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

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Lynne And ELO Fever… I Can’t Shake It Free. 

JOE WALSH – Admittedly, I had no clue Joe Walsh was releasing a new studio album until the day I walked into the CD aisle at my local Super Walmart. Sounds odd, huh? Not really that odd to me, for 90% of the press releases, PR people and bands I deal with are Metal affiliated; therefore the bulk of music news I take in on a daily basis is… Metal. Even when I surf the internet, I’m not going to stumble upon every album release from every genre that’s on the horizon. I’m not that cool.

It was a neat feeling though, finding Analog Man on its release day. If I could have, I would’ve skipped all the way to the check-out with my new Joe Walsh CD in-hand. Only thing is, the way things happen for Stone, I probably would have been gang tackled down to the ground by store security for acting like a weirdo. I bought Analog Man without hearing or sampling one song on it. The Rock ‘N Roll of Joe Walsh doesn’t need to be sampled by Stone to justify a purchase. No way, man.

Step in… Jeff Lynne:

When I returned to my car in the Super Walmart parking lot, I immediately took the plastic wrap off Analog Man and slapped that plastic disc into the CD player. As the title track began to play, I was reading the liner notes and scouring the track listing. It was simultaneous how this happened… I heard Jeff Lynne tones and felt Jeff Lynne vibes as Analog Man played. Within a hiccup, I noticed this sentence printed on the back cover of the CD digipak: “Produced By  Jeff Lynne And Joe Walsh”. I guess my ears and vibes were correct!

Any longtime visitor to Metal Odyssey knows by now, that I am a HUGE fan of Electric Light Orchestra. Always have been. Hell, I was an ELO fan before I was really introduced to Heavy Metal; with KISS being the only exception. Yes, it was (gulp) decades ago and not just two years ago. As years went by, I dove right into The Traveling Wilburys and couldn’t get enough of ’em. Did I have Jeff Lynne fever? Even the Jeff Lynne (co-produced) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Into The Great Wide Open, and George Harrison’s Cloud Nine both have that certain extra charm to my senses. Maybe it has always been ELO on my brain.

Throughout this entire Analog Man album, the musical imprint of Jeff Lynne is heard. Don’t get me wrong, Joe Walsh has his legendary Rockin’ imprint here too; this is a Joe Walsh album after all! Joe’s legendary vocals and signature guitar tones are clear-cut, dynamite and out-of-sight! (Whoa… that sounded kinda ’70’s didn’t it?). The ELO vibe and feel that is essentially Jeff Lynne comes sonically through on drums, percussions, guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals. Once again, this is still a bonafide Joe Walsh album of songs and not an ELO album. I’m only pointing out what I truly hear and absorb. Plus, I’m not complaining one micro bit.

After so many listens to Analog Man, I’ve come to the conclusion that Joe Walsh surely could have been a member of The Traveling Wilburys. Joe would have fit right in! Back in the day, I would have never connected the Rock ‘N Roll sound of Joe Walsh to Jeff Lynne’s (eventual) musical direction. Now that these two Rockin’ gentlemen have teamed up on Analog Man, I get it! As I reflect on the discography of Joe Walsh, the one song that keeps popping into my brain (that comes across with a healthy sliver of what Jeff Lynne creates) is All Of A Sudden from the 1991 album Ordinary Average Guy.

Joe Walsh – Ordinary Average Guy (1991 – Epic)

Thanks for visiting and reading Part Three of my fun & random thoughts on Analog Man. If you’ve missed out on Part One and/or Two, don’t panic! Just click on the two 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)

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

http://joewalsh.com/

LONG LIVE JOE WALSH.

LONG LIVE JEFF LYNNE.

Stone.

5 Comments »

BACHMAN & TURNER “Live At The Roseland Ballroom, NYC” – Classic Rock Never Sounded So Good!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Music, rock albums, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 21, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

BACHMAN & TURNER – Live At The Roseland Ballroom, NYC was released on May 29th, 2012, via Eagle Rock Entertainment. Randy Bachman and C.F. Turner never sounded better and that’s my sincere opinion after listening to this double live CD. Each time I crank up these live Bachman & Turner songs, it makes me wish I was actually there that night this concert was recorded! As The Cars famously imbedded in my Rock ‘N Roll brain many years ago… Let The Good Times Roll.

Yes, Bachman & Turner are Rock ‘N Roll legends. Yes, they were the heart & soul of Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The real elation factor for me is they both have Rocked my head off in 2012 with a new live album! Classic Rock, Rock and Hard Rock fans should embrace the live performance they hear from Bachman & Turner, with slippery ease. Heavy Metal fans that get into the roots of Heavy Music will undoubtedly give their nod of approval to timeless classics as: Let It Ride, Takin’ Care Of Business, Not Fragile and Stayed Awake All Night. Timeless Hard Rock all, to my ears.

Since I was a young lad, the FM hits of Bachman-Turner Overdrive always reminded me of Summertime. (most of the RUSH catalog reminds me of Winter; only that’s another story). Maybe it’s the feel-good and loose vibes that spring-out from the BTO songs? Regardless of seasonal vibes, Bachman & Turner have recently entertained the livin’ hell out of me with this live concert recording; I don’t foresee my personal Rockin’ jubilation I’m receiving from it subsiding anytime soon.

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That’s What It Is, Moonlight Rider, Rollin’ Along and Slave To The Rhythm are songs from the 2010 self-titled Bachman & Turner studio album. I simply cannot get enough of these new Bachman & Turner songs, they all radiate that old-time Rock ‘N Roll feel, while coming across so grand with their lyrical simplicity. I guess that’s why this is called Classic Rock, after all.

American Woman, the co-penned Randy Bachman song and ultra Rock Classic by The Guess Who, is a thrill of an addition to take in from this live set! Just another timeless classic on this double live CD. If I’ve come across as being overly excited about Live At The Roseland Ballroom, NYC, then it’s probably due to these songs taking me on a Rockin’ care-free ride. Who could possibly refuse that nowadays? I’m not refusing it, that’s for damn certain. It’s all about the magic of Classic Rock… care-free vibrations while you Roll On Down The Highway. Metal be thy name.

BACHMAN & TURNER:

Randy Bachman – guitars & vocals

C.F. Turner – bass & vocals

Marc Lafrance – drums, percussion & vocals

Brent Howard Knudsen – guitars & vocals

Mick Dalla-Vee – guitars & vocals

Paul Shaffer – special guest

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Live At The Roseland Ballroom , NYC – Track Listing:

DISC ONE:

Let It Ride

Rock Is My Life

Not Fragile

Hey You

Hold Back The Water

Waiting Game

Moonlight Rider

Lookin’ Out For #1

Stayed Awake All Night

American Woman

DISC TWO:

Four Wheel Drive

Slave To The Rhythm

Blue Collar

That’s What It Is

Sledgehammer

Rollin’ Along

You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet

Shakin’ All Over

Roll On Down The Highway

Takin’ Care Of Business

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* Check out the trailer for The Campaign below! BTO’s Takin’ Care Of Business is on the soundtrack! Whoa.

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* For more info on BACHMAN & TURNER, click on the link below!

http://www.bachmanandturner.com

LONG LIVE BACHMAN & TURNER.

LONG LIVE PAUL SHAFFER.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

Stone.

1 Comment »

FANGORIA – KISS “MONSTER” The Official Album And Tour Magazine Hits Newsstands June 26th!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – FANGORIA, “the planet’s number one cult film, horror and fantasy culture entertainment magazine” will be issuing: KISS “Monster” (the official album and tour magazine). This spectacular and collectible issue will hit newsstands everywhere on June 26th, 2012 and be available through FANGORIA.com and KISSONLINE.com.

“This is a KISS magazine made by KISS fans for KISS fans”. This is a glossy, 72 page collector’s item for all KISSaholics! Includes: new and never before published photographs and brand new interviews with each member of KISS! Metal be thy name! I’m getting my copy of this KISS gem!

To pre-order you copy, click on the link below! Whoa!

http://www.Fangoria.com

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(Source: FANGORIA.com)

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

KISS

* Follow FANGORIA on twitter:

http://www.Twitter.com/Fangoria

LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE FANGORIA.

Stone.

9 Comments »

Beggars & Thieves “Innocence” (Official Music Video) – Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in aor, classic rock, Hard Rock, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , on June 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

BEGGARS & THIEVES – The successful and critically acclaimed comeback album, We Are The Brokenhearted, from Beggars & Thieves was released back in 2011; on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe, via Frontiers Records. Below is yet another very cool music video, inspired from Innocence, heard on the new album.

The Melodic Rock and Hard Rock of Beggars & Thieves weaves their past glory of sound with their present on We Are The Brokenhearted. Plus, once you listen to the new songs from Beggars & Thieves, you shall become convinced that Classic Rock and AOR never says die! I dig this new music video, Innocence is proof that Beggars & Thieves are once again at the top of their Rockin’ game!

The idea of adding some Rock ‘N Roll eye candy to this Innocence music video was genius! Whoa! Oh, um, yeah… back to the song. Innocence can easily get stuck in your head; the melodic flow to this song is terrific. Louie Merlino on vocals and Ronnie Mancuso on guitar have never sounded better! Beggars & Thieves is a band I will always gleefully recommend to any fan of Melodic and Classic Rock. Metal be thy name.

We Are The Brokenhearted – Track Listing:

We Come Undone

Oil & Water

Innocence

Never Gonna See You Again

Beautiful Losers

Seven Seconds

Stranded

Wash Away

Midnight Blue

We Are The Brokenhearted

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* For more info on BEGGARS & THIEVES, click on the links below!

http://www.beggarsnthieves.com/

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE BEGGARS & THIEVES.

Stone.

1 Comment »

RON KEEL “Alone At Last” – Solo Acoustic Album From 2006 Is Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in acoustic rock, classic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RON KEEL –  The first solo album from Ron Keel, Alone At Last, was released back in 2006. This is an all acoustic album. For me, Ron Keel displays a sincere and inspiring performance on Alone At Last, with both his voice and acoustic guitar. One of the most renowned Hard Rock vocalists from the 80’s (and back at it again in 2010) with his band Keel, this album showcases a lighter side to Ron’s voice and approach to his music.

I bought Alone At Last on iTunes a few years ago and with 0% regret. This is an album of 12 songs to simmer down to or retool your spirit with. Does Ron Keel come across as sappy on Alone At Last? Nope. If anything, he shares his voice and guitar with eloquence and reverence for the song… his songs. With Ron Keel’s vocals giving a nod towards his affection towards Rock, Hard Rock and Country, Alone At Last has always kept me listening. This isn’t an album to pull out the tissue box for and it isn’t going to light up the keg party either.

I would imagine it takes a ton of guts for any Hard Rock hero to make an acoustic album; the door opens for criticism from Heavy Music loyalists that don’t want their music tempered down. That old mellow is for an aging fellow school of thought can easily creep in, once the “A” word (for acoustic) is uttered. However, with the album closer Die Fighting, Ron Keel reminds any doubters that he still can’t restrain his strong vocals from airing out its natural-born Hard Rock persona (even on an acoustic album).

Revisiting his bands Keel and Steeler on an acoustic welcome mat with (Calm Before The Storm) and (Serenade), respectively, Ron Keel proves that the song never remains the same. Any song can become an acoustic creation, only Ron Keel gives these two songs an acoustic overhaul that makes them shine on with newfound emotion. If I’m to choose my favorite song from Alone At Last, it’s Dreams Are Not Enough. I strongly feel, Ron Keel lets it all pour out from his soul on Dreams Are Not Enough, a captivating vocal performance it is.

Back in February of 2010, I had the opportunity to interview Ron Keel for Hard Rock Hideout. As expressed to me during that interview, here are Ron Keel’s most personal thoughts on Alone At Last:

“It was the biggest and most personal music achievement of my career. I sang the best of my career on Alone At Last. I want my next generation to listen to it and know that grandpa gave this to them, to know that I am at my happiest when by myself with a guitar and song. Alone At Last was the single most demanding project that I have ever done in my life. My fingers literally bled while making that album. Alone At Last is driving at night songs, through the desert.”

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ALONE AT LAST – Track Listing:

Private Lies

The Time Of My Life

Hillbilly Heavy Metal Rock N Roll Soul

Dreams Are Not Enough

Give Me All Your Love Tonight

Serenade

Haunted Saloon

Here Today Gone Tomorrow

Calm Before The Storm

Last Call

You Can Have What’s Left Of Me

Die Fighting

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* For more info on RON KEEL, click on the links below!

http://ronkeel.com

http://twitter.com/ronkeel

LONG LIVE RON KEEL.

Stone.

2 Comments »

KISSTORY – Which KISS Drummer Is Your Favorite Of All-Time?

Posted in classic rock, drummers, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – Alright, this question is not the easiest for me to answer! If I’m to choose who my favorite KISS drummer is of “All-Time” then it’s Peter Criss. Done! I grew up with Peter Criss being the drummer for KISS. I also cannot get enough of 70’s KISS, which would be my choice for “favorite era” of this enormously legendary band. With that said, I have immensely appreciated each drummer’s amazing contributions to KISSTORY. Now it’s your time to answer! Metal be thy name.

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

KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Rest In Peace, Eric Carr.

Stone.

16 Comments »

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

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 12, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JOE WALSH – I’ve been listening to Analog Man, the new solo album from the legendary Joe Walsh and decided to write my random thoughts on it. It has been a couple of decades since Joe Walsh released a solo album and Analog Man is a dandy. These fun and random thoughts will be posted in a series of parts.

Here is Part Two:

I am going to discuss in Part Two, the title track: Analog Man. What a song. (What an album for that matter and that is a topic for another time). Analog Man is an autobiographical song (and album) about Joe Walsh; only this title track represents how some of us old schoolers feel about the rapid ascent of the digital world; especially when this same digital world has tried to send analog into extinction. I lived the majority of my teen years during the 80’s and I still hold quite an affection towards analog.

Joe Walsh lyrically describes himself as an Analog Man and justifiably so. With so many generations that grew up with vinyl (45’s, LP’s & even 78’s), 8-tracks and cassettes, the digital revolution took us all by surprise in the early 80’s and I for one was never prepared. (Despite my being the first dude in the old neighborhood to own a Realistic CD player from Radio Shack). What I learned in college for computer technology was obsolete one year after I graduated! Plus, I, like Joe Walsh, have had a ten-year old show me how to use functions on a laptop and cell phone for that matter! That is absolutely not a lie.

When I first listened to this song, I kept nodding my head to both this song’s rhythmic beats and (agreement) to its lyrics. Joe Walsh nailed it when it comes to (the widespread social change of) movie ratings; with murder and violence getting the PG more often than R. Heck, I can remember when the Nightmare On Elm Street and Friday The 13th movies were rated R at the theaters. Now, these same slasher films are shown on Saturday afternoons (with little to no editing), on numerous cable networks.

The “new age” of television is touched upon by Joe Walsh so well in Analog Man. “With 100’s of channels and nothing being on” referenced, I can surely understand Joe’s point here. I find it amusing that there are numerous 24/7 news networks to begin with. We live in an era of information overkill and still advertisers flock to hock their products on these redundant networks.

The “digital dream” that Joe Walsh references throughout this title track is never going away anytime soon in our now global social network culture. Maybe I’m living the digital dream with Metal Odyssey? I’m also guilty as charged experiencing instant gratification of mp3 downloads… and it’s a necessary function of being a part of the music blogosphere.

In short summary, Analog Man is a lyrically genuine and super fun song that I definitely relate to. It’s as if Joe Walsh took the words right out of my mouth. Oh… this song without question Rocks my ears off too. Metal be thy name.

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

http://joewalsh.com/

LONG LIVE JOE WALSH.

The word “dandy” was used in this post.

Stone.

4 Comments »

ROCK OF AGES Wins Metal Odyssey’s Chicken Crap Movie Soundtrack Of 2012! Plus Some More Metal and Rock ‘N Roll Thoughts for Sunday, June 10th, 2012

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, movie soundtracks, movies, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 10, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

CHICKEN CRAP MOVIE SOUNDTRACK OF 2012:

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It’s Sunday, June 10th, 2012 and I’m passing along some more Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts. If money and time were not an issue, I would jump on a plane and go to every Rock, Hard Rock and Metal festival that I see advertised.

Here’s a 2 day & 2 city Metal Festival that looks rather exciting to me:

Speaking of Rock ‘N Roll legends; The Beach Boys aren’t about to call it a day…

On June 5th, 2012, The Beach Boys released their 29th studio album: That’s Why God Made The Radio, via Capitol. It’s quite a Rockin’ feat that The Beach Boys are celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2012; reuniting with both a new studio album and tour. I bought this CD this past week for my mother and father in-law… and they were psyched to get it! They’ve both seen The Beach Boys in concert. After all these years, I never have seen them live.

Maybe the image of Charlie Sheen sells to an unknown portion of the public, only I am bored out of my mind by his whole story right about now. Once again, another issue of Rolling Stone that I won’t be buying.

By now you’re aware that I’m calling this Rock Of Ages – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Chicken Crap Movie Soundtrack Of 2012. Then again, it might very well be the All-Time Chicken Crap Movie Soundtrack. I  listened to the songs from this CD and I wanted to puke. This soundtrack is an embarrassment to the legendary bands whose songs are featured on it. A 100% shameful embarrassment to the entire Rock Music community.

I’ve never heard Rock You Like A Hurricane by the legendary Scorpions destroyed so badly. After I listened to Julianne Hough and Tom Cruise completely ruin Rock You Like A Hurricane, I realized there is no shame in Hollywood. Tom Cruise singing (I mean trying to sing) Def Leppard’s Pour Some Sugar On Me was extremely painful and ultimately sad for me. Um, someone should remind Tom Cruise: YOU’RE NOT A ROCK STAR! A sub-par karaoke singer is Tom Cruise, yes. Rock Star… NO!

I can care less if Rock Of Ages was on Broadway too. This is about the movie soundtrack in question here. I shudder to think that any musicians from the bands represented on Rock Of Ages had any input to the production of this 20 song mess. To see these revered songs of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal go to hell like this is unimaginable to me… only it has happened and it’s chicken crap. Stinky, bacteria-infested chicken crap.

I can also sincerely state: Rock Of Ages is the All-Time Worst cover song album ever recorded. Thank God I did not buy this chicken crap Rock Of Ages CD. I highly DO NOT recommend it to anyone; especially those who want to keep the classics of Rock ‘N Metal TRUE.

METAL BE THY NAME.

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That concludes my Metal and Rock ‘N Roll thoughts for Sunday, June 10th, 2012. Sometimes things out there aren’t all that pretty and I’ll call it the way I hear and see it.

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LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N METAL.

LONG LIVE KEEPING ROCK ‘N METAL TRUE.

Stone.

3 Comments »

KISS KOLLECTIBLES – Wanna See My KISS / Gene Simmons Phone Card From 1996?

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 9, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – Back in 1996, I received this very cool KISS Kollectable PrePaid Phone Card as a Christmas gift. This phone card is the Gene Simmons version. As you can see from the top photo, I never opened the packaging to use it. I did have a cell phone back in ’96, therefore, this card was more valuable to me as a KISS Kollectible than anything else.

This is the only KISS phone card I have from this particular series. If I remember correctly, one of the large book seller chains was selling these KISS phone cards back then. I can’t recall if any record store chain was selling them or not. This phone card set commemorated the 1996 KISS reunion of the original four. Creative Communications is the company that appears to have released these phone cards.

Check out the back of the packaging:

It appears from the photos on this flip-side of the packaging, that there were 10 different KISS phone cards to kollect in all. It would be cool to own the entire set of these KISS phone cards. For now, I’m content to have just this Gene Simmons phone card in my KISS Kollection. Metal be thy name.

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

KISS

LONG LIVE KISS.

Stone.

4 Comments »

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

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

JOE WALSH – Yesterday I bought the new Joe Walsh CD, Analog Man (the CD/DVD Limited Deluxe Edition) and I’m quite chipper about it. This is the first solo album from Joe Walsh in two decades; I have found both the music and lyrics to be incredibly inspiring. I find it remarkably amazing, how one new album such as Analog Man can trigger so many thoughts about music and life! I’ve always felt that music can connect the dots and profoundly act as a universal language within our fast-paced world.

The Rock ‘N Roll thoughts have been pouring from my brain, since my picking up Analog Man and delving into its music, lyrics and bountiful liner notes. Therefore, I will be writing about my thoughts on Analog Man, from the lyrical content to my memories of hearing Joe Walsh on the radio as an innocent young lad in the seventies. My writings will be posted in parts, all being inspired from Analog Man.

This is a Joe Walsh – Analog Man custom sport metallic watch! Whoa. Do I own one? Nope.

Here Is Part One:

I’ve always been lured by the vocals, musicianship and songwriting of Joe Walsh. What’s “always” Stone? Well, it all started a long time ago, in a childhood far, far, away. I used to hear the song Walk Away from James Gang being played on the radio back in the 70’s and fell in love with it quite easily. I couldn’t get the lyrics or guitar out of my head! Did I actually know who Joe Walsh was back then? Of course I didn’t.

Onto the Eagles. I would hear Hotel California, Life In The Fast Lane and New Kid In Town on none other than… the radio. Onto the solo career of Joe Walsh and the radio airwaves consistently played Life’s Been Good. I was in 7th grade during 1978 and thought this song was damn good! All these songs I’ve mentioned remind me of going camping with my family back in those late 70’s. (Whoa). It’s due to the widespread campers playing their radios really loud all the time… it would be “battle of the Woolworth’s, Montgomery Ward (or Sears) cheap radios”. This was before the big (and expensive) “boom boxes” became popular.

Joe Walsh – But Seriously, Folks… (1978 – Asylum)

During 1976, 1977 and 1978, I still had no clue that Joe Walsh was a key figure involved in these (eventual) iconic songs. However, that all changed in 1979. Read on for more excitement…

When the Eagles released The Long Run, I was psyched-out by Heartache Tonight. Every kid in my class was psyched-out by this song back then. 1979 was a huge year for me; kissing a girl (or two) for the first time, getting chicken pox, missing my eighth grade graduation from Parochial school due to the chicken pox, going to the Dom Perno’s University Of Connecticut Summer Basketball Camp and receiving The Long Run (on vinyl) as a christmas present from my parents. Phew.

Uh… before I actually received The Long Run as a Christmas gift, well, um… I honestly thought Heartache Tonight was titled and sung as: Party Tonight. Red Forman, the father character from That 70’s Show would have said to me: “Stone, you’re a dumb ass.” As messed up as it sounds, my school friends and I would sing at the top of our lungs, during recess: “There’s gonna be a party tonight! A party tonight I know!” Back in ’79, we were all a bunch of dumb asses in that Parochial school playground.

I remember the album jacket  for The Long Run was a gatefold. I would stare at each member of The Eagles, as each song from this album played on my turntable. It got to the point where I actually thought each band member was staring back at me. (Whoa). My favorite song from The Long Run then and now? In The City. Guess what? After holding and staring at that gatefold album jacket of The Long Run and listening to In The City about 999 times on my $25 turntable and before the New Year of 1980 was ushered in, I finally knew who Joe Walsh really was. Metal be thy name!

In The City appears on The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for the 1979 film: The Warriors. I remember (finally) seeing this movie on HBO during the early 80’s. It’s a (violent) cult classic. I’ve never owned this soundtrack; I probably will buy it eventually, one day.

My Joe Walsh – Analog Man thoughts will continue… stay tuned!

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* Joe Walsh – Analog Man was released on June 5th, 2012, via Fantasy.

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

http://joewalsh.com/

LONG LIVE JOE WALSH.

Stone.

8 Comments »

GREAT WHITE “ELATION” – A Great Album… Only Is It Really Great White?

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

GREAT WHITE – It’s difficult for me to write a review for Elation without admitting that I greatly miss hearing the vocals of Jack Russell. My generation of the 80’s grew up with Jack Russell as the frontman for Great White and his vocals were an identity to this bands overall sound. Thank goodness there is a back catalog of Great White that has Jack Russell’s voice all over it.

I don’t really care what the feud between Jack Russell and the members of Great White was or is about; all I know is Elation doesn’t sound like Great White to me. Is that a terrible thing? No. Elation does feed my ears quite impressively, with new vocalist Terry Ilous (of XYZ fame) giving it his all and sounding like the bona fide Rock star that he truly is. The tried and true musicians of Great White all sound, well, great. It’s just not the Great White vibes I was looking for. Something is missing and it’s Jack Russell.

Musically, this is still Great White and their playing some memorable Hard Rock; various parts bluesy and filled with plenty of spirited energy, along with a party till dawn atmosphere. Elation is an elevation of Hard Rock compared to their 2009 album Rising, still, no J.R. to hear. The mid-tempo and sappy ballad of Love Is Enough should have been shelved. This entire song sounds like a struggle for Terry to sing. I listen to Heart Of A Man, Lowdown, Just For Tonight and Shotgun Willie’s and I’m thrilled by each note!

Still, something is missing and… it’s… Jack Russell. Warrant couldn’t replace (the late) Jani Lane with Jaime St. James. That wasn’t Warrant for me. Yet, Warrant pulled it off marvelously with Robert Mason and now… they’re Warrant again. Many world-class bands have successfully changed over vocalists, I realize that. It’s just different with Great White, you know? I guess my Metal point is not every band can replace their long-time vocalist and expect every fan to celebrate in the streets with their decision.

I’ll make it clear, Terry is a talented Heavy Rock vocalist, no question. It’s just my interpretation (after listening to Elation several times) that the band “name” of Great White does not ring like it once did for me. Why couldn’t these guys have chosen a brand new name for their band? What would have been so terrible about the band name: Terry & The Titans? Or maybe: The band formerly known as Great White? Let’s try: The Sharks/Featuring Terry Ilous?

Certainly  “branding” is key in any industry and  the music world is familiarized with the (band) name Great White. That draws the money in for touring, merch and record sales, no problem. I get it. I have no reservations about recommending Elation to Rock, Hard Rock and Arena Rock fans; this album is a foot stomping, dirt kicking, quality album of Hard Rock songs. However, I really don’t know what to tell long-time Great White fans. It’s an essence thing that’s at issue here and Jack Russell carried 50% of it with his voice.

My late mother used to say “it takes two to tango” and that way of thinking makes perfect sense to me here. I only wish Great White and Jack Russell would tango together again. This entire Great White saga has me reflecting on this quote, as taken from the iconic 1967 film, Cool Hand Luke: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” Then again, the late and legendary Frank Sinatra once sang a song called “That’s Life” and I couldn’t have expressed my opinions here more truthfully as I have done.

* Elation is the twelfth studio album from Great White, released back on May 18th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.

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GREAT WHITE:

Terry Ilous – vocals

Mark Kendall – lead guitar

Scott Snyder – bass guitar

Audie Desbrow – drums

Michael Lardie – guitar & keyboards

ELATION – Track Listing:

(I’ve Got) Something For You

Feelin’ So Much Better

Love Train

Heart Of A Man

Hard To Say Goodbye

Resolution

Shotgun Willie’s

Promise Land

Lowdown (Bonus Track)

Just For Tonight

Love Is Enough

Complicated

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* For more info on GREAT WHITE, click on the links below!

Great White – Official Website

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE GREAT WHITE.

LONG LIVE JACK RUSSELL.

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey Presents: Ten HARD ROCK Albums You NEED For This Summer Of 2012!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, melodic hard rock, melodic rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 7, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Jeff Scott Soto (Courtesy of Frontiers Records)

I’ve decided to extend another kind Metal deed upon my Rockin’ brethren this week. This time around, it’s Ten Hard Rock albums you NEED for the Summer of 2012! Whoa! Please notice the large link below each album chosen for this list; these links will take you directly to my review for that respective album. Enjoy and… Metal be thy name.

TRIXTER – NEW AUDIO MACHINE

TRIXTER has underscored the meaning of comeback. New Audio Machine is a thrill a second! If you’ve never listened to even one TRIXTER album from their brief past, this is THE album of theirs to start with. New Audio Machine is Hard Rock that is once again colorful, melodic, loud and (oops) fun!

TRIXTER “New Audio Machine” – 100% ROCKS! TRIXTER IS BACK!

 VAN HALEN – A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRUTH

It’s a year of Hard Rock comebacks and Van Halen is a BIG participant! How can any red-blooded Rockaholic deny their ears A Different Kind Of Truth? It just can’t happen! No matter how you slice or dice it, a David Lee Roth fronted Van Halen album = instant classic. At least I think so!

VAN HALEN ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’ – The Truth Is… This Album ROCKS!

SUNSTORM – EMOTIONAL FIRE

Joe Lynn Turner could release an album of Barbara Streisand cover songs and I would still listen with glee. With that said, Joe’s Sunstorm project returns and the Melodic Hard Rock ride on Emotional Fire is worth taking… again and again. Yes, my name is Stone and I’m a Joe Lynn Turneraholic.

SUNSTORM – ‘Emotional Fire’ – The Legendary Joe Lynn Turner and A Melodically Rockin’, Solid Album of Songs

MY DYNAMITE – S/T

Australia’s My Dynamite are all about meat and potatoes Rock ‘N Roll. Nothing fancy, no smoke and mirrors, just Hard Rock played the old-fashioned way! There’s some striking influence of The Black Crowes and 0% influence of Air Supply with My Dynamite. This is a band I NEED to see live in a club, before doomsday.

MY DYNAMITE – 5 Reasons To Buy This Solid Rockin’ Debut / ST Album Showcasing These Australian Rockers

JEFF SCOTT SOTO – DAMAGE CONTROL

I’ve come to the realization that Jeff Scott Soto is a good vocalist. Scratch that. Jeff Scott Soto is a world premiere vocalist! The bonus with Damage Control is that the band behind Jeff ROCKS like their lives depend on it. Melodic Hard Rock that’s superbly memorable  = Damage Control.

JEFF SCOTT SOTO “Damage Control” – 5 Reasons To Buy This Sterling Album

’77 – HIGH DECIBELS

They’re from Barcelona, Spain and they sound like Bon Scott era AC/DC. Sound cool to you? Well, ’77 and their sophomore album, High Decibels, has become a contagious listen for me! This band has reinvented the raw and hard Rock ‘N Roll wheel and I’m sticking to that.

’77 ‘High Decibels’ – Hard Rock That’s Old School & Damn Cool!

TYKETTO – DIG IN DEEP

Look! Right behind you! It’s another successful Hard Rock comeback story of 2012! Which one are we talking about now Stone? Why none other than… TYKETTO. Dig In Deep is an album that surprised the Hard Rockin’ hell out of me and I’m ringing that TYKETTO Melodic Hard Rock bell!

TYKETTO – Triumphs With Comeback Album “DIG IN DEEP”

SWEET – NEW YORK CONNECTION

Yes, the legendary Sweet has recorded an album of cover songs. Yes, these Rock historical songs have been covered by Sweet with: ROCK AUTHORITY! Whoa.

SWEET “New York Connection” – Cover Song Album Transcends and Celebrates The Classics Of Rock

JORN – BRING HEAVY ROCK TO THE LAND

I feel the new Jorn album can be placed on a Hard Rock or Metal list of albums. I’ve decided to place Bring Heavy Rock To The Land on this list. Jorn won’t mind. If you buy this fabulous album and play it respectfully LOUD through its entirety, you’ll realize just how much Jorn Lande means to our Heavy Rock community.

JORN “Bring Heavy Rock To The Land” – Some Metal Thoughts On This Heavy Rock Keeper

MOLLO / MARTIN – THE THIRD CAGE

Dario Mollo and Tony Martin are a formidable Heavy Rockin’ duo! At least that’s what I believe. This is old school Heavy Music that’s spray painted with heavy-duty relevancy. This album belongs. Period. When two talents  the likes of Dario Mollo and Tony Martin join forces, the resulting album is nothing short of a mandatory buy and keep.

MOLLO / MARTIN ‘The Third Cage’ – 5 Factors Spotlighting This Notable Album Of Hard Rock & Heavy Metal

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Thank you for stopping by and checking out this list of Hard Rock albums you NEED for this Summer of 2012! Wether you NEED all ten Hard Rock albums above or just one, I hope my album reviews served to assist your Hard Rockin’ needs. Rock Steady and… give a hoot, don’t pollute!

Metal Be Thy Name.

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LONG LIVE HARD ROCK.

The word “hoot” was used in this post.

Stone.

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OZZY OSBOURNE “Speak Of The Devil” – First Official Release Of This 1982 Concert In Stores July 17th!

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal dvds, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on June 5, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

“Speak Of The Devil” was filmed at Irvine Meadows, California in 1982. The show was part of the delayed continuation of the “Diary Of A Madman” tour following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads in March ’82 in a flying accident during the early part of the tour. The show features guitarist Brad Gillis who was brought in to replace Randy Rhoads.

The concert is a perfect snapshot of Ozzy Osbourne’s live performances in the eighties with dramatic staging and masses of energy with a setlist based around his first two solo albums and a few Black Sabbath classics. Ozzy has always been one of Heavy Metal’s great frontmen and despite the difficult circumstances, this show captures him at his absolute best.

Package contains liner notes written by bassist Rudy Sarzo.

Line-up:

Ozzy Osbourne – vocals

Don Airey – keyboards

Tommy Aldridge – drums

Brad Gillis – guitar

Rudy Sarzo – bass

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(Source: Eagle Rock Entertainment)

http://www.eagle-rock.com

LONG LIVE OZZY OSBOURNE.

Stone.

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

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on June 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

MASS – On Thursday, July 5th, 2012, Boston’s Hard & Heavy Rockin’ MASS will be performing as special guests to the always Rockin’ TESLA at The Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Metal be thy name!

* The Casino Ballroom is one Rock historical place! For more info on The Casino Ballroom and ticket info, click the link below:

http://www.casinoballroom.com

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

http://www.massrocks.com

http://www.teslatheband.com

LONG LIVE MASS.

LONG LIVE TESLA.

Stone.

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KISS KOLLECTIBLES – Wanna See My KISS Frisbee? Let’s Revisit Some RATT and Other Cool Stuff…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on June 4, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

KISS KOLLECTIBLES – That’s it at the top! That’s my KISS Frisbee. You bet. I bought it from a souvenir shop at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom a couple of years ago. KISS Kollectibles can be found where you’d least expect ’em. I remember it cost $10 (U.S.) and I was psyched to lay the money down for it. As I just wrote that last sentence, Lay It Down from RATT popped into my head, whoa. Good song too.

Okay, so I don’t use this KISS Frisbee to throw around outside (or inside either). I keep it out in the open leaning against some albums. Weird stuff, I know. What can I do? I’m a KISSAHOLIC and dig KISS Kollectibles. (The KISS Kollectibles I can afford that is).

Alright, since I had to go and mention Lay It Down by RATT, here is the album cover for Invasion Of Your Privacy:

Invasion Of Your Privacy was released back in 1985, on Atlantic Records. I remember buying this RATT release on vinyl, at a department store named Caldor. I remember like it was yesterday, walking with this album under my arm through the store and on my way to the checkout. I remember feeling my face getting all hot and flush from the album cover too; feeling like every customer I passed by was staring at the album cover and then at me. Man, was I a goober.

The hot (Playboy) model on this RATT album cover is Marianne Gravatte. It’s not like I bought this album back then for the cover, still, it didn’t hurt either. The other “hit” single from Invasion Of Your Privacy was You’re In Love. Good song. I liked the MTV videos for both hit songs too. You remember MTV? They used to play music videos! Now MTV stands for: Moron Television.

Here’s some fun & fast facts about the stuff you’ve just read:

01 – Invasion Of Your Privacy has reached Double Platinum status. Whoa.

02 – KISS RULES.

03 – Marianne Gravatte also appeared in the Lay It Down music video.

04 – KISS not being inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is an F’n joke.

05 – The name “Frisbee” is a generic term attached to any flying plastic disc. However, the gentleman responsible for branding the Frisbee is Richard Knerr ( inventor and co-founder of Wham-O).

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Alright, since you’ve stuck around this post (and I greatly appreciate that) here is a Metal bonus for you! Check out my Orange County Choppers Frisbee below! Whoa.

I bought this cool Orange County Choppers Frisbee right at the OCC store/headquarters itself, up in Orange County, New York! A few years back is when I journeyed to OCC. The souvenir shop they have there is gigantic! You can buy just about anything there with the OCC logo on it! By the way, the choppers they have built and on display there are simply breathtaking, let me tell you. Metal be thy name.

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LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE RATT.

KISS KOLLECTIBLES ARE COOL.

The word “goober” was used in this post.

Stone.

6 Comments »

Frontiers Records – May 2012 Album Releases: GREAT WHITE, HARDLINE and WIG WAM

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

FRONTIERS RECORDS – Take a look and listen below to 3 fantastic album releases from Frontiers Records! Releasing in North America on May 22nd are new studio albums from GREAT WHITE (Elation), HARDLINE  (Danger Zone) and WIG WAM (Wall Street). A triple dose of Rockin’ good-times! Metal be thy name!

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(Source: Frontiers Records)

* For more info, click on the links below!

FRONTIERS RECORDS

LONG LIVE FRONTIERS RECORDS.

Stone.

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Some “Comeback Albums” Should Go Back Home; While Others Are Welcome To Stay

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

Dud Exhibit A: Sledge Leather – Imagine Me Alive

Let’s face it, not every band that hibernates for a number of years (or decades) is going to have a successful comeback. (I’ll get back to this momentarily). I have written numerous album reviews that involve successful comebacks. At least I think they were successful. Trixter and Mr. Big have both released above amazing comeback albums, in my Metal opinion. Tyketto really surprised and psyched the living daylights out of me, with their new (and memorable) comeback album: Dig In Deep.

My open letter to any past successful band and/or musician thinking about recording a comeback album includes some realistic thought. With the Rock, Hard Rock and Metal markets saturated with bands of all generations, all vying for the same money and audiences; many very good new album releases do get lost in the shuffle, regardless if they kick ass. Therefore, a “comeback album” has to consist of unreal quality music with unreal memorable songs. Using smoke and mirrors while resting on laurels doesn’t work anymore. Period. Without quality songs and non-rusted musicianship, any comeback album will fall flat on its face.

Dud Exhibit B: Black ‘n Blue – Hell Yeah!

A once famous “name” isn’t a guarantee of fortune and fame. Lita Ford found that out back in 2009 with her comeback studio “effort” called: Wicked Wonderland. The once popular 80’s Hard Rock band Black ‘n Blue released a mammoth dud with their comeback album from 2011: Hell Yeah! Whoa, it’s a dud. Here in 2012, we have Sledge Leather making a magical comeback. Their new album, Imagine Me Alive, is not that good. As a matter of fact, it sounds like it was slapped together in 3 or less days. Structurally, the songs on Imagine Me Alive lost me and It’s all a complete mess.

I will be the first to admit, in recent years, with the 80’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal resurgence, many old school bands have Rocked my face off with their comeback albums. Hello KISS and Whitesnake. Then you have the Doobie Brothers and Iron Claw releasing albums of 100% Rockin’substance; both of their comeback albums I still can’t get enough of. Anthrax released an unbelievably grand comeback album with Worship Music; plus they play unquestionably kick-ass live today as they did during the 80’s.

Not all comeback albums are pretty and yet many are gems. Sample songs on the internet and read a few album reviews before you make a comeback album purchase. Metal be thy name.

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LONG LIVE GRAND COMEBACK ALBUMS.

Stone.

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SWEET “New York Connection” – Cover Song Album Transcends and Celebrates The Classics Of Rock

Posted in album reviews, classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 18, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SWEET – When I first learned of this cover song album, I realized there really is no better Rock ‘N Roll band in the land than Sweet, that could celebrate such revered Classic Rock songs. Then again, I believe Def Leppard could pull it off too. Regardless, this is Sweet in 2012 and the legendary Andy Scott (founding member, guitarist, vocalist) has once again proven that his bands legacy is stronger than ever; through the Hard Rockin’ cover song album New York Connection.

Without question, I fell head over heels for the cover of New York Groove. I truthfully played this song upon my first introduction to it, let’s say, twenty times in a row? The soaring vocals! The steady upbeat vibes and total good-times feel of New York Groove came at me in Rockin’ waves! Then, once I listened to all eleven songs on New York Connection, those amazing Rockin’ and good-times vibes never subsided!

Ring the Metal Odyssey bell and tell all the nations, that Sweet has signed, sealed and delivered Rock ‘N Roll jubilation!

After all these years, the sound of Sweet still comes packaged with full-throttle relevance. Andy Scott and his band did a fabulous job at keeping the original Rock essence and stylings of these eleven classics intact; while truly making these said classics their own. With drummer Bruce Bisland singing lead vocals on Blitzkrieg Bop, Sweet kept the Punk in every beat of this song! The one song Andy Scott sings lead vocals on is The Velvet Underground’s Sweet Jane. Excellent stuff. Metal be thy name does Sweet elevate Sweet Jane to an unreal Hard Rockin’ level of pure joy.

Keyboardist Tony O’Hora sings lead vocals on Because The Night and he righteously nails it. Bassist Pete Lincoln sings lead vocals on the rest of the songs and he is a Rockin’ treat to listen to. Pete’s vocals maintain that spirit of vintage Sweet. On Broadway has never been given a Hard Rockin’ shine like the one you’ll hear on this album. With all I’ve stated about the vocals; throw in the signature tones of Andy Scott’s guitar, with each musicians contribution to the songs and this covers album illuminates my eardrums into Classic Rock overdrive!

Like their legendary peers of Mott The Hoople, Badfinger and Uriah Heep, (to name only a few), Sweet is a band that justifiably originated Hard Rock outside the iconic Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who and The Animals. My point being; the legacy of Sweet continues onward in 2012 and the Rock historical importance of this band goes far beyond what any misinformed “Rock historians” at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame may think. This is a band whose legacy, influence and image helped pave the way for many bands that dominated on Sunset Strip back in the 80’s; I’m not bashful about reminding my Metal brethren of that.

The grand thing is Rock ‘N Roll history can never be erased and New York Connection is 100% proof of that. Sweet (both past and present) is a quasar in Rock ‘N Roll history. This band should be celebrated by Rock fans across all genres in 2012. I highly recommend you celebrate Rock ‘N Roll history with Sweet, by buying and playing LOUD this exceptional cover song album they’ve created and call New York Connection.

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SWEET  New York Connection – Track Listing:

New York Groove

Gold On The Ceiling

All Moving Faster

New York Connection

Shape Of Things

You Spin Me Round

Because The Night

Sweet Jane

Blitzkrieg Bop

On Broadway

Join Together

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* For more info on SWEET, click on the link below!

http://www.thesweet.com

LONG LIVE SWEET.

Stone.

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Wanna See My TRIUMPH “Stages” Double Live Album I Bought? It’s Really Cool…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, live rock albums, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on May 15, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

TRIUMPH Stages – Double Live Album (Front Cover)

TRIUMPH – Digging through bins of used vinyl gives me an adrenaline rush like no other. I love it. This past Friday (May 11th) I went to an antiques mall and headed straight to the used records. The dealer  that stocks these used records is a nice guy and from my experience talking to him, he knows about the history of Rock ‘N Roll. Everything from Buddy Holly to Iron Maiden picture discs are for sale from this dealer and his inventory is enormous. Hundreds of 45’s, cassettes, CD’s and even some 8-tracks are also available here.

As I stared gleefully at a Samantha Fox picture disc, from the corner of my eye I saw a bin of albums that gave me that special vibe. No, I didn’t buy the Samantha Fox picture disc; I probably would have if it was a buck or two. Alright, back to that bin of special vibes. There was (just about) every album from Krokus in it; only the condition of the albums were nasty. Heavy Metal albums aren’t that abundant from this dealer and it’s probably due to the steady foot traffic of other collectors that I’ve seen there… all looking for the heavy stuff.

TRIUMPH Stages – (Gatefold)

As I pulled this Triumph album from this magic bin of vinyl, I actually began to mutter aloud: Triumph! Stages! Double Vinyl! As I admired the excellent condition of the album jacket, I opened up the gatefold and knew I was holding a gem. The wear on this album jacket is normal and the original gloss is still, for the most part, ever-present. Both albums have played just fine and that’s the icing on the Metal cake for me! This Triumph double live album cost me $6 (U.S.) and I was more than happy to pay it.

TRIUMPH Stages was released back in 1985, on MCA Records. This album definitely belongs in my collection, especially on vinyl. From Classic Rock to Heavy Metal fans, Triumph has a widespread appeal with their fantastic catalog of albums. Stages makes for a great start to new Triumph fans, lending as both a live and greatest hits album. This album ROCKS like there is no tomorrow and I couldn’t be more honest than that.

TRIUMPH Stages – (Back Cover)

At the top of this back cover, in red lettering reads: “Recorded in various cities on the Allied Forces, Never Surrender and Thunder Seven Tours, 1981 to 1985.”

As a surprise bonus to this purchase; the original Triumph Stages merchandise sheet was inside one of the record sleeves! This sheet is in impeccable condition and makes for a Rockin’ conversation item.

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TRIUMPH:

Rik Emmett – guitars & vocals

Mike Levine – bass & keyboards

Gil Moore – drums & vocals

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TRIUMPH STAGES – Track Listing:

(All songs are live, except where noted)

Side One:

When The Lights Go Down

Never Surrender

Allied Forces

Hold On

Side Two:

Magic Power

Rock And Roll Machine

Lay It On The Line

Side Three:

A World Of Fantasy

Druh Mer Selbo

Midsummer’s Daydream

Spellbound/Follow Your Heart

Side Four:

Fight The Good Fight

Mind Games – (Studio Track)

Empty Inside – (Studio Track)

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TRIUMPH SHOULD BE INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. METAL BE THY NAME.

LONG LIVE TRIUMPH.

Stone.

15 Comments »

An Open Letter To All Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Legends

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on May 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

I am writing this open letter to all Hard Rock & Heavy Metal legends for legitimate reasons. 1. I respect any legend of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal; these said “legends” are those who have pioneered, innovated and paved the way for our beloved Heavy Music to exist in 2012.. 2. I want these said legends to understand that this fan is fed up with some of these legends forgetting their roots.

Broadway albums. Humorous books on personal health. Scripted Reality Television Shows. Lulu. Judging a Pop-crap, televised singing contest. Performing on the same Pop-crap, televised singing contest; one which has discovered only one legitimate Rock/Hard Rock superstar known as Chris Daughtry. These legends know who they are. It appears that once you’ve been elevated to Hollywood superstar status, the old school roots are no longer looked upon as anything more than a lost chapter in these legends autobiographies.

We’re not talking about a Metal legend making a Rock album here or creating fine art, nor is this about my not liking artistic diversity; instead, this is about decisions that are being made by prominent figures in Heavy Music, which essentially affect the long-standing integrity of their being… real.

There are fans out there that do give a shit. I’m one of them. It’s just like being a pro athlete; when is enough suitcases of millions enough? Legends of Heavy Music must understand: you don’t have to accept every lame-ass and mainstream offer that comes your way. These same legends of Heavy Music that used to write, sing and preach about “not taking any bullshit from the man” are the same ones who are being manipulated by the man today. That “man” is the almighty Hollywood dollar and mainstream popularity contest.

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Whatever happened to keeping it real? Staying true? Sure, I will write about some mellow albums here on Metal Odyssey once in a great while… only they are not so far out of the realm that it causes me embarrassment. These legends have to understand, there are fans out there who are not going to like everything you stamp your name on. That’s it. That’s reality.

I’ve come to the realization, that there is enormous truth about forgetting where you came from. I’ll never forget where I came from. Hell no. I turn down requests to review Pop albums on a weekly basis. Why? I’m keeping it F’n real; to both myself and the visitors to Metal Odyssey. I’ll acknowledge when a Pop legend passes away, I feel it’s the right thing to do. I do listen to a cornucopia of music. Still, I’m not jumping onto every popular bandwagon that chugs into town either, unlike some of these legends are doing.

In the end, is it any of my F’n business as to what any Legend of Heavy Music does with their respective fame and fortune? No and yes. No, due to this is a free society in America and capitalism reigns. Each man and woman for themselves. Yes, cause I’ve been suckered after decades of thinking that some of these legends were “really” street and against the same plastic people they are now making a fortune with. Make no mistake, there are countless Heavy Music legends out there that are keeping it real and won’t jump at every dumb-ass offer that’s left on their voice mail.

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They don’t make them like Cronos of Venom anymore. You’d never see that legend cow-tow to any moron who doesn’t give a rats ass about Metal. The morons are out there looking for our Heavy Music legends, to make millions on their “name” (a means to an end) and haven’t a clue about Hard Rock or Heavy Metal history.

It’s just like the iconic AC/DC song: MONEY TALKS. It’s like the legendary TESTAMENT song: Practice What You Preach. In this case, it’s practice what you used to preach. Just as the legendary Dee Snider of Twisted Sister once riveted my Metal soul with We’re Not Gonna Take It… well… I’m not taking it. I’m also not buying it. Metal be thy name.

LONG LIVE KEEPING HARD ROCK & METAL REAL.

Stone.

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