If there was ever a Hard Rock album that I honestly wore out from excessive playing on a turntable, well, it would be “The Grand Illusion” by STYX. This album, (released on July 7, 1977), along with its fabulous music, also bestows incredible lyrics as well. I would escape the doldrums, trials and tribulations of being a teenager by kicking back and slapping down this Classic Rock gem. The funny thing is, the lyrics of these songs on “The Grand Illusion” are just as relevant for me today as they were twenty nine years ago. In hindsight, this album actually gave me tremendous solace, insight and inspiration, at a time in my life when I probably needed it most. There are certain Hard Rock albums that I have embraced and bonded with, where the music and lyrics just seem to connect to my very own personal experiences. “The Grand Illusion” is without a doubt, one of these Hard Rock albums I have connected with.
Just the lyrics alone from the song “The Grand Illusion” are inspiring me for a lifetime… “Don’t be fooled by the radio, the t.v. or the magazines… they show you photographs, of how your life should be…” – my interpretation of these lyrics are that the mass media constantly tells us how to eat, what to wear, who to vote for, how much you should weigh, what to buy and own and of course, how to look. Sorry, I do not need the plastic news anchors and million dollar television hosts telling me how to live my life! STYX was right on with the song “The Grand Illusion” – it is commons sense lyrics that I live by. My sister, (who is now in Rock N’ Roll Heaven), was the first to introduce me to STYX… “Come Sail Away” was her favorite STYX song ever, I know this for she played the 45 rpm at least 20 times a day one Summer, back in the day. “Miss America” is as cool as it gets with keyboards in Hard Rock, the intro to this tune is a definite high point. “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” is a great tune to get psyched up to… “get up, get back on your feet… your the one they can’t beat and you know it”… man, if those cool lyrics are not enough to inspire you, then you are better off listening to vintage Boxcar Willie.
I am by no means telling anyone what they should listen to on Metal Odyssey, rather, I only try to acknowledge the Hard Rock bands and their albums that in my Metal opinion, are a great listen and buy. “The Grand Illusion” by STYX is for me, so justifiable of a legendary Hard Rock album. If I was to get just one visitor to my post to obtain a copy of this CD/album, well, I did someone a great favor. Veteran STYX fans should understand what I mean! The members of STYX, on “The Grand Illusion” were: Dennis DeYoung on keyboards, synthesizer & vocals, Tommy Shaw on acoustic and electric guitars & vocals, Chuck Panozzo on bass & vocals, John Panozzo on drums, percussion & vocals, and James Young on guitars, keyboards & vocals. What a band… what an album.
Well, I have finally reached the pinnacle in my decision process for The Greatest Heavy Metal Album Of All Time. Please reference my past posts on this topic, you will find many great & legendary Metal albums that I personally nominated for this prestigious label. Without further delay, in my Metal opinion, and only mine alone, I have chosen: Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” 
Anyone who follows Metal Odyssey knows that I like to keep up on the birthdays of legendary Rock Stars. Why? Well, it is a great excuse to write about these dudes and give my opinion on their music. So, without further delay – Metal Odyssey gives out a LOUD Happy Birthday to Peter Frampton!! Frampton turned a cool rockin’ 59 on April 22, 2009. My favorite Peter Frampton album is definitely “Frampton Comes Alive.” Released in 1976, this live album for me, captures the Rock & Roll spirit, talent and energy that Peter Frampton has been exhibiting, going on four decades. “Do You Feel Like I Do” and “Baby I Love Your Way” are true Frampton classics, the live recordings only bring them more to life, in my opinion. I always liked his album “Where I Should Be” – the single “I Can’t Stand It No More” I still find very catchy. Is Peter Frampton Hard Rock? To me, no, if you are going by todays Rock music standards. It was probably easier to categorize Peter Frampton as Hard Rock in the 1970s, maybe. As I see it, Peter Frampton is a Rock legend in his own right, I have always been keen on his brand of Rock & Roll. Plus, for me, the music of Peter Frampton always reminds me of the Summer, being at an outdoor party or just hanging out at the beach. I really cannot figure out why this is, I do recall many outdoor parties in the past, where Frampton was being cranked up loud though. (Maybe that is the reason). All in all, Peter Frampton and his music has been cool for me over the years, I wish Peter Frampton all the best as he continues to tour and write music. Thank you for all the great tunes over the years Peter Frampton!
I really enjoy paying homage to the greats of Rock & Roll music. Especially when the musician is a member of a band that I can never, ever, tire from. Happy Birthday Craig Frost! Craig is the keyboard extraordinaire for Grand Funk Railroad, a true – blue collar, American Rock Band. Craig turned a super cool 61 on April 20th. 
Over this past weekend, I stumbled upon the opportunity to purchase (real cheap) the debut release from Bad Company, aptly titled – “Bad Company.” This first Bad Company album I had many years ago, (on cassette tape) and I actually still have it. (I always treated my cassettes like gold, for they used to cost just as much as actual vinyl). Well, this copy of Bad Company I purchased is the CD, a used copy for a meager 4 dollars and 1 penny, total. (That is less money I spend on an average trip to Dunkin’ Donuts).
The voice of Janis Joplin, in my opinion, has never, ever, bean duplicated, nor has any female Rock vocalist even come light years close. The raspy, sand papered and bluesy vocals of Janis Joplin has always sounded magical to me. The raw emotion that Janis Joplin exhibited vocally will always come through to me as honest and true. Janis Joplin was an all encompassing Rock legend – singer, songwriter and guitarist. 
If I could pin point the exact age I was, when I first listened to the Electric Light Orchestra, I would be somewhere around 10 years old – the vintage 1970’s. I have been inhaling the music of ELO for my entire life, safe to say. It does not matter what Metal genre I am currently obsessed with, ELO always gets playing time on my turntable and/or CD players. The Electric Light Orchestra, in my opinion, is one of the original leaders of Progressive Rock. What exactly is it about ELO that gravitates me to their music? Since I can remember, even as a young kid, I always got the biggest kick out of any music that was louder, faster and heavier than what was being played on AM radio. (that is correct, I wrote – AM radio).
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