocals

Carol Chase – back-up vocals

Back on October 2nd, 2009, I posted the review for God & Guns. You can read it by clicking on the cool header link below:

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – “GOD & GUNS” IS ALREADY A SOUTHERN ROCK CLASSIC

LONG LIVE THE SKYNYRD NATION.

LONG LIVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

Rest In Peace, Billy Powell.

Rest In Peace, Ean Evans.

Stone.

ZZ TOP “Eliminator” – Metal Odyssey’s Classic Rock Journey Back To 1983

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ZZ TOP – It’s a humdinger of a thought, reflecting back to those blissful days of keg parties so long ago, in an open field, while Eliminator from ZZ TOP was blasting from someone’s boom box or car stereo. It was very common to hear Eliminator being cranked up along with Screaming For Vengeance from Judas Priest (released in 1982), Iron Maiden’s The Number Of The Beast and Piece Of Mind (released in 1982 and 1983 respectively) and Quiet Riot’s Metal Health. You have to remember, these were profoundly popular Metal albums of the day and ZZ TOP came knockin’ on the door to party… when all the world was abuzz about Heavy Metal. The really cool thing is, I and the majority of fellow Metalheads I knew then… let ZZ TOP in.

Metal Health was released on March 11, 1983 and Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983. Everyone knows the Metal historical importance of Metal Health being the first #1 Heavy Metal album on the Billboard Chart. (If you did not know, well, now you do. Plus QR rules too). Eliminator cracked that same Billboard Chart peaking at #9. As I reflect on it now, both the Metal Health and Eliminator albums should be hailed more frequently for their combined pop culture impact, it was like a one-two punch to the Hard Rockin’ forehead that felt so damn good back then. It certainly was a great moment in Rock Music history, when MTV really played music videos and while Heavy Metal along with Hard Rock was heard everywhere.

The coexistence of Eliminator alongside such Metal album classics back in 1983 proved that Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock can and does have a common connection. A “weeding out” process was happening amongst us fans and bands back in those early 80’s… resulting in the eventual endless list of sub-genres that we all debate about in 2011. Eliminator seemed to break down any barriers of Rock ‘N’ Roll segregation back in 1983, the Country and Southern Rock fans just might like a band that a Metalhead digs!

I’ve never been one to embrace just Metal as my only music listening experience and ZZ TOP is one major reason why. (Metal is #1 in my Metal heart though). I remember my buddies and I rushing to Strawberries Records & Tapes to buy earlier albums from ZZ TOP after Eliminator was released. This album gave the ZZ TOP back catalog even more notoriety, (even though it was already revered) and helped spotlight the righteousness of Blues Rock and Southern Rock/Southern Hard Rock.

While I write about Eliminator, I’m tapping into my memories of yesteryear, regardless of how dazed they might be. I do remember vividly the social impact that Eliminator had on my group of buddies and the media impact goes without saying. The music videos that spawned from this album were beyond entertaining… they were Rock ‘N’ Roll coolness with an exclamation point. TV Dinners is not just a (gasp) fun song, the music video for this song is flat-out hilarious. The slow driven, thump and stump of TV Dinners “really can’t be beat”, in my Metal opinion.

Not to disrespectfully push the “hits” of Eliminator aside, still, there are other songs on this album that cut loose with their dirt kickin’ and down home Rockin’ vibes. I Got The Six, Dirty Dog, If I Could Only Flag Her Down, I Need You TonightThug and Bad Girl are just as potent as the world popular Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure and of course… TV Dinners.

Was Eliminator commercial for it’s time? Of course it was and for grand reason. Eliminator will forever have a commercial appeal due to it’s memorable lyrics and good-times feel. It’s that big Texas boogie beat that will always make ZZ TOP and their catalog of albums timeless. Blues and grooves. Add into the sound and style of ZZ TOP these three words as well: Hard, Heavy, Classic. What other Rock power-trio, if you will, manifested more bluesy slick and muscular grooves into their songs such as ZZ TOP? Eliminator only magnified this.

There was no rushing to the “Prog-Rock” door to impress the fans when it came to the Rock ‘N’ Roll of Eliminator, that’s never been what ZZ TOP was/is known for. Straightforward with their brand of bluesy Southern Rock and Hard Rock is what made ZZ TOP famous for in the first place. As time has gone by, Eliminator just “eliminated” any doubts about this band and album having a huge impact among a cross section of Rock genres. It always feels dandy when I can reflect on an album that has made my Rock lovin’ life so enjoyable. My Eliminator vinyl and CD can never grow moss or collect dust mites… there’s just too many BIG beats and FUN moments that it bulges with, just like a Classic Rock album from ZZ TOP should do.

ZZ TOP:

BILLY GIBBONS – guitar & vocals

DUSTY HILL – bass & vocals

FRANK BEARD – drums

* Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983, on Warner Bros. Records.

* Eliminator was produced by Bill Ham.

LONG LIVE ZZ TOP.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

The word “dandy” was used in the last paragraph.

Stone.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – PERFORMING IN STUDIO ON A&E PRIVATE SESSIONS AUGUST 1ST, 2010!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock, southern rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 29, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – The always and forever legendary, Lynyrd Skynyrd will be interviewed and performing live on A&E – Private Sessions this Sunday, August 1st, 2010! Lynyrd Skynyrd will be jamming out their Southern Hard Rock Classics: Free Bird (extended version), Sweet Home Alabama, God & Guns and Still Unbroken. As an added Rockin’ bonus… Bret Michaels makes a surprise stop to visit Lynyrd Skynyrd and chat about their tour! Stone will be tuning in… that’s a Metal promise.

* A&E Private Sessions airs on Sunday, 9 AM EST, 8 AM CST. The host of A&E Private Sessions is the super cool Lynn Hoffman.

* To find out more info on A&E Private Sessions and this Lynyrd Skynyrd appearance, just click on this very helpful link: A&E PRIVATE SESSIONS

* For more info on Lynyrd Skynyrd, all you have to do is click this link below:

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Official Website

*On October 2, 2009, I reviewed the latest Southern Hard Rock album classic from Lynyrd Skynyrd, God & Guns. You can read all about it… by clicking the big header link below!

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – “GOD & GUNS” IS ALREADY A SOUTHERN ROCK CLASSIC

* Lynyrd Skynyrd – God & Guns was also chosen as Metal Odyssey’s Hard Rock album of 2009! On December 26, 2009, the Metal Odyssey Top Ten Hard Rock Albums of 2009 were revealed… you can check it out by clicking the oversized header link below!

METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN HARD ROCK ALBUMS OF 2009

LONG LIVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD!

Stone.

The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal – A Very Resourceful Metal Music Book

Posted in 1970's punk rock, 1970's heavy metal music, 1980's hair metal bands, 1980's heavy metal bands, 1980's metal bands, 1980's punk rock music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal bands, 1990's heavy metal music, 1990's thrash metal music, black metal roots, book reviews, classic rock music, death metal music, doom metal music, extreme metal music, hair metal music, heavy metal book reviews, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal music, heavy metal music books, heavy metal music guides, heavy metal music reference, heavy metal vocalists, horror punk rock bands, Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school metal bands, old school thrash metal music, punk rock bands, rock music, sludge metal bands, southern hard rock, thrash metal bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 9, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Ozzy small picI’m always looking for good deals on my Heavy Metal Music purchases, from albums, CD’s to memorabilia and books. Upon one of my recent stops into a local thrift store, I happened upon quite the Heavy Metal find indeed, for the ripe price of fifty cents. Yes, fifty cents. The find you ask? Well, none other than The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal – and it is quite the book for me. (This book is a 1st printing, printed in 2005 by Rough Guides). While perusing the book aisle at this thrift store, the image of none other than Ozzy Osbourne caught my eye. What is this? I could not believe what I had found! Knowing immediately too, that any book in this thrift store is only fifty cents… I was Metal stoked. As a bonus, this book stared right at me in gem mint condition as well. As I picked it up and browsed through it’s Heavy Metal filled pages, it was obvious to me that the previous owner of this book never bothered to read it. As crisp of a new book you will find. Life is a sweet journey sometimes, especially when you can stumble on a 410 page book, when you least expect it, that is dedicated to your favorite music genre… Heavy Metal.

Alright, enough about how I found The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal and onward with it’s review. This richly factual book is written by Essi Berelian, with a foreward by the legendary front man for Iron MaidenBruce Dickinson himself. There are over 300 bands and/or musicians that are covered in this book. (Hey, to make a definitive book of Heavy Metal bands would not only be a task of the ages, the page count would reach a bizarre number as well). Therefore, there are going to be bands that are missing, (I am disappointed that Enslaved did not get aknowledged), plus there is that band here and there where I can’t exactly label as Heavy Metal, (Asia has a write-up in this book). I like Asia, yet I do not see the connection here. I will bend and say Foreigner has a loose connection to the genre of Heavy Metal, they are represented in The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal. Diversity is shown in the representation of bands, The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal even acknowledges Lynyrd Skynyrd and their link to heavy music.

From Ozzy Osbourne and Kiss to King Diamond and Magnum, with the likes of Venom and UFO in between, a fabulous smorgasbord of movers and shakers are touched upon with factual integrity and reverence. I am smitten that Slayer, Motorhead, W.A.S.P., Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kreator are well covered here too. Something that Essi Berelian did here, that impresses me most, is the inclusion of legendary Punk Rock Bands such as the Misfits and Ramones. Still, where are the Sex Pistols? C’mon, if you include Punk Rock into a voluminous book such as this, it is not a bright move to ignore the Sex Pistols! Plus, whenever writers refer to the 1970’s Hard Rock band Sweet as “The Sweet”, it drives me crazy. Anyone familiar with this band knows them as Sweet… period. The only album I am aware of, that has the moniker of “The Sweet” is their very first album, which was titled Funny How Sweet Co-Co Can Be back in 1971. Give me a Metal break.

Essi Berelian deserves much praise and credit, despite the few flaws mentioned, that in reality, I can overlook. Each band or musician represented in The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal has it’s history and discography touched upon in enough detail that suffices for me. Interesting anecdotes and facts are also provided throughout this entire book, making for a very resourceful guide on the history of Heavy Metal. The genres of Heavy Metal are explained very well too, giving the reader an in depth explanation to it’s respective origin and impact on the world of music. From Christian Metal to Black Metal, the genres of Heavy Metal are given their own spotlight. The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal is also loaded with plenty of black and white photographs, (group and individual shots, album covers and concert photos), giving this book that much more appeal.

At the end of the Metal day, The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal makes for an extensive and detailed read into the bands that started, shaped and expanded the world of Heavy Metal Music. Whether you are a life long fan of this incredible genre of music or a brand new fan, this book is rather difficult to put down. I most highly recommend The Rough Guide To Heavy Metal to all, it really isn’t that rough at all. Hey, for the fifty cents it set me back, this book is worth every penny. I cannot shake the Metal grin on my face each time I pick this book up to read.

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LYNYRD SKYNYRD – “GOD & GUNS” IS ALREADY A SOUTHERN ROCK CLASSIC

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's hard rock bands, 1970's southern rock music, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's southern rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's rock bands, 1980's southern rock, 1990's classic rock music, 1990's southern rock music, Album Review, classic hard rock, classic hard rock bands, classic hard rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, cool album covers, current rock albums 2009, essential rock albums, essential southern rock albums, hard rock albums 2009, hard rock music, Music, old school southern rock music, rock & roll, rock album review, rock album reviews, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock music, southern hard rock, southern hard rock albums, southern rock, southern rock albums, southern rock music, southern rock music legends with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 2, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Lynyrd Skynyrd "God & Guns" small album picLynyrd Skynyrd are Southern Rock Legends and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. What more does Lynyrd Skynyrd have to prove? What keeps the motivation meter running with this band? In my Metal opinion, it is a combination of many things… the Skynyrd Nation and the fact that this band has never lost touch with their roots are two quick examples. Southern Music roots… family roots… old school values, these three attributes come out Southern Rockin’ loud and clear on God & Guns, (released on RoadRunner Records, September 29, 2009). My interpretation of the lyrics found on God & Guns, leads me to believe that Lynyrd Skynyrd are not about to change their beliefs, (both political and social), for no man. Lynyrd Skynyrd has never and is not about to sway or teeter on the fence with their lyrics and music, a quality that I tremendously admire of this legendary band. As the decades have passed and the Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup has unquestionably changed, none of what I have previously touched upon with this band has wavered… and the quality of the musicianship inevitably carries forward this Southern Rock icon to 2009. With God & Guns, a new Southern Rock Classic has instantly been born and I would not have expected any less from Lynyrd Skynyrd. Each of the twelve songs on this new album bestow the trademark Southern Rock shades of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s past, while combining a thrust of relevant Hard Rock vigor, making for an unforgettable listen the first time around. Johnny Van Zant sounds great on vocals and founding member and guitarist Gary Rossington, along with the entire band should be proud of this album.

Still Unbroken opens up God & Guns, it is heavy and hard, a statement that the rest of this album to follow is going to be one hell of a cool ride. Skynyrd Nation is a song overflowing with Southern Rock/Lynyrd Skynyrd pride. I am just waiting for the right moment to crank up this song to the max, with my car window down. Skynyrd Nation is the ultimate Southern Rock anthem for this band, a powerful song. Simple Life is a cry out for the way things used to be as only Lynyrd Skynyrd can convey. Here is where the old school values of life comes into play… eating dinner with your kids, not having to lock up the doors to your house, going fishing and helping out a stranger. This song may sound like preaching to some, however, the lyrics make total sense to me. Unwrite That Song is the ballad on God & Guns that provides a moment to chill, kick back and revel at the change in Southern Rock shift… this song acts as the anchor between the song list, giving me one more reason to call this album a new classic. Floyd is the song that provides the creepy moment on God & Guns. This song tells a story about a man named Floyd who mysteriously disappears after two law dogs got in his way – Southern Rock spookiness in the vein of Molly Hatchet’s classic song The Creeper.

My favorite song on God & Guns is That Ain’t My America. A patriotic song, with strong conservative views, Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn’t just add their two cents here… they reminded me once again, as to how proud I am to be an American. That Ain’t My America makes many points through it’s lyrics, yet it is done with respect and class… the Southern Rock way. Storm and Gifted Hands conclude God & Guns on a high inspirational note and there ain’t nothing wrong with that for me. The lyrics of these last two songs prove that positive lyrics incorporated with the Southern Rock sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd, can easily elevate me to the highest of cool moods. The guitar jamming in Gifted Hands could carry on for hours and I would still listen with gleeful, Southern Rock hungry ears. Aw, damn, I can easily listen to this new Lynyrd Skynyrd classic God & Guns for hours on end… and still want more.

Some extra info on this God & Guns CD:

Within the liner notes of this CD, is a cool concert photo of the late Billy Powell and Ean Evans, shown together. Lynyrd Skynyrd dedicated this new album to both of these gentlemen, along with their respective families. Complete lyrics to every song are in the liner notes. Also found within the liner notes, under the title of Additional Musicians, Rob Zombie and guitarist John 5 are credited. The liner notes do not express which songs they appear on. My Metal ears are astute to so many musicians and their style of play, (this time I am stumped), I cannot pinpoint where Rob Zombie and John 5 do appear… maybe someone out there knows for sure which songs they appear on and can drop the details in a reply.

Lynyrd Skynyrd "God & Guns" large album pic #2

BLACKFOOT – “Highway Song” was there when I needed it

Posted in 1970's southern rock music, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's rock music, 1980's southern rock music, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's southern hard rock, 1980's southern rock, classic hard rock, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic southern rock, everyday experiences, everyday social experiences, family, feel good stories, highway traffic stories, old school southern rock music, road trip stories, rush hour traffic stories, southern hard rock, southern hard rock albums, southern rock, southern rock 1979, southern rock albums, southern rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 23, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

6085149Blackfoot has always been one of my favorite Southern Rock Bands, their songs and sound flat out Rock for me. The history of Blackfoot includes a long list of musicians, this is one band that has seen it’s share of lineup changes over the years. My favorite years of Blackfoot Southern Rock were definitely 1979 through 1981. The Blackfoot albums released during those years were “Strikes”, “Tomcattin'” and “Marauder”. The CD “Blackfoot Greatest Hits”, (pictured here), contains ten songs representing these three albums, which was at Walmart a couple of years ago… for five bucks I bought it without question. Admittedly, I do not own any other Blackfoot albums, so picking up a Greatest Hits of Blackfoot was essential sooner or later. I really get into this Blackfoot CD during the Spring through Autumn months… probably due to the fact I always equate Southern Rock to warmer weather. Go figure. The first track on this CD is  “Highway Song”, my favorite Blackfoot tune ever. This CD I played in my car recently, the timing of listening to “Highway Song”, on this particular small road trip, could not have been any better, here is how it all unfolded…

My family wanted to go shopping, (for back to school clothes), at the very large mall… this is the big one, the biggest mall in the area where we live. It is not a problem at all for me to join them… this oversized shopping mecca has a Hot Topic, therefore I can have a store of interest to check out. We embarked on our mall trip at around 5:30 p.m. – rush hour on the highway. I have never been a huge fan of rush hour congestion on the roadway, especially the highway. I spent too many years, like millions of others, wasting away hours on end, inside of a car, due to the rush hour creep. Thank heaven for the inventive mind or minds that decided to put stereo systems into cars decades ago. Having a CD player in the car has become an accepted necessity for me, music can not just entertain during a rush hour debacle, it can get me through psychologically during a highway traffic jam. We sure enough, didn’t even get onto the highway before realization set in… the traffic ahead of us was moving slower than we could walk. Step in “Highway Song”, as this Blackfoot CD played, It finally hit me that this was the best song to have playing, while stuck in a sea of cars moving at 3 mph. 

What should have been a fifteen minute trip down a straight highway became a forty minute stop and go. It appeared that there was no traffic accident, no highway construction, nor was there any debris in the roadway causing this delay, nope. The rush hour tie up seemed to be, in my Metal opinion, the one word that traffic reporters have used for many years now… phenomenon. You know, when traffic will slow down to a crawl for no apparent reason at all. It is like a domino affect, once the first car slows down, the rest in line have no choice but to follow suit. I have been involved in many, many, many, worse and longer rush hour scenarios throughout my life, this was definitely not the end of the world. Still, it was cool that the one CD I decided to listen to, even before our car reached the highway, was this Blackfoot Greatest Hits with “Highway Song” just getting started. What were the odds of this moment coming together? My listening to this song and the entire CD on our rush hour adventure to the mall, made the trip feel like the fifteen minutes it usually takes to get there. The bottom line is, Blackfoot and “Highway Song” made this rush hour jam easier to take.

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38 Special “Rockin’ Into The Night” – 1980 album keeps Rockin’

Posted in 1970's southern rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, Album Review, classic hard rock, classic hard rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock music, classic southern rock, cool album covers, essential hard rock albums, essential southern rock albums, hard rock vocalists, Music, old school southern rock music, Rock, rock album reviews, rock music, rock music vocals, rock vocalists, southern hard rock, southern hard rock albums, southern rock, southern rock 1979, southern rock albums, southern rock music, southern rock music legends, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 19, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

main-150Back in 1980, I was enthralled by 38 Special. That year, I went to the Caldor Department Store and bought the 45 rpm of the hit single – “Rockin’ Into The Night”. I was in eighth grade with not too much cash in my pocket, still I always held onto enough dough to buy my 45’s. My parents were on an extremely fixed budget, therefore, I could not coax too many higher priced albums from them back then. That was fine, I was always grateful for what my parents could afford to give me. Besides, I more often than not, earned my records from doing yard work and cleaning up the house. That 38 Special 45 rpm was played by me continuously. “Rockin’ Into The Night” was my song back in 1980, no one else’s, (or so I thought). The truth of the day is, I did not buy the actual album “Rockin’ Into The Night” until decades later. Man, what was I thinking? The 45 rpm I had from 1980 had been worn down from repeated play, eventually tossed away. Yet, as I write this post, this Classic Southern Hard Rock album, (really it is a CD now), is a permanent fixture in my music collection. 

To call this album a gem is not adequate enough. “Rockin’ Into The Night” is a Southern Hard Rock accomplishment that in my opinion, (excuse the clique’), stood the test of time. This is an album that did not even need to have a hit single, all nine songs are true Southern Rock, played hard, with a determined grit and emotion by 38 Special. The liner notes for this album says it all… “This One’s For You Ronnie!”. Ronnie Van Zant, the founder and lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, had passed away in a plane crash, (on October 20, 1977) and 38 Special had dedicated this album to him. Donnie Van Zant is the younger brother of Ronnie, his vocals have always gone straight through me, especially on this album. I always sensed, no matter how many times I listen to this album, that Donnie sang with extra vigor and emotion in dedication to his brother. (This is my interpretation anyways). After all of these years… decades… I still come to the conclusion that “Rockin’ Into The Night” Rocks just as bad ass as it did in 1980. 

You would probably think that “Rockin’ Into The Night” is my favorite song off of this album. Would it be a shock to admit to all, that it is not? After the years have gone by, well, “Turn It On” is actually my favorite track off of this album, with “Rockin’ Into The Night” being a very close second. “Turn It On” just has that right beat that rivets me, the song is upbeat and true Southern Rock. The Southern Rock piano does have a substantial influence over me, especially when it is heard on “Turn It On”.  “Stone Cold Believer”, “Take Me Through The Night” and “You Got The Deal” are for me, as consistent you will ever hear, when it comes to top tier Southern Hard Rock. “Robin Hood” is the instrumental song on this album, I do consider this song as a centerpiece, if you will, for it plays out as one of the finest examples of Southern Rock music as you could ever ask for. “Money Honey” is a song that I have hit the repeat button for without hesitation. This song is just a good old Southern Rocker that spills over with Southern Rock vibe and goodness.

I always like to write about the albums, songs and the bands that create them. I also write about the bands that have made my life memorable, both past and present. 38 Special is one of those bands that has instilled in me, the appreciation for both the quality of the song and quality of the musicianship. 38 Special introduced to me, in 1980, a song that has been with me now for the majority of my life. “Rockin’ Into The Night” will be enjoyed by me for the rest of my years as well. My nine year old twin daughters have given their thumbs up to this album, this solidifies the importance of passing along great music, from legendary bands of the past, to younger generations to enjoy. It makes me feel darn cool and good, when my young twin daughters say they like 38 Special and their upbeat music.

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Happy Birthday to ZZ Top legend Dusty Hill!

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, 1980's hard rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, Rock, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock celebrity birthdays, rock music, southern hard rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

main-150Metal Odyssey would like to extend a tremendously LOUD – Happy Birthday! – to legendary bassist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Dusty Hill of ZZ Top! Dusty Hill turns a real cool 60 today, May 19, 2009. I have been fortunate enough to see the legendary ZZ Top live in concert, (around 1995 – if I am correct), at the Hartford Civic Center. The opening act was none other than… the amazing George Thorogood! That was one incredible night of Rock N’ Roll! Yes, I did buy a souvenir from that concert, it was the infamous ZZ Top keychain. Man, I loved that ZZ Top keychain, it was made out of pure Metal too. I just lost that wonderful souvenir about two years ago… it is a darn shame. Anytime I held that keychain in view, someone (yes even total strangers) would always say: “Hey, isn’t that the ZZ Top keychain”? It was quite a popular conversation piece for me. 

My favorite ZZ Top album ever, is “One Foot In The Blues” – released on November 22, 1994. This album is all heavy Blues, baby! The ZZ Top brand of Rockin’ Blues.This album holds the honor and distinction of being the only CD that I listened to the very morning of my Wedding Day. You betcha. This just so happens to be the CD that I listened to on that entire special day, plus it was a gift from my gorgeous wife to be as well . Dusty Hill, thank you for the fabulous Rock N’ Roll and heavy Blues you have created with ZZ Top all these years! I definitely have cool and special memories associated with the tunes of ZZ Top. I certainly applaud and truly appreciate your musicianship.

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