Archive for classic rock

ERIC MARTIN – MR. BIG Frontman To Embark On Acoustic Tour Of Europe This November

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on July 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ERIC MARTIN – Legendary singer Eric Martin of the also legendary, chart-topping and Melodic Hard Rockers, MR. BIG, will be embarking on an acoustic tour of Europe this November. As reported on MR. BIG’s facebook:

Dear BIG fans in Europe, Eric Martin is going to hold an Acoustic Tour on:

November 2 at the Woodstock (Como, Italy)

November 3 at the Il Peocio (Trofarello, Italy)

November 13 at the Outbaix (Ubach Palenberg, Germany)

November 15 at the Hamtorkrug (Neuss, Germany)

November 17 at the Bluesiana (Velden, Austria)

Don’t miss EM and his guitar! We will keep you posted when more details come! – DW

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Eric Martin photo courtesy of Frontiers Records

For more info on ERIC MARTIN, click on the link below!

http://www.ericmartin.com

For more info on MR. BIG, click on the link below!

http://www.mrbigsite.com/

LONG LIVE ERIC MARTIN.

LONG LIVE MR. BIG.

Stone.

HEART “Fanatic” – New Studio Album Releases On October 2nd, 2012

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

HEART – The 14th studio album from Heart, Fanatic, will be released on October 2nd, 2012, via Legacy Recordings/Sony. From Seattle, Washington, the legendary Heart has delivered their timeless Rock/Hard Rock sound and songs to countless fans across the globe. Spanning five decades of recording and touring, Ann (vocals) and Nancy Wilson (guitar) have continuously shaped and nurtured to what has now become an important Classic Rock band of enviable Rock influence.

Since their 1976 debut album, Dreamboat Annie, Heart has seen eight of their thirteen studio albums achieve platinum status.

Fanatic was produced by Grammy and Juno Award winner Ben Mink; who also produced Heart’s last studio album, 2010’s Red Velvet Car.

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FANATIC – Track Listing:

Fanatic

Dear Old America

Walkin’ Good (featuring Sarah McLachlan)

Skin And Bones

Million Miles

Pennsylvania

Mashallah

Rock Deep (Vancouver)

59 Crunch

Corduroy Road

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Stone Says:

HEART SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. 

Metal be thy name.

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

http://www.heart-music.com

http://www.myspace.com/heart

LONG LIVE HEART.

Stone.

KISS “Hell Or Hallelujah” – Some Metal Thoughts and Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 26, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – The 20th studio album, Monster, from the everlasting and iconic KISS won’t be released until October 16th, 2012; in the meantime you can still get your KISSaholic fix from Monster’s lead single: Hell Or Hallelujah. The mp3 for this new offering from KISS is currently for sale at Amazon.com and iTunes. Hell Or Hallelujah was released back on July 3rd, via UME.

I really dig this song and its classic KISS meets 2012 relevance of sound. The vocals of Paul Stanley are purely classic. The backing vocals of Gene Simmons are the stuff of legend; not to mention his booming bass parts too. Tommy Thayer on guitar and Eric Singer on drums have slowly and surely eased themselves up the KISS legacy ladder; their absorption into KISStory has allowed this Rock ‘N Roll franchise to carry on and subsequently kick some serious Heavy Rockin’ ass.

If I was forced to rattle off three bands from the seventies, that have been ultra consistent while becoming bigger, bolder and more badass with age, it’s Cheap TrickMotörhead and… KISS. And still, all three of these beyond legendary bands have been ignored by the clueless “voters” of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Getting back to Hell Or Hallelujah and its totality of KISS power, pizzazz and totality of psych-you-out vibes. As I listen each time to this song, I float back to my days as a young lad who became mesmerized by a larger-than-life band called KISS. As I listen each time to this song, I am STILL mesmerized by this once-in-a-lifetime Heavy Rock band called KISS.

KISS may no longer be the loudest band in the world, thanks in part to the also legendary MANOWAR; only KISS is the most persevering band in the world, spanning 5 decades, that continues to create quality albums coinciding with unparalleled tours for generations of their loyal fans. I listened to KISS before my family introduced a color television to our household. Holy shit, that’s truth. I now crank up KISS so my kids can think that their dad is “somewhat” cool and also cause I’m a KISSaholic.

My life with KISS has NEVER been hell. My life with KISS has always been… hallelujah. Metal be thy name.

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For more info on KISS, click on the link below!

KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Stone.

New CD From Original Fleetwood Mac Guitarist Jeremy Spencer To Be Released Worldwide On August 28, 2012

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, guitarists, Music, rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 24, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

July 24, 2012 – San Francisco, CA – On April 21st, legendary guitarist Jeremy Spencer, an original member of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and featured artist on Propelz, released a limited edition double vinyl album titled ‘Bend In The Road’ for International Record Store Day.

The release packs a “vintage vibe” by way of Jeremy’s handmade touch, fusing his artistry as a consummate slide guitarist, singer/songwriter, interpreter, and illustrator. His evocative watercolor graces the timeless gatefold cover, recalling enduring albums when records were the sum of their parts and made with consequence. Within is an equally crafted collection of songs coming from the deepest core of his heart. He sounds as authentically tasty and fiery as ever, displaying a far wider guitar palette, insight, and conviction that have continued to evolve since his long absence from the public eye. On August 28, 2012 Jeremy Spencer’s ‘Bend In The Road’ will be released on CD worldwide with a new package design.

In Fleetwood Mac, Jeremy shared the spotlight with reticent star-super nova Peter Green, embodying Elmore James riffs and vocals obsessively and uncannily. He possessed an equal fervor and absolute command of quintessential early Rock and Roll, personifying personal hero Buddy Holly and his ilk spot on. On ‘Bend In The Road,’ the Elmore and Buddy influences and impeccable Blues and Rock rendering remain intact and vibrant, while also present is a new collaborative nature. He selflessly trades guitar licks and support with Brett Lucas (the young Detroit guitarist and aficionado who co-produced the album and whose band augments the proceedings) in the way Green and Kirwan shared on the iconic “Albatross”, the torching “Like It This Way” and the introspective “World In Harmony”.

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On the album’s elegant “Merciful Sea”, producer Brett managed to persuade Jeremy to reveal his hereto unsung, intimate, and affecting piano playing for all to marvel. Throughout the full 32 tracks recorded at this time, one can hear an expansive range of influences from Django to Marty Robbins. Jeremy plays effortlessly while seamlessly incorporating these influences and making them his own, as natural and easy of a fit as that of his beloved ceramic slides.

This record is a career culmination of technique meeting soul that has a transcendent, “Layla-esque,” quality. With its escalating and emotive sequence of songs, which are spiritually driven and invested (recalling LPs of yore, but without sounding dated), the album instead sounds intoxicatingly assured, relaxed, and out of the blue resonant.

The Special Limited 2-LP Gatefold Edition released on Record Store Day, April 21st, 2012, contains 17 tracks, 4 of which are exclusive: Jambo, Strange Woman, The Sun is Shining, and Blind Lover (but without the song Homework, which only appears on the CD).

In 2006 Jeremy Spencer released his album ‘Precious Little’, which met with enthusiastic reviews and marked a new beginning for Jeremy after virtually disappearing from the music world for 33 years.

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Press surrounding ‘Bend In The Road’ includes:

“I had chills up my spine listening to it tonight, and when I heard ‘Aphrodite’ the first time a few days ago, I was literally right back into ‘Then Play On’ territory…couldn’t believe it…an instant classic right there.” Rick Frystak, Amoeba Records

“Inside is a collection of songs that come from Spencer’s love of the blues. It’s an intimate journey but one that will connect profoundly and repeatedly with listeners.” Clive Rawlings, Blues Matters

“An album I am sure will satisfy all good music lovers, from those who loved the original Fleetwood Mac, to the younger ones, who enjoy Pop Music, Blues, Rock, Classical Music, Soul… So, if you like good music, this album is perfect for you.” Vincent Zumel, La Hora del Blues

” ‘Bend In The Road’ flows with the ease of a master craftsman at the top of his game. His obvious skill and passion for what he does makes this disc impossible for me to remove from the player. It has simply mesmerized me.” Monte Adkinson, Suncoast Blues Society

‘Precious Little’ left Blues aficionados eager for more… and now, six years later, Jeremy Spencer has put together a masterpiece with his new release, ‘Bend in the Road’.

For more Information: http://jeremyspencer.com/

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE JEREMY SPENCER.

Stone.

KISS – DESTROYER { RESURRECTED } – Releases On August 21st, 2012!

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

KISSDestroyer{ Resurrected } from the super legendary KISS will be released on August 21st, 2012, through Universal Music Enterprises, (UMe). The iconic 1976 studio album, Destroyer, has been remixed from the original master tapes by Bob Ezrin, the albums original producer. { Resurrected } will also include rare photos, a new essay by Bob Ezrin and the originally intended album cover artwork (see above).

Destroyer achieved certified gold status by the RIAA on April 22nd, 1976 and reached platinum status on November 11th, 1976. Destroyer was the first KISS album to go platinum.

Sweet Pain (Original Guitar Solo) looks to be in place of the unlisted closing track Rock and Roll Party (heard on the original Destroyer album). I’m not sure if this is just a “rename” or an actual guitar solo this time around.

As any KISS fan would (hopefully) agree: has there ever been a better time to be a KISS fan or what? I suppose each decade since the 70’s has been a grand time to be a KISS fan; with each passing decade being a bounty of KISStory. On October 16th, 2012, the 20th studio album from KISS, Monster, will be released in North America! Add in KISS – The Tour with Mötley Crüe and it’s probably safe to say: 2012 is the year of KISS.

I will be buying this remixed edition of Destroyer { Resurrected } and it will serve me right! I am looking forward to buying the vinyl version and holding the album jacket, while the needle plays these classic KISS songs! Getting my hands and ears on this KISS album the old school way… is the right way for me.

Metal be thy name.

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KISS – DESTROYER { Resurrected } – Track Listing:

Detroit Rock City

King Of The Night Time World

God Of Thunder

Great Expectations

Flaming Youth

Sweet Pain

Shout It Out Loud

Beth

Do You Love Me?

Sweet Pain (Original Guitar Solo)

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For more info on KISS, click here: KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Stone.

BLOOD OF THE SUN – Signs With Listenable Records

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Listenable Records is chuffed to announce the signing of 70’s-tinged U.S. Hard Rock band Blood Of The Sun. The band’s newest album. Burning on the Wings of Desire, is scheduled for a late-2012 release on Listenable Records. Get ready for a catchy overdose of vintage Hard Rock!

Blood Of The Sun was formed in 2002 by Henry Vasquez (Saint Vitus, Archie Bunker) on drums and Dave Gryder (Storm at Sunrise) on keyboards. Blood Of The Sun’s goal from the beginning has been to carry on the tradition of the Classic Rock style of the ’70’s, including highly respected seventies icons Derek St. Holmes from Ted Nugent and John ‘O Daniel and Rusty Burns from Point Blank.

In 2004, the band released their self-titled, first release on the independent brain ticket label. This initial line up included Las Crucis singer Mark Zamarron, Sub Oslo bassist Miguel Veliz, as well as Archie Bunker guitarists Jay Benfield and Rich Christopher.

For their 2007 sophomore release “In Blood We Rock”, personnel changes included Richard Hurley and Ty Thompkins on guitars and Henry Vasquez on vocals. In 2008, Death Ride was released with Derek St. Holmes from Ted Nugent on vocals as well as Erik Schmidt from REO Speed Dealer and Mike Doty from The House Harkonnen on guitars.

In addition to touring the states, the band toured Europe extensively in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and has subsequently been preparing their newest release “Burning on the Wings of Desire” which includes John O’Daniel and Rusty Burns from Point blank and Tony Reed (Stone Axe, Mos Generator).

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(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on BLOOD OF THE SUN, click on the link below!

http://www.listenable.net

LONG LIVE BLOOD OF THE SUN.

Stone.

Wanna See My Autographed NIGHT RANGER Photo? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

NIGHT RANGER – That’s it at the top! That really cool (and authentic) autographed photo of Night Ranger came to me, courtesy of Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale. Back in 2010, he went to see Night Ranger perform at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Coverdale had a blast seeing Night Ranger live; he said they were pretty amazing that night. I believe him. I’ll also be thanking Coverdale for this really cool autographed photo, until I’m in my 90’s. Metal be thy name.

Night Ranger, from left to right in the above autographed photo: Christian Cullen, Kelly Keagy, Jack Blades, Joel Hoekstra and Brad Gillis.

Back on June 21st, 2011, Somewhere In California, the tenth studio album from Night Ranger was released via Frontiers Records. I can admit without hesitation, that this Night Ranger album is one of the best from their catalog; if not the very best. Somewhere In California is a Night Ranger album that pumps up my Rock ‘N Roll adrenaline; what more could I possibly ask for from any album that I listen to? Metal be thy name.

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For more info on NIGHT RANGER, click on the link below!

http://www.NightRanger.com

LONG LIVE NIGHT RANGER.

Stone.

JON LORD – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JON LORD – The legendary Jon Lord passed away, at age 71, on Monday, July 16th, 2012. A musician, songwriter and best known as the founder and keyboardist of the also legendary Deep Purple; the Rock Music world has benefited immensely from his contributions. Jon Lord has left us all with an unbelievable Rock ‘N Roll legacy. Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Jon Lord.

REST IN PEACE, JON LORD.

JUNE 9, 1941 – JULY 16, 2012

Stone.

THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE “Live At Berkeley” – Another Rock Music Treasure, From An Iconic Band And Historic Era Of Rock

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE – Released on July 10th, 2012, via Sony Legacy, Live At Berkeley is a Rock ‘N Roll gem to own. There’s never been a doubt in my Metal mind, that The Jimi Hendrix Experience were a trio of musicians that helped plant the seeds of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. I always ponder to myself, what would Jimi Hendrix think of today’s Heavy and Extreme Music? How would have Jimi’s guitar playing evolved if he had never passed away at such a young age of 27? I imagine I’m not alone with the wonder of it all. I bought this CD last week and I couldn’t be happier. Then again, if I scored a million dollar lottery ticket, I would be happier.

The production across the board on Live At Berkeley is sensational; the clarity of sound is undeniably first-rate. (The original location recordings were engineered by Abe Jacob). To have The Jimi Hendrix Experience captured live from this momentous evening of Rock history is Classic Rock personified. In my personal Metal opinion, there can never be enough live material of The Jimi Hendrix Experience; these Rock historic recordings recovered and released to the public are sonic journeys into a gilded past of music, in which I absorb like a sponge. There exists that select group of artists and bands that will always meet the demand for their (often times rare) unreleased studio and live music; The Jimi Hendrix Experience is a profound member of this select group.

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As with many live albums that have spanned the history of Rock Music, Live At Berkeley can also be considered a greatest hits. With such iconic Rock/Hard Rock songs such as Hey Joe, Purple Haze, Stone Free, Foxy Lady and Jimi’s adaptation of The Star Spangled Banner, Live At Berkeley showcases the songs that made both Jimi Hendrix and Heavy Rock escalate into the mainstream of popular music, during times of enormous social change. These are the songs that defined an era of Hard Rock, laying the field stone path for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal to follow.

Live At Berkeley was recorded on May 30th, 1970, (the 2nd show) at the Berkeley Community Theatre. On that storied night, Jimi Hendrix, along with Mitch Mitchell on drums and Billy Cox (from Band Of Gypsys fame) on bass, most likely never knew of their eventual pop-culture and Rock historical impact they would have on multiple generations of musicians and fans. The Jimi Hendrix Experience left a Rock ‘N Roll impact that can never be duplicated ever again.

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Stones Note: The also legendary Noel Redding will always be included when I reference The Jimi Hendrix Experience; being the original bassist for this band, Noel was no longer a member when this Berkeley concert was recorded.

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The Jimi Hendrix Experience has left me awestruck with their pioneering contributions and immeasurable influence to Rock and Heavy Music. With all of its glorious genres that have spiraled from the bulging and glowing core of Heavy Music, I can thank The Jimi Hendrix Experience (and other select pioneering artists and bands) for all being the incubus that kick-started it all. The very least I can do now, is write about legends the likes of The Jimi Hendrix Experience and celebrate the release of their live music from the past. The Jimi Hendrix Experience… never to be forgotten and never to be replaced. Metal be thy name.

LIVE AT BERKLEY – Track Listing:

Introduction

Pass It On (Straight Ahead)

Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)

Lover Man

Stone Free

Hey Joe

I Don’t Live Today

Machine Gun

Foxey Lady

Star Spangled Banner

Purple Haze

Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

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LONG LIVE THE LEGACY OF THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE.

Stone.

Wanna See My KISS “Playlist Your Way” CD? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – That’s it at the top! I bought this really cool KISS Playlist Your Way CD (about a year or so ago) at my local Super Walmart for $7 (U.S.). Due to my already having each song on this CD, I opted to keep this KISS CD as a collectible, therefore keeping it sealed. The photo card of KISS that you see atop the front of the CD has 4 guitar picks. These guitar picks can be punched out.

This Playlist Your Way CD was released via Mercury Records / Universal Music Group.

KISS PLAYLIST YOUR WAY – Track Listing:

Rock And Roll All Nite

Lick It Up

I Love It Loud

Beth

Uh! All Night

Strutter

Christine Sixteen

Detroit Rock City

Hard Luck Woman

Deuce

Love Gun

Forever

I Was Made For Lovin’ You

Shout It Out Loud

Here is what the back cover looks like, nothing too exciting:

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For more info on KISS, click on that very cool link below!

KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Stone.

LYNCH MOB – “Sound Mountain Sessions” 4 Song EP Releases August 7th

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on July 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

LYNCH MOB – The 4 song EP from Lynch Mob, Sound Mountain Sessions, will be released on August 7th, 2012, via Rat Pak Records. Led by legendary guitarist George Lynch, this looks to be a Lynch Mob EP not to miss out on! Metal be thy name.

LYNCH MOB:

George Lynch – guitar

Oni Logan – vocals

Robbie Crane – bass

Brian Tichy – drums

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For more info on GEORGE LYNCH & LYNCH MOB, click link below!

George Lynch – The Official George Lynch Website

For more info on ordering the new LYNCH MOB, click on the link below!

www.ratpakrecords.com

LONG LIVE LYNCH MOB.

Stone.

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Five)

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, guitarists, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Rock ‘N Roll Photography Of Analog Man

JOE WALSH – Okay, as I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Joe Walsh’s new studio album Analog Man, something very, very funny finally dawned on me! This album cover idea for Analog Man has been done before! Just because an album cover idea has been done before, it doesn’t necessarily mean it was done better. No way. Not in this case.

I give the Rockin’ nod to this Analog Man cover; both for its photographic excellence and for the way the photographer (Andrew Macpherson) captured the mood of Joe Walsh. It’s all about capturing that Rock mystique in Rock photography and Andrew did just that. Commendable!

Now… for that other album cover (from the past) with the same idea… uh, oh…

At one time, Torben Enevoldsen was photographed this same way for his album: Heavy Persuasion. Torben must have asked his neighbor to stop mowing the lawn to take this picture of him. Big difference between the Analog Man album cover and Heavy Persuasion. Whoa. Check it out for yourself below:

Thanks for visiting and reading Part Five of my fun & random thoughts on Analog Man. If you’ve missed out on Parts One thru Four, don’t panic! Just click on the four links below to read ’em! Metal be thy name.

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part One)

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Two)

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Three)

JOE WALSH – “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Four)

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For more info on JOE WALSH, click on the link below!

http://joewalsh.com/

For more info on photographer Andrew Macpherson, click on link below!

http://www.macfly.com

LONG LIVE JOE WALSH.

Stone.

CINDERELLA “Long Cold Winter” – A Look Back To 1988 and A Multi-Platinum Selling Gem

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CINDERELLA – Back in May of 1988, Philadelphia’s very own Cinderella released their sophomore album: Long Cold Winter. While the Hair/Glam Metal invasion was sprouting from The Golden State’s Sunset Strip, Cinderella was carving out their own niche within the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal communities; with Pennsylvania as their springboard to Heavy Rock stardom.

Even after I first listened to Cinderella’s 1986 debut album Night Songs, I knew this band’s only link to Hair Metal was their look and not their sound. Cinderella was far too bluesy from the get-go to be a bona-fide Hair Metal band, at least that’s what I thought back then and still do now. Anyone who wants to call Cinderella a Hair/Glam Metal band might as well label AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses that as well. Besides, Cinderella’s third studio album, 1990’s Heartbreak Station, only further solidified them as a blues-driven Heavy Rock band.

I first bought Long Cold Winter on vinyl from Strawberries Records & Tapes. As years, (gulp), decades have passed, that slab of cool vinyl is gone and since replaced by a CD, within my collection. From what I’ve researched, the RIAA has Long Cold Winter documented as selling 3 million + units. That’s Triple Platinum! (I know that sounded rather giddy of me).

Tom Keifer’s vocals were never stuff of fluff; that’s probably why I have always been a sucker for this album’s chart-topping ballad: Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone). The grainy vocals that Tom Keifer has been trademarked with is another reason why Cinderella stood out amongst the sea of Hair. Gypsy Road is a song that sticks inside my brain for days after I listen to it. Now that’s a song I can easily accuse of being Heavy Rock Blues.

I was attending a Community College back in 1988 and having the time of my life. Simply put, I was hell-raising for a Metal hobby. Party Central was my commuting terminal back then. Good times. I began hanging out with Scott Coverdale back around 1988 too and that only added to the “hell-bent for leather” attitude that I succumbed to. Good times. I’d swear Scott and I made our Guardian Angels work overtime for us, back then.

It was on August 4th, 1989; Scott Coverdale, my future wife and (late) sister went to see Cinderella together (for the first time) at the Springfield Civic Center. Winger and BulletBoys shared the stage with Cinderella that night too. Check out my ticket stub from that Metal memorable night, below:

I’ve been very fortunate to catch Cinderella live a couple more times since that Springfield show, with the 2010 M3 Rock Festival being the last time I’ve seen them perform. Yes, Scott Coverdale was by my side at that M3 Rock Festival… otherwise I had no damn ride home. We had a grand Metal time of times at that M3 Rock Festival too. Whoa, we did. No… thank you Klaus!

In a Metal walnut-shell, no red-blooded Rock, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Glam/Hair Metal or 80’s Heavy Metal fan can go wrong by revisiting or being introduced to Long Cold Winter. A 1988 Multi-Platinum Gem from Cinderella. Metal be thy name.

CINDERELLA:

Tom Keifer – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, National Steel and harmonica

Eric Brittingham – bass, twelve string bass and background vocals

Jeff LaBar – guitar

Fred Coury – drums

Additional Players:

Cozy Powell – drums

Denny Carmassi – drums

Kurt Shore – keyboards

Jay Levin – pedal steel guitar

Paulinho da Costa – percussion

John Webster – keyboards

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LONG COLD WINTER – Track Listing:

Bad Seamstress Blues / Fallin’ Apart At The Seams

Gypsy Road

Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)

The Last Mile

Second Wind

Long Cold Winter

If You Don’t Like It

Coming Home

Fire And Ice

Take Me Back

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For more info on CINDERELLA, click on the link below!

http://cinderella.net

LONG LIVE CINDERELLA.

Stone.

FOREIGNER “Alive & Rockin” – Proof Positive That FOREIGNER Still Connects Their Illustrious Past To The Present

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, melodic rock, Music, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 3, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

FOREIGNER – I imagine that the past accomplishments of Foreigner can undoubtedly be looked upon as legendary; while the present-day Foreigner lineup can be upheld as superheroes protecting, celebrating and building upon an enviable Rock ‘N Roll legacy. For a Rock/Hard Rock band that should be enshrined in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, only to be ignored by the political party that oversees it, Foreigner justifiably has the world-wide popular vote among generations of fans that know ultra quality when they hear and see it.

Alive & Kickin’ is proof positive that Foreigner still connects their illustrious past to the present. A live recording from their 2006 performance at the Bang Your Head!!! Festival in Balingen, Germany; Foreigner is a band continuously touring to this very day and bringing to life a catalog of songs from albums that have sold over 70 million world-wide.

Any “famous” band in the land (switching around vocalists) can learn a valuable lesson from Foreigner: make absolutely certain your new lead singer can relate the true emotion of the song; while capturing the essence of what it means to vocally represent such band’s storied history of music. With Hurricane as his credible launching pad, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen has earned his Rock ‘N Roll doctorate with Foreigner, by excelling at following Lou Gramm so effortlessly well.

As my ears dictate, Foreigner hasn’t succumbed to being a stale semblance of what once was. Still recording and touring to sell-out crowds, spanning five decades, equates that Rock ‘N Roll magic is consistently being captured by this band. Alive & Rockin’ projects the sounds and vibes of a profoundly memorable Classic Rock era, celebrating both Foreigner’s hit songs and their legendary past; bringing me back to those starry-eyed days of my teen-hood, while erasing the momentary stress I encounter on the present day.

If there ever was a power-house quinary of albums in the history of Rock, that can be used as the measuring stick to both Rock and Hard Rock mainstream success, then Foreigner’s 1977 self-titled debut, 1978’s Double Vision, 1979’s Head Games, 1981’s 4 and 1984’s Agent Provocateur are to be celebrated as such.

This is a quality performance that was recorded on Alive  & Rockin’, with my lone gripe of wanting to hear Kelly Hansen chat-it-up more with the thousands of fans in attendance. (I’ve always been a sucker for that lead singer-to-crowd interaction). Alive & Rockin’ was released this past May 29th, via Eagle Rock Entertainment. I couldn’t argue with any better time for this live album release, especially since Summer is here and the urge to play Classic Rock on high volume with the car windows down is epidemic.

Mick Jones should feel very proud of his success at keeping this (his) Rockin’ Foreigner ship sailing. I strongly recommend Alive & Rockin’ to any and all Classic Rock, Rock and Hard Rock fans. Only the strong, talented and wise survive, yet in Rock music you must add adaptable to the mix… and Foreigner bestows these attributes while carrying the torch of relevance high in the air. I won’t stamp this as an all-time great live album in Rock history; still it’s Foreigner at their live Rockin’ best and I couldn’t ask for more than that. Alive & Rockin’ is sound proof of my Rockin’ beliefs I’ve just written. Metal be thy name.

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FOREIGNER:

Mick Jones – lead guitar, keyboards and vocals

Kelly Hansen – lead vocals

Jason Bonham – drums

Jeff Jacobs – keyboards and vocals

Tom Gimbel – guitar, saxophone, flute and vocals

Jeff Pilson – bass guitar and vocals

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Alive & Rockin’ – Track Listing:

Double Vision

Head Games

Dirty White Boy

Cold As Ice

Starrider

Feels Like The First Time

Urgent

Juke Box Hero / Whole Lotta Love

Hot Blooded

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For more info on FOREIGNER, click on the link below!

FOREIGNER

LONG LIVE FOREIGNER.

Stone.

TESLA & MASS – Promo Video For Concert On July 5th, 2012; To Be Held At Casino Ballroom In Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, Heavy Metal, Music, rock bands, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CHECK OUT THE PROMO VIDEO BELOW! WHOA.

For more info on TESLA & MASS performing together, click on the link below!

MASS – Performing As Special Guests For TESLA On July 5th, 2012!

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(Source: MASS)

For more info on TESLA and MASS, click on the links below!

 http://www.massrocks.com

http://www.teslatheband.com

LONG LIVE TESLA.

LONG LIVE MASS.

Stone.

Wanna See My WINGS Button I Bought? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on July 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

WINGS – There it is at the top! Now that’s what I call a really cool Rock ‘N Roll button! Wings! I absolutely couldn’t resist buying this Wings button on a recent trip to a local antiques mall. No way was I walking out of that building without this button! The Rock ‘N Roll legacy of Wings is nothing short of amazing. The super legendary Paul McCartney and (late) Linda McCartney ties to this band is motivation enough, for my adding this button to my collection.

As the button reads: WINGS Over Wembley EMI October, 1977; tells me this button was more than likely sold at the WINGS concert in Wembley Stadium, London, England. There’s definitely no trouble in dating this button, with 1977 being printed within the title! As I hold this button, I wonder who bought it and did they have a Rockin’ incredible time at this Wings concert? Did this person ever wear or display this button?

I know I would have been overjoyed to have seen Wings in concert, back in their heyday. 1977 marked a year that was in-between two studio album releases for Wings: (1976) Wings At The Speed Of Sound and (1978) London Town. I researched around to make sure there wasn’t a WINGS Over Wembley album, released by EMI, back in 1977. The verdict is there never was such an album released during 1977, according to my research. If there ever was such an album of this 1977 concert, please let me know with a comment.

WINGS AT THE SPEED OF SOUND – (1976 – Capitol)

Wings – London Town (1978 – Capitol)

My favorite Wings song of all-time is With A Little Luck. This fabulous song is on London Town. It’s not easy having a favorite Wings song; there are so many classics within their catalog of seven studio albums.

There was a (Live) Wings Over America album that was released back in 1976. It was initially released as a triple album and included a poster of the band.

Wings Over America – (1976/Capitol)

Thank you for sticking around for my blabbing about this really cool and vintage Wings button. Alright, by now you’re asking: “Stone, what did you pay for this really cool and vintage WINGS Over Wembley button?” I shall reveal: $5 (U.S.). Not too shabby. Just this weekend, I also found this button being sold on ebay for $28 (U.S.). Not a bad Rock ‘N Roll find for $5! One last important note: this Wings button measures 2 1/8″ across.

Metal be thy name.

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LONG LIVE THE ROCK ‘N ROLL LEGACY OF WINGS.

Rest In Peace, Linda McCartney.

Rest In Peace, Jimmy McCulloch.

Stone.

Wanna See My Mötley Crüe Button I Bought? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 30, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Mötley Crüe – I recently bought this Mötley Crüe button at an antiques mall. I can’t verify if it’s actually from the early 80’s or not; yet the Too Fast For Love era of this legendary band is obvious from the photo. There are no markings printed on the back or edge of this button either. I’ll have to say, it just looks and feels like it’s from the early to mid 80’s though. I paid $4 (U.S.) for this button. How could I resist?

Over the years (or is that decades) I’ve compiled a dandy collection of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal buttons. Some I’ve picked up from concerts and others were found in odd places like this Mötley Crüe button. Maybe it’s no longer that odd to find 80’s Heavy Metal items at an antiques mall, for the years surely have moved along rather quickly.

Wait a second! I almost forgot to mention the size of this button: 2 1/8″ in diameter.

Thanks for checking out my Mötley Crüe button. I’m always on the lookout for in-expensive and cool Rock ‘N Roll finds, I just cannot help myself! Metal be thy name.

Mötley Crüe:

Mick Mars – Guitar

Nikki Sixx – Bass

Vince Neil – Vocals

Tommy Lee – Drums

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For more info on Mötley Crüe, click on the link below!

http://www.motley.com

Long Live Mötley Crüe.

The word “dandy” was once again used on Metal Odyssey.

Stone.

JOE WALSH – “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Four)

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 29, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Joe Walsh celebrates his Rock ‘N Roll ties to Little Richard, through a long lost recording…

JOE WALSH – As I continue onward with my blabbing about Analog Man, the new studio album from the legendary Joe Walsh, I am finding myself getting more immersed in Rock ‘N Roll history once again. There’s so much more to Analog Man than just it containing 12 new songs from Joe Walsh. An autobiographical story is being told here by Joe Walsh and one key legend of Rock ‘N Roll is mentioned by him in the liner notes: Little Richard.

To me, Little Richard is synonymous with pioneering Rock ‘N Roll; an iconic figure and true ambassador of Rock ‘N Roll, to this very day. The reverence that Joe Walsh has for Little Richard is both a grand thing to read and realize; as he states his past and present association with Little Richard, within the liner notes of Analog Man, with admirable sincerity that obviously comes straight from his heart.

Little Richard also appears musically on Analog Man; Rockin’ on the piano with the James Gang as they were recorded live playing: But I Try. This historical Rock ‘N Roll moment took place sometime around 1970, at Cleveland Recording, in Cleveland, Ohio. The James Gang had played a couple of shows in the Midwest with Little Richard, at about this time. As Rock ‘N Roll surprises do happen, Joe Walsh had found this rare recording in an “old box of tapes” which makes this story all the more exciting to me. I can only imagine how many unreleased, fun and Rock historical songs that Joe Walsh may have stored away still!

But I Try is a retrospective snapshot into the Rockin’ world of the James Gang having a good time with Little Richard. This is a live song that spills over with it’s sincerity, while radiating a sound from a Rock ‘N Roll era that will forever be treasured and never duplicated. The lineup heard on But I Try is: Joe Walsh (guitar), Jimmy Fox (drums) and Dale Peters (bass), with of course, Little Richard. This version of But I Try will live on forever, since being rescued from “an old box of tapes”, courtesy of the legendary Joe Walsh.

Little Richard – The Very Best Of… (2008 – Specialty Records)

Thanks for visiting and reading Part Four of my fun & random thoughts on Analog Man. If you’ve missed out on Parts One thru Three, don’t panic! Just click on the three links below to read ’em! Metal be thy name.

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part One)

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Two)

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Three)

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(Source: Analog Man liner notes)

For more info on JOE WALSH, click on the link below!

http://joewalsh.com/

LONG LIVE JOE WALSH.

LONG LIVE LITTLE RICHARD.

Stone.

BOB WELCH – Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

I am late (sorry) in expressing my condolences to the family, friends and fans of the legendary Bob Welch. Back on June 7th, 2012, Bob Welch committed suicide. That is so extremely sad. Bob Welch was 66 years old. A former member of the also legendary Fleetwood Mac, Bob Welch also had a solo career that didn’t go unnoticed. My favorite album from Bob Welch is his solo debut album from 1977: French Kiss.

One of my most favorite Classic Rock songs from the entire 70’s decade is Ebony Eyes; a song which is featured on French Kiss. Even though Bob Welch wasn’t part of the chart-topping and Grammy winning years of Fleetwood Mac, he was/will always be an important figure in their musical formation and overall band history. Back on August 17th, 2009, I revisited French Kiss and blabbed away about it. Click the link below to read it, if you like:

Bob Welch – “French Kiss” 1977 Classic Rock album revisited

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Rest In Peace, Bob Welch.

1945 – 2012

Stone.

JEFFERSON STARSHIP – Classic Rock Legends To Release Exclusive Live 4-CD Set ‘Tales From The Mothership’

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The Paul Kantner Science Fiction Rock & Roll Motion Picture Show!

London, UK – “Roswell UFO Parade & Festival Hosts Jefferson Starship Sci-Fi Extravaganza” read the headlines for the annual July 3rd event that took place in Roswell, New Mexico in 2009. Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner and his legendary band Jefferson Starship and special guests, which included original Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten, performed a one-of-a-kind sci-fi concert at Pearson Auditorium in Roswell in honor of the town’s famed annual parade. The group was also bestowed the honor of being the parade’s ‘Grand Martians’ that year and rode atop a special float especially built for them. The entire concert was filmed and recorded, and in addition to such iconic hits as “White Rabbit”, “Somebody To Love”, “Volunteers”, “Wooden Ships” recorded by its forebear Jefferson Airplane (the last two penned by Kantner), a special programme of science fiction themed compositions and select recordings were performed, some for the first time ever! Now, much to the excitement of Jefferson Starship fans across the globe UK’s Gonzo MultiMedia is releasing the entire concert in an extravagant 4-CD box set.

In 1971 the band’s first album (Paul Kantner’s first solo album actually), ‘Blows Against The Empire’ was also the first Rock music recording ever nominated for literary science fiction’s prestigious Hugo Award. In addition to Kantner, ‘Blows’ featured a ‘Who’s Who’ of Bay Area musicians including David Freiberg from Quicksilver Messenger Service. Freiberg and Kantner, later launched the ongoing Jefferson Starship, eventually writing the hit “Jane.” David rejoined the band full-time in 2005.

In 1991 the late great Rock impresario Bill Graham signed on to produce ‘Blows’ from a ‘scripted stage play concept’ co-written bu Paul Kantner and his (then) new manager Michael Gaiman, a lifelong fan. Sadly, Bill was killed in a helicopter crash and the idea was shelved until Sony Pictures pitched an ‘option’ for a ‘Blows’ motion picture in 1996. “That was a big year for sci-fi,” recalls Gaiman. Stemming from a shared interest in 1950s science fiction film and literature, Paul and Michael have worked together for nearly 25 years. In 2008 they co-produced (along with David Freiberg), ‘Jefferson’s Tree of Liberty,’ Jefferson Starship’s first studio recording in a decade. The album garnered stellar reviews worldwide. In 2009 Jefferson Starship headlined ‘The Heroes of Woodstock’, the authorized touring commemorative of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Arts Festival.

“On July 3rd, 2009, thanks to the Roswell UFO Festival Committee and Cool 94.9 Radio, we got to scratch that itch and assuage a long time desire to stage a mosh of Rock music and science fiction,” says Gaiman.

Along with Paul Kantner and David Frieberg, Jefferson Starship also features lead singer Cathy Richardson (who played Janis Joplin on Broadway in ‘Love, Janis’) and longtime band members Slick Aguilar, Chris Smith and Donny Baldwin. In addition to Grateful Dead’s Tom Constanten, special guests include Pete Sears (the band’s former bass & keyboard player on all their hits), Barry Sless (guitar & pedal steel with Phil Lesh & Friends), former lead vocalist Darby Gould and legendary folk artist Jack Taylor, one of Paul Kantner’s early musical influences.

Renegade Productions, the band’s frequent collaborator (‘Jefferson’s Tree of Liberty’ was the first album ever recorded in their new studio at the time) staged the production and provided custom sound, lighting and image projection. Karl Anderson of Global Recording Artists filmed the event dubbed ‘Tales From The Mothership,’ a joint production of The Roswell UFO Festival Committee and Jefferson Starship. “It’s not a documentary, not a ‘rockumentary’, not a ‘mockumentary’…it’s a ‘Spockumentary,” Gaiman quips.

Along with the entire concert from July 3, 2009, the 4-CD set also includes rehearsals from 6/27/2009 and the band’s soundcheck before the show.

For more information: http://jeffersonstarship.com

To order Jefferson Starship – ‘Tales From The Mothership’ 4-CD set: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/search/product_details/15498/Jefferson_Starship-Tales_From_The_Mothership_-_Roswell_UFO_Festival_3_July_2009.html

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE JEFFERSON STARSHIP.

Stone.