Archive for the southern rock Category

Sweden Rock Festival 2012 – Here Are The Confirmed Bands!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, Power Metal, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , on December 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

EDGUY – To perform at Sweden Rock Festival 2012

SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2012 – Mötley Crüe and Lynyrd Skynyrd will be sharing the stage as headliners at the 2012 Sweden Rock Festival! This year’s Sweden Rock Festival will be June 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th in Sölvesborg, Sweden. An amazing lineup of bands have this 2012 Sweden Rock Festival looking like the only place on Earth I’d like to be on these dates come June!

Since June 6th of 1992, the Sweden Rock Festival has celebrated Rock & Metal. Take a look at the promotional poster below for the full-roster of bands at the 2012 Sweden Rock Festival. There will be approximately 70 bands! Metal be thy name!

ROLL CALL OF SOME VERY COOL BANDS ON THE BILL:

DIMMU BORGIR

EXODUS

PENTAGRAM

GIRLSCHOOL

DANKO JONES

* For more info & ticket info on the Sweden Rock Festival 2012, click on this link here: Sweden Rock Festival 2012

LONG LIVE THE SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL.

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.

Rest In Peace, Joel “Taz” DiGregorio, Keyboardist, Charlie Daniels Band

Posted in country music, country rock, metal odyssey, rock music, rock music news, southern rock with tags , , , , , on October 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

As reported on CNN Entertainment, Friday, October 14, 2011:

CNN – Joel “Taz” DiGregorio, keyboardist and original member of The Charlie Daniels Band, died Wednesday night from injuries he suffered in a single car wreck in Cheatham County, Tennessee. He was 67.

“I am in shock now, Taz was one of my best friends,” Charlie Daniels said in a statement. “The CDB family has lost a great friend and musician.”

DiGregorio was a member of the band for more than 40 years and co-wrote its signature song,”The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

DiGregorio was on his way to meet the band’s tour bus when his car crashed near Nashville. Details about the wreck were not immediately available.

Because of his death, the band canceled a Thursday night concert in Georgia and a show Saturday night in Connecticut.

“We traveled many miles together and shared so many nights on the road. We’re going to miss you buddy,” Daniels said. “You were one of a kind and will never be forgotten.”

CNN’s Ric Ward contributed to this report

Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family and friends of Joel “Taz” DiGregorio. Condolences to The Charlie Daniels Band and their fans as well.

Rest In Peace, Joel “Taz” DiGregorio.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warren Haynes – Official Website

LONG LIVE WARREN HAYNES.

Stone.

Rock Jamberoni – A Dream Album Of Classic Rock, Southern Rock and Heavy Metal Jams!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on March 5, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ROCK JAMBERONI – Have you ever wished for that one day, when you were handed the golden keys to a record company by being named it’s Chief Executive Officer? With this newly bestowed title, you are now able to create that one Rock ‘n’ Roll album that forges your name alongside the legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll history? Well, yesterday I received word via email that my Rock ‘n’ Roll wish has been granted. For today only, I have been officially designated as the CEO and producer for Coverdale Records.

Given my new found Rock ‘n’ Roll power, I’ve decided to take up the fun task of compiling an album of legendary songs. These songs feature kick ass Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal jams! These jams aren’t just merely a guitar solo heard at the beginning or during the middle of a song, these are full-throttle instrumental jams that last more than a minute with total band participation. Below is the album track listing of such legendary jam songs… and I’m titling this revved-up album – Rock Jamberoni. The expected release date is March 24, 2011. Enjoy!

Rock Jamberoni – Track Listing:

Green Grass and High Tides – The Outlaws

Fall of the Peacemakers – Molly Hatchet

Highway Song – Blackfoot

Freebird – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Working Man – Rush

Whole Lotta Rosie – AC/DC

Wasted White Boys – W.A.S.P.

Hallowed Be Thy Name – Iron Maiden

Fade To Black – Metallica

Beyond the Realms of Death – Judas Priest

Layla – Derek and the Dominos

Diamonds For Eyes – Whitestarr

* Bonus Track:

Hocus Pocus – Focus

Life Is One Gigantic Jam Session!

Scott Coverdale.

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 OUTLAWS – THIS LEGENDARY BAND CURES MY SOUTHERN ROCK FIX

Posted in 1970's classic rock albums, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock songs, 1970's classic rock vocalists, 1970's southern rock albums, 1970's southern rock music, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's rock music, 1970's southern rock bands, 1970's southern rock songs, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's classic rock vocalists, 1980's southern rock music, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's classic rock songs, 1980's southern rock, 1990's southern rock music, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, classic rock vocalists, essential southern rock albums, metal odyssey, Music, old school southern rock music, rock music, southern rock, southern rock albums, southern rock music, southern rock music legends, southern rock songs, vintage southern rock albums, vintage southern rock bands with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

There are many moments I dive right into the Southern Rock genre. My wide array of favorite bands crosses over many Rock genres and I am all the better for it. (Metal will always be #1 for me, that will never change). The blue collar, American made and guitar enriched sound of Southern Rock, both past and present, just sticks to me like molasses. I honestly can’t go very long, without nurturing the country boy side of me, with this ever important branch of American Rock and Roll. Aw heck, Southern Rock serves my city boy side just as well too. The Outlaws have been my recent listening choice to cure my Southern Rock fix. A classic of a band indeed are The Outlaws. Great songs and down to earth lyrics has this band written. The Outlaws may not be as heavy as Molly Hatchet or as popular as Lynyrd Skynyrd, still they managed to differentiate themselves amongst their peers by staying true to their own style. The Outlaws have their respectful place in Southern Rock history… Rock history too, for that matter.

The Outlaws, through their own songs, have never pretended to be anything but Southern Rock. I have always admired any band that never compromises their own genuine sound, The Outlaws are one of these bands. Does all this sound like I am overextending praise towards The Outlaws? In my opinion, no. Sure, all of the accolades you read here are from my personal standpoint, yet I would gamble to guess I am not alone in my viewpoint. I really enjoy the Southern Rock that The Outlaws have created, this goes all the way back to my teen years of the 1980’s. Green Grass & High Tides, (from the 1975 debut album Outlaws), the almost ten minute Southern Rock epic, just sends me into a care free mood where things seem to feel alright. This is a song that encompasses the true energy, passion and sound of mid 1970’s Southern Rock. I have always liked this song so much, it is like listening to a three minute song for me.

All of the most memorable and legendary songs from The Outlaws are from 1975 to 1980. Counting the Ghost Riders album from 1980, The Outlaws released three studio albums during the 1980’s, while releasing Diablo Canyon in 1994. The main constant and founding member of The Outlaws, Hughie Thomasson on lead vocals and guitar, is a musician I have and always will appreciate tremendously. He penned Green Grass & High Tides, while co-writing There Goes Another Love Song, two of perhaps the most recognizable Southern Rock songs of the 1970’s, both from such an important debut album. Hurry Sundown, (from the 1977 album Hurry Sundown) and (Ghost) Riders In The Sky, (from the 1980 album Ghost Riders) are two more unreal favorites of mine from The Outlaws.

I bought The Outlaws Super Hits recently, a greatest hits that spans their albums 1975 thru 1980. To have ten solid songs from The Outlaws, on one disc, is a recipe for Classic Southern Rock to the highest degree. This CD set me back just 5 dollars… fifty cents a song. Not to sound cliche here… that is priceless, especially when these songs from The Outlaws make me feel so darn good.

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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Heavy Metal cassettes are still useful to me

Posted in 1980's hard rock, 1980's heavy metal music, 1980's metal music, 1980's thrash metal, 1990's heavy metal music, classic metal, classic rock, collecting music, everyday experiences, everyday social experiences, glam metal music, Hair Metal, hair metal music, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, music collections, old school heavy metal, progressive rock, Punk rock, rock music, shopping for music, southern rock, thrash metal music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 5, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MetalOdysseyYou know something… I am sick and tired of the throw away mentality that surfaces about, in regards to the media in which we listen to music. Turntables are still being sold and so are cassette tape decks. I can understand if younger generations are not at all interested in vinyl records, cassette tapes or (gulp) – 8-track tapes. The younger dudes did not have record or tape collections to replace with CD’s… a very costly endeavor at that, which can take a lifetime to rebuild with CD’s, depending on how large your music collection wasHowever, in the last three years alone, I have purchased two “brand new” combination stereo systems for my daughters and guess what? Both of these combination stereos have built-in cassette decks!! Both stereos were purchased at Target, a major upscale department store that is supposedly in the know – on the cutting edge of having the latest home electronics technology! So, if cassette tapes are supposed to be so archaic, so outdated and symbolic of poor taste in music listening enjoyment, then why are they still being manufactured? To pacify us older dudes who have still hung on to our cassette collections? Out of sympathy for us nostalgic Metalheads?

My number one music genre, is of course, Heavy Metal and all related Heavy and Extreme Music genres. With that appreciation I have for my music, I still covet the Heavy Metal cassettes that I, to this very day… hunt down and find at thrift stores and yard sales. Hey, I have the means to still play them! As a bonus for me… my model year 2000 Ford Tauras has a built-in… you guessed it… cassette deck! Therefore, I am not wasting my loot when I purchase these Heavy Metal cassettes from yesteryear. No matter what thrift store I frequent, the standard price for each cassette tape is only fifty cents. Fifty cents!! C’mon, let’s be real, that is nothing compared to the sticker prices for the newly released, Heavy Metal CD’s you find today. My recent CD purchases, of the newest releases of Metal bands, have ranged in price from $9.99 upwards to $17.99… and we are not talking about any one of them being a double CD either! These CD prices will never thwart my addiction to Heavy Metal and frequent purchasing. The point I am making is simple… for fifty cents, I am still getting the same enjoyment from the music I listen to, albeit the sound quality of a CD versus the cassette tape equates to the CD wins. (I will not argue about the sound quality)

There are dozens of Heavy Metal cassettes that I find that are currently not available on CD. The cassettes I buy must have the original liner notes intact, in near mint to mint condition. Take my word for it, these liner notes are a piece of Heavy Metal nostalgia for the respective band on the cassette… I still get a kick out of reading the cool liner notes that have full lyrics and interesting credits. You would be surprised at what one may learn from reading the liner notes of these old cassettes… especially the ones that are currently not available on CD. I have posted in the past, the last laugh the turntable and record albums are currently having on the music marketplace… it is the Heavy Metal cassette tape that is silently having the last laugh as well.

Ean Evans – Thank you for the music

Posted in classic rock, classic southern rock, Hard Rock, Music, Rock, rock music, southern hard rock, southern rock, southern rock bass players with tags , , , , , , , , , , on May 10, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

14462976I heard the news on May 6, 2009, that Ean Evans, the long standing bass player for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member & Southern Rock Legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away from a battle with cancer. Ean’s quality bass playing and backing vocals will surely be missed. Ean’s music will forever be heard and enjoyed by fans worldwide, an everlasting gift he has left us all. Metal Odyssey pays tribute to Ean Evans and gives condolence to all of his family and friends. May God Bless You, Ean Evans, rest in peace in Rock N’ Roll heaven.

Molly Hatchet debut album from 1978 – Rocks heavy to this day

Posted in 1970's hard rock, 1970's Rock, 1980's hard rock, 1980's southern hard rock, 1980's southern rock, Album Review, classic rock, classic southern rock, cool album covers, Hard Rock, hard rock album review, hard rock guitarists, hard rock songs, Music, rock music, rock music vocals, southern hard rock, southern hard rock albums, southern rock, southern rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 8, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

In 1978, Molly Hatchet, the Southern Rock legends to be, released their debut album “Molly Hatchet” – this album still rocks today. I was just embarking on my teen years back in 1978, Kiss, Foreigner, The Electric Light Orchestra and Cheap Trick were my four main bands that I listened to constantly. (I was not into the real heavy music until I entered high school, heck, I was still green and learning fast about the huge world of Rock music). One band, however, that turned my head and gave me instant goose bumps as soon as I heard their tunes was Molly Hatchet. Man, I was amazed at the sound of this band. I was going on fourteen when I first heard the guitar jamming, the muscular feel and Southern Rock energy coming from Molly Hatchet. The vocals of Danny Joe Brown sounded so bad ass to me, (they still do), I thought I was bad ass when I spoke of Molly Hatchet to my grammar school buddies. The rebellious sound, vocals, lyrics and super cool album cover won me over in 1978 and has never waned for three decades. I never forget or stop listening to those bands that got me into music as a kid, these bands including Molly Hatchet I am forever grateful for.

“The Creeper” in and of itself is good enough reason to chase this album/CD down. The seven minute and brilliant “Dreams I’ll Never See” for me, makes for one of the greatest cruisin’ tunes I have ever heard. “Bounty Hunter” and “Gator Country” just kick start this album into a Hard Southern Rockin’ rebellious ride that I enjoy taking. I realize a couple of  posts ago was about Molly Hatchet as well, I am stoked recently over this band forgive me please. This debut album from Molly Hatchet blows away thousands of other debut albums that are out there – how often I find myself not buying a bands first album due to it’s blandness. Hey, this is my Metal opinion. Sure, the debut from Molly Hatchet is “old school” – only remember that this is an album that helped pave the way for Southern Hard Rock to flourish and receive it’s due respect and credibility. I hope my posts on Molly Hatchet can lure new fans to this legendary band and to the genre of Southern Rock. Veteran fans of Molly Hatchet and Southern Hard Rock already know what I am talking about.

Here is the original lineup of Molly Hatchet, as they appeared on their debut album “Molly Hatchet” – Danny Joe Brown – lead vocalist, Duane Roland – lead guitar, Dave Hlubek – lead guitar, Steve Holland – lead guitar, Banner Thomas – bass guitar and Bruce Crump – drums.

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