Legendary Metal Queen DORO just announced the release of the official X-Mas anthem for all Metalheads!
“I had the feeling, the time was right to record a song for X-Mas.“, says Doro. “I am at recording my new album right now, which should be out by next summer. While doing this, I suddenly came up with a fitting melody and lyrics.“
The song’s called “Merry Metal X-Mas”, performed by DORO and showcases a guest appearance by SODOM’s very own Onkel Tom Angelripper.
“I definitely wanted something loud and funny”, she explains.
“Merry Metal X-Mas” will be released December 9, 2011 and will be available as digital download and limited 7” vinyl single (Christmas tree green).
North Carolina power trio BLACK SKIES have been ravaging the North American masses since November 14 on their 2011 Fall tour excursion in support of the recently unleashed On The Wings Of Timefull-length.
The band checks in from the van:
“The tour is going great! We’ve played some of our favorite venues. hit some new ones and had a great first time playing Canada! The crowd, promoters and venues in Montreal and Toronto were very welcoming and we look forward to going back! We’ve been playing songs off our new record for the most part including a tune we hadn’t really played out live before and a May Blitz cover on some nights. It’s been a blast being back out. Our friends Make from Chapel Hill were on the first half of the tour with us. It’s been great to share the stage with these guys every night. They’re an excellent band, and good, fun people to hang with. We joined up with Vaz in Montreal for a string of dates. It’s time to take over Easthampton, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Annandale!”
On The Wings Of Time is currently available at all shows on digital download cards included with the purchase of a limited edition, silk-screened poster. A CD version with alternate cover art is also available. To hear On The Wings Of Time in its entirety, visit the band’s official BandCamp page. In addition, you can check out a live recording from the band’s first show of the tour at the Get Down in Asheville, North Carolina. HERE.
BLACK ROBOT – It’s Black Friday across America. That’s when material excess overrules proper judgement. It’s when a popular upscale department store can most likely sell rusted and bent barbed wire for a profit, by utilizing smart marketing on the masses. Black Friday for me is another day to crank up some more Metal and Hard Rock into my ears. A day no different from any other in my Metal lovin’ life. Metal be thy name.
A couple of days ago, with Black Friday looming larger than ever, I was thinking about the bands who have the word “black” in their (band) names. One of the bands I immediately thought of was BLACK ROBOT. (Yes, the ultra-legendary BLACK SABBATH was the first band I did think of). Classic Rock and Classic Hard Rock influences, colliding with today’s Hard Rock edge, is what overflows in the sound of BLACK ROBOT. You can hear a cool sliver of AC/DC thump and stump gleaming in this band’s Rockin’ thunder, fused with their own original style. Calling California home, BLACK ROBOT has created quite a heavy Rockin’ buzz for themselves the past few years, both stateside and across all shores.
BLACK ROBOT is a Hard Rock band you should be checking out, in the event you haven’t already. Trust me, their brand of Hard Rock is smokin’ with fired-up attitude and a crunchy, fist-to-the-air, blue-collar vibe. The guitar licks and riffs are aplenty, while if you’re looking for some b-b-b-baddass, head knockin’, rhythm stompin’, Hard Rock songs you’ll get ’em with BLACK ROBOT. Metal as my witness, you shall.
BLACK ROBOT was formed back in 2008 by bassist Jonathan “JB” Brightman. He is also a founding and former member of the Grammy nominated Hard Rock band: Buckcherry. Jonathan cowrote and played on the Buckcherry debut S/T from 1999 and their sophomore release from 2001: Time Bomb.
* Check out the BLACK ROBOT music video below, covering the JJ Caleoriginal and Eric Clapton’s cover classic: Cocaine.
* The BLACK ROBOT debut album was released on June 8, 2010, on Formosa Records/Rocket Science Ventures.
*Keep your eyes and ears open for a brand new BLACK ROBOT album in early 2012!
* Track Listing For BLACK ROBOT (Debut S/T):Baddass * Cocaine * Momma Don’t Cry * GirlsKissing Girls * Money * I’m In Love * In My Car * Black Robot * Love On A .45 * Dissatisfaction * 23Days Of Night * Stop The World * Nervous Breakdown
Open up a case or two of Hard Rock whoop-ass and click on the links to BLACK ROBOT below!
Happy Thanksgiving America! It’s been a weird 2011 thus far for weather, that is for certain. (I just had to blurt that out). There are many reasons for my being thankful this Thanksgiving. My family, friends, Metal buddies (worldwide) and of course all the bands I listen to and write about I give thanks for. I’ve decided to compile a list of ten “listening suggestions” for anyone who is in need of an album title with “turkey” in it for Thanksgiving.
No, this is not a list of Heavy Metal albums, instead these are diversetitles that I discovered and at times rediscovered while researching for this post. Honestly, how many Heavy Metal albums are out there with the word “turkey” in the title anyways? Hopefully you may find these suggestions beneficial for your turkey festivities. Without further delay, I am very happy to present to you, the following ten turkey album suggestions for your ears:
Terry Lieberstein – Turkey Burps And T-Ball
I dunno. I found this album cover and it looks kinda fun. Um, it may be geared towards toddlers I would imagine. Then again, any politician out there should find this as a listening adventure for it’s slightly above their intellect.
John Lee Hooker Jr. – Live In Istanbul Turkey
A multi-grammy nominee and son of the legendary/late John Lee Hooker. This album looks pretty cool. I don’t own it nor have I listened to it… and I’m sure I’ll track it down eventually.
100 Miles Per Hour – Backsliding Turkey Kuts
I have no idea. If someone does know, please share your knowledge on this mystery album. If you like to experience Turkey Day in the fast lane, this seems to be a logical choice.
The Arrogant Worms – Christmas Turkey
A musical comedy trio from Canada are The Arrogant Worms. Apparently they parody music genres too. Sounds like a cool party to me.
Wild Turkey – Battle Hymn
Formed back in 1971 by former Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick. Last I checked, Wild Turkey is still around too. By the way, any Wild Turkey album shall suffice as a suggestion. Drinking some Wild Turkey on Turkey Day is always another option.
Dre Towey with Sugar On Top – Turkey Bop
Once again, I dunno. Well, if you like turkey and want to bop, then I strongly urge you to give this one a serious listen. Metal be thy name.
Julia Marvel – The Turkey Sessions
Um, whatever. Is this a spoken word CD? A band? Stop the presses! I do know what “The Turkey Sessions” is all about! This is about the recent Deficit Reduction Committee! You know, those scholarly & economic versed politicians who were overpaid to find ways to cut U.S. government spending… and they accomplished… TURKEY!
National Lampoon –Gold Turkey (Radio Hour/Greatest Hits)
Obviously this album’s title sums up what you are going to hear. Comedy I imagine. Gold Turkey qualitytoo. It must be pretty decent, as I have always enjoyed the National Lampoon movies over the years.
The Turkeys – Every Night’s The Same
This is the debut album from The Turkeys. The genre is Rock Americana. The Turkeys style: Bluegrass, Folk Rock and Blues. This album was released in 2007. That’s it, no more gravy about The Turkeys. I’ve given you enough information already and don’t want to spoil your turkey surprise.
BEKI BONDAGE – COLD TURKEY
All right now. Now we’re talking. Finally a suggestion I feel psyched about. I guess I’ve saved the best for last here. Beki Bondage and her solo album released in 2000: Cold Turkey. This album boasts 13 cover songs, from Thin Lizzy (TheBoys Are Back In Town) to Nirvana (Smells Like Teen Spirit). Beki knows a thing or two about Rock ‘N Roll & Punk Rock. Take my Metal word for it… the legendary Beki Bondage ROCKS. Beki is the singer, songwriter, guitarist and founding member for Vice Squad.
* For more info on Beki Bondage, click the link below:
VOLBEAT – The first live album from VOLBEAT will be released on December 6th, 2011, (North America), via Universal Republic. Live From Beyond Hell / Above Heaven is this live album’s title, consisting of 18 songs spanning the already remarkable Rockin’ career of VOLBEAT. The popularity of VOLBEAT is growing stronger by the second. VOLBEAT is one diverse and heavy band to catch onto, if you already haven’t. This Danish band is power-packed with talent; blending Rockabilly, Hard Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal and countless grooves!
CD Track Listing:
Intro
The Mirror and The Ripper
MaybellEne i Hofteholder
16 Dollars
Heaven Nor Hell
Who They Are
Evelyn
Sad Man’s Tongue
7 Shots
Pool of Booze, booze, booze/BOA
A Warrior’s Call
The Garden’s Tale
Fallen
Thanks
The Human Instrument
AngelFuck
Still Counting
I Only Wanna Be With You
* Release date sources: Amazon.com & Best Buy.com
* For more info on VOLBEAT, click on the link below:
As reported on Lynyrd Skynyrd.com, November 17th, 2011:
We can’t wait for our grand opening concert on December 8th @Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer! Looking forward to helping out the students who receive scholarships from @Epicurean Charitable Foundation, the children who are in need of medical care at Nevada Children’s Medical Center and not to mention all of the children who benefit from the Lynyrd Skynyrd Foundation!!
* For more info on LYNYRD SKYNYRD, click the link below:
The folks at Germany’s Avant-Rock source Exile On Mainstream Records are thrilled to report that the final master for Heavy Kingdom, the anticipated collaborative album by WINO and CONNY OCHS has arrived at label headquarters, and the final details on the album’s release are being finalized.
The legacy of Scott “Wino” Weinrich in the world of heavy music is indisputable and ever evolving, and here he teams up with Conny Ochs, a songwriter so pure and honest in his output that he seems to be the perfect partner for the straightforward Weinrich. The two met for the first time in 2010 when Conny was supporting Wino on his acoustic solo tour promoting his acclaimed solo album, Adrift.
Through music they discovered a very similar approach to life and art, and a shared wisdom in creating music. It really seemed like two souls becoming one after they got to know each other. Together the two wrote, performed and recorded an incredible set of soulful tunes that speak for themselves, as well as a Townes Van Zandt cover. The artwork contains drawings by both Weinrich and Ochs, and follows the dedicated and deeply personal approach of the whole album. View the cover art for Heavy Kingdomhere.
Heavy Kingdom Track Listing:
Somewhere Nowhere
Heavy Kingdom
Dust
Vultures By The Vines
Dark Ravine
Traces Of Blood
Heavy Kingdom Jam
Highway Kind
Dead Yesterday
Here Comes The Siren
Labour Of Love
Heavy Kingdom will be released throughout Europe on January 27th, 2012 and in North America sometime in March, a final release date to be confirmed in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned for tracks from the record to be released in the near future, as well as the details on a month-long European tour being finalized for March and April.
(Source: Earsplit PR)
* For more info on WINO & Conny Ochs, click the links below:
I am not a curmudgeon when it comes to cover songs. Actually, I’ve always embraced a good (and sometimes) excellent cover song and/or album of such songs. I like to look upon a cover song as celebrating the Rock historical impact of its respective original. When a Classic Rock band “re-records” their own songs from the past, they are essentially covering their own songs. The preceding sentence sounds a tad silly huh?
My admiration for a multi-vast number of Classic Rock bands is real and I’ll use four current and legendary bands as examples for this post, all in which have toured extensively while releasing new studio albums in recent years: KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx. No doubt, I’ve enjoyed listening to all four of these bands re-recorded compilations. The classic quote “what’s old is new again” can seriously be applied to the recent re-recordings of these highly influential bands.
The above mentioned bands each have a catalog of albums that span four decades plus, therefore, breathing a newfound energy and modern relevance into their classic songs is not such a negative move. Or is it? I don’t want to come across as hypocritical when I say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” or “nothing beats an original”, especially after I’ve stated that I’ve enjoyed these bands rejuvenated greatest hits. Certainly there is money to be made from these four bands re-recording their classics, however, the generations of new fans that are recruited, due to the lure of these re-recordings, is what really matters. In turn, these new fans will (hopefully) keep the Classic Rock flame burning for many years to come.
Even though I spend the money on re-recorded greatest hits from these bands, it doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the original material and look upon it as dated. Truth be told, I’d much rather listen to the original (1978) Pieces OfEight by Styx and Foreigner’s (1978) Double Vision albums before I reach for the newly re-recorded comps. I’m old school, yet I’m also for moving forward as well. Numerous Classic Rock bands have moved forward, with lineup and lead vocal changes being an inevitable part of the Rock business model. Longevity doesn’t guarantee that an original lineup stays intact and re-recording songs from long ago unites the past with the present.
KISS, Journey, Foreigner and Styx each have earned a brand recognition in the global music marketplace, each carrying on their unique style of Classic Hard Rock, without compromising the quality I have grown to expect from them. I guess when it’s done right and with reverence to the song, any Classic Rock band can re-record their classics for the world to hear and enjoy. At the end of myMetal day, re-recordings from these four bands I’ve discussed or from any Classic Rock band for that matter, is history that I don’t mind hearing and being repeated. Of course I may not like every re-recorded song (or cover song) out there. What I do like is knowing the door to Classic Rock’s past will never be closed anytime soon.
MASTODON will perform “Curl of the Burl” and “Black Tongue” on Last Call with Carson Daly tonight, Tuesday the 15th, at 1:35a/12:35 central on NBC. This episode will re-air on FUSE the following day at 6:30p, 10:30p, and 12:30a EST. Don’t miss it.
(Source: Mastodon)
* For more info on MASTODON, click on the link below:
NICKELBACK – On November 21, 2011 aka NICKELBLACK MONDAY, the new studio album Here AndNow from NICKELBACK will be released via RoadRunner Records. You can listen to Here And Now streaming in its entirety over at iTunes right now! (Streaming in U.S. and Canada only).
* For more info on NICKELBACK, click on the link below:
KISS – On or about November 11th, 2011, Matthew Wilkening over at Ultimate Classic Rock.com wrote a fabulous article on the KISS “Destroyer”Deluxe Edition that will be releasing sometime in 2012. This Deluxe Edition of “Destroyer” will also feature the original album cover art created by artist Ken Kelly, (which was rejected by Casablanca Records).
L to R: Kio K, Anni Sutinen, Brenda Mejia, Shae Padilla
FireSky – Okay, to be upfront and honest, cause Stone can never tell a Metal lie, these four gals that call themselves FireSky… ROCKS! I’m very glad FireSky crossed my Metal path, this is a band that is ready for some Rock industry attention. After listening to their 5 song Erase The Enemy EP, (which was several times), I realized without hesitation that FireSky has “IT”. What is IT exactly, that FireSky has you’re asking? Song writing, vocals and these gals can play. FireSky has an attitude that comes through in their songs that screams: Rockin’ For Real. There’s some good Rockin’ vibes that emit from Erase The Enemy, Metal be thy name.
When you’re a DIY band and conscientious towards the song, word will travel fast and fans will follow. I’m listening to FireSky and they have created 5 melodically memorable songs, adding a contagious dose of Alt/Hard Rock flavor to their overall sound. It’s when my ears are introduced to a band like FireSky, that I wish I had the executive position at any record label to sign them. Instead, I can only pass along the great news that FireSky is out there, accomplishing and not just thinking about it, hungry for some Hard Rockin’ success.
If you are a fan of The Donnas, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Pink, Pat Benatar or The Bangles, you should get quite a Rockin’ thrill out of hearing the fresh and relevant Rock sound of FireSky.
Founding member, song writer and lead guitarist Shae Padilla recently told Metal Odyssey:
“Right now, FireSky is writing, rehearsing, playing locally here in California, and working on some touring opportunities! Its hard work being an independent band. But in our minds, if you have a dream you really believe in, you need to go for it. Even if you don’t “Make it”, you can be satisfied that you tried your hardest! And I’m happy to say, so far, so good for FireSky! We’ve made a lot of progress in the short time we’ve been a band, and it’s actually nice being the ones to make the decisions on the way our music sounds, and the way our band is presented to the public!
Shae elaborated on the title of her band’s EP, Erase The Enemy:
We decided to name it after the last track on the EP because it’s easy to remember and a good message. The song is about how often times, people are their own worst enemies and limit their potential. So you have to “Erase the enemy on the inside”. I love Anni’s (lead singer) lyrics! Definitely makes the writing process easy, when she’s right there coming up with interesting and meaningful lyrics!
When asked about a forthcoming full-length album being in the works, Shae responded:
“As far as a full length album goes, we’re hoping to have one out next year! We’re currently writing for it now, and also working on booking a tour so we can reach our fans wherever they may be!”
Where can fans buy your Erase The Enemy EP?
“You can buy our EP on iTunes by going to itunes.com/FireSky. OR if you like having a physical copy, you can go to our webstore and buy a copy! Just go to http://firesky.storenvy.com/“.
* Erase The Enemy EP was released on iTunes on August 23rd, 2011.
FireSky’s last two shows of 2011:
November 20th – Hollywood, CA @ Molly Malone’s
November 23rd – Upland, CA @ The Wire
FireSky:
Shae Padilla – Guitar
Anni Sutinen – Vocals
Brenda Mejia – Bass
Kio K – Drums
Erase The Enemy EP – Track List:
Free Fall
Pleasure For Mourning
Soundtrack Of My Life
Black As The Night
Erase The Enemy
* For more info on FireSky, click on the links below:
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – On November 1st, 2011, Glorious Christmas Songs That Will Make Your BlackLabel Heart Feel Good was released on iTunes via eOne Music. Each song sells for $1.29 apiece or $2.99 as a complete 3 song EP.
All three songs are instrumental, with a combination of electric and acoustic guitar. The ever legendary Zakk Wylde delivers the Christmas classics of I’ll Be Home ForChristmas, Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem and It’s A Wonderful Life to a level of Rock ‘N Roll cool, all the while keeping the tempos to a mellow level of appreciation. Minus any vocals only seems to enhance the ambiance and vibe of these Christmas classics.
This is one big and bad Metalhead (chuckle) that can honestly say, Black Label Society has made my Black Label Heart feel good. Metal be thy name. I wish there were more songs included with this EP, still, I’m not going to complain. Just these three songs alone are a welcomed addition to my personal collection of Rock ‘N Roll and Heavy Metal Christmas collection of music.
Track List:
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
It’s A Wonderful World
* For more info on Black Label Society, click on the links below:
Check out the video teaser below for RAMMSTEIN – Mein Land. The full video will be out on November 11th, via www.rammstein.com.
RAMMSTEIN RETROSPECTIVE ALBUM, MADE IN GERMANY 1995 – 2011, AVAILABLE DEC. 6th, 2011:
Rammstein’s long-awaited retrospective release, Made In Germany 1995 – 2011, will be available on Dec. 6th through Universal Germany’s marketing and distribution deal in the US with Vagrant Records.
Made In Germany 1995 – 2011 will be available in three different editions:
* Standard Edition: CD Digipak – Best of Album
* Special Edition: 2-CD Digipak – Best of Album and Best of Remixes
* Super Deluxe Edition: 2-CD (Best of Album and Best of Remixes) as well as 3 DVDs (including the full Rammstein video catalog, all previously available “Making of” and 8 unreleased “Making of” videos) packaged in a steel box complete with a 240-page booklet. Limited to 1200 copies in the US.
All songs and videos on Made In Germany 1995 – 2011 have been re-mastered for this release.
Announced earlier this week, the Berlin-based band have a new single, “Mein Land,” set for a Nov. 11 release. “Mein Land” will be available as a four-track release via iTunes with an unreleased song, “Vergiss Uns Nicht,” as well as remixes from BossHoss and Mogwai accompanied by the Jonas Akerlund directed video for Mein Land video and a digital booklet. The Amazon version will be “Mein Land” and the two remixes. The video for “Mein Land” will premiere on Rammstein.com on Nov. 11.
Rammstein’s most recent release, Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da, debuted at #13 on the Billboard Top 200 in October 2009.
(Source: Speakeasy PR)
* For more info on RAMMSTEIN, click on the link below:
As reported in the Gibson Guitar newsletter – November 6th, 2011:
Gibson Guitar Corp. has announced the “Fight For Your Right To Rock!” contests. Participants can submit a video, original song or logo expressing how the Lacey Act can be made fair. Contributors will have the opportunity to win a customized Gibson USA Les Paul Standard adorned with the winning logo.
On August 24, 2011, agents from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service raided Gibson facilities and seized more than 10,000 guitar fingerboards made from Indian rosewood, along with computers and other records. At issue is the Lacey Act, which was amended in 2008 to prevent trafficking in illegally harvested or illegally exported plants. However, Gibson has complied with Indian law and no concerns have been raised by the Indian government.
“Through this contest we’re asking people to lend their voice so that those in power understand that there’s true concern,” said Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. “To be clear, we’re not looking to abolish the Lacey Act — we’re asking that it be amended — that it be made fair and clear.”
* To continue reading this story and for all info regarding the “Fight For Your Right To Rock!” contests, click on that very cool link below:
Syracuse, New York Heavy Rockers Brand New Sin have announced a string of live dates in support of their newest release, United State,out now on Goomba Music. Additionally, the band will be on location in Detroit this weekend for a video shoot for the track “The Lord Came Down.”
BRAND NEW SIN LIVE:
11/5 @ The Ritz – Warren, MI
11/9 @ Shooter’s Pub -Sussex, WI
11/10 @ Underground Lounge – Chicago, IL
11/12 @ Chugger’s Rock n’ Roll Sports Bar – West Seneca, NY
12/23 @ Fusion – North Syracuse, NY
Brand New Sin has risen to new levels with the disenfranchised roar of United Stateout now on GoombaMusic.
The enduring trio of Kris Wiechmann (Vocals/Guitar), Chuck Kahl (Bass), and Kevin Dean (Drums) are joined by the new blood of Tommy Matkowski on lead guitar. Tommy’s playing is truly the finishing piece to this already powerful puzzle, lending a fresh and deeply rooted hard rock style to the Brand New Sin sound. This line-up spent much of 2010 on the road together defining the terms of United State, including opening shows for Slash & Myles Kennedy.
(Source: Clawhammer PR)
* To purchase United State by BRAND NEW SIN, click the link below:
MASS – Louis St. August – It all started back in 1984, when MASS released their self-titled EP and garnered the widespread attention of radio stations, record companies and of course their new-found fans. In 1985, this Boston, Massachusetts originated band was signed to RCA Records and their first full-length album, New Birth, was released upon the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal world. New Birth catapulted MASS onto the Billboard charts and MTV came knocking on their door. The single released from New Birth was Do You Love Me and this song became a successful music video within the coveted MTV rotation.
Caught somewhere between the positive vibes of Stryper and their very own brand of melodic heaviness, coupled with credibility at every angle, MASS did exit the 80’s leaving behind 3 studio albums and their historic EP as a reminder of greater things to come. MASS was then, as they are now, a Heavy Metal band that glistens with accessibility without compromising their hard and heavy sound.
Louis St. August – 2011
MASS is still Rockin’ in 2011, their fifth full-length, Heavy Metal achievement and critically acclaimed Sea Of Black was released in 2010. With their best work existing in the present, reflecting on where it all began for MASS is something Louis St. August embraces and is understandably quite proud of. As the old saying goes, “times were different back then” and 1985 was no exception, as founding member and lead vocalist Louis St. August will reveal in this exclusive Metal Odyssey interview.
Stone:Do You Love Me is a memorable song from the New Birth album. What was the process of choosing this song for a music video?
Louis: It was solely RCA records idea of making and pushing the Do You love Me video first as we felt it was a poor representation of what the band was really about. We wanted to go with something a bit heavier like Toofar Gone or Crying Alone. But the label insisted and thought a power ballad would open doors up for us and that radio would pick up the song a lot quicker. They told us the second video would be the heavier one which never did come to be.
Looking back at it now It’s kind of funny because the very first script the video production team wrote for the Do you love me video was actually turned down by RCA records because they felt it was too sexy and would get banned from MTV and other video stations. The script only calling for a Catholic girls school bus breaking down in some dark alley, when the girls all got out of the bus dressed up in their little catholic school dress’s knocked on our rehearsal door only to come in and start dancing seductively and falling in love with the song and band. Very mild and tamed I must say compared to the videos we see today. (Laughs). But that’s the early eighties for you.
Stone: Where was this video filmed?
Louis: The video was filmed in an abandoned warehouse in Manhattan, New York. It took two days to film it. (Film not video), that’s why it has that grainy look to it. I couldn’t believe it took 48 straight hours to film, only to have it edited down to a 3 minute and 20 second song. (Laughs). The video cost RCA records $50,000 something that would cost $5,000 to $8,000 today.
MASS – That Was Yesterday!
Stone: How difficult or easy was it to get Do You Love Me on MTV? How psyched were you guys to get that exposure?
Louis: It was not difficult at all with such a big label like RCA behind us. MTV execs were actually at the shooting of the video and approached our management at the time to see if they would agree to let MTV make the Do You Love Me video an exclusive premier for MTV. But our management said NO because they wanted to share it with the U68’s,V66’s video stations of the world. A big mistake in my eyes for we would have gained much more exposure had they agreed to this and received “heavy rotation” play instead of the “1ight rotation” we received on MTV.
We were very excited the first time it aired on MTV. Just like the first time you hear your song on the radio you never forget that feeling. After that it seemed like every time you put the TV on or the radio on you would hear your song. The phone never stopped ringing after that. And still hasn’t. (Laughs).
Stone: Were there any aggravating and/or funny moments you want to share while filming “Do You Love Me”?
Louis: We just simply had a blast making it, hanging with all the hired extras and crew. We even put our road manager (Gino) at the beginning of the video along with our stage manager (Laurie). We also included our manager & lawyer towards the end (carrying the food trays). Although it was extremely exhausting we were just running on pure adrenaline and tons of laughs and good times.
MASS – In The Present!
Stone: As you look back on the New Birth album now, what fond memories does it stir up?
Louis: There are so many but here are just a few for me. We all moved in to the studio in beautiful Bearsville New York. The whole band actually lived in a huge barn. Our equipment was set up downstairs in the living room while all our beds were upstairs in the loft. We would work with our producer Tony Platt (Led Zep /Cheap Trick, etc) during the day on preproduction stuff in the barn for two weeks before moving into the studio to start recording. When I had free time, I would ride my mountain bike through the beautiful town and hills, while enjoying the fresh air and star studied night skies.
During the evenings, the band would get together and hang with Joe Lynn Turner and his band mates and go out for dinner at various places. Joe and his band mates were there recording an album as well with producer (Roy Thomas Baker/Queen). We had a lot of fun and many a food fight at some of the top-notch restaurants in the area, where we would sometimes be asked to leave. (Laughs).
Our girlfriends, wives, would come down a few weekends during our 8 week stay and enjoy the surroundings as well as the music we were making. My wife at the time was pregnant with my first child so it was special for me when we decided to call the album New Birth.
* All Photos Courtesy/By Permission Of Louis St. August
BC SWEET – Kev Moore (lead vocalist & bassist) for BC Sweet has recently revealed some exciting news: Sugarbomb. This brand new album from BC Sweet will be released in early 2012 and you can listen and Rock-out to the brand new title track right here on Metal Odyssey! The other 9 songs on Sugarbomb are covers, celebrating Sweet classics as well as one Badfinger classic. Plus there is a bonus ‘secret’ track on this album as well! (See track list below).
* As of post launch time, Kev Moore is looking to release Sugarbomb on his very own moore:music label, being available through the moore:music online shop.
Kev Moore spoke of the new album Sugarbomb, telling Metal Odyssey:
“This album is just the first step in a gradual rebranding and remodelling of BC Sweet. We’ve taken the decision to establish our own identity with the Sweet legacy as our inspiration. As the years have passed since Brian Connolly’s death, the band cannot claim to be directly associated with him, but our pedigree as musicians, including The Glitterband’s Pete Phipps on Drums, (who has also played for XTC, Eurythmics, Mike Rutherford, etc) give us hope that we can further our cause in our own right with more original Glam-era inspired material over the next few years”.
* The very cool Sugarbomb album cover was designed by Kev Moore.
A special thank you to Kev Moore, for allowing Metal Odyssey to post the new single Sugarbomb for fans to enjoy. Sugarbomb was written by Kev Moore. Sugarbomb will be available as a digital download single on November 5th,2011 and available at most platforms, including: CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon. Click on the audio bar below to hear Sugarbomb and let the good times Rock!
BC Sweet – 2011
SUGARBOMB – Track List:
Sugarbomb
Action
Wigwam
Fox On The Run
Hell Raiser
Ballroom Blitz
No Matter What (Originally Badfinger, one of Brian Connolly’s favorite covers)
Set Me Free/Lies In Your Eyes Medley (A Sweet Rock classic segued into one of the later singles)
Blockbuster
Alexander Roadhouse Bell Blues (Sweet ‘s first single, Alexander Graham Bell mixed with Roadhouse Blues)
* Bonus ‘Secret’ Track – will be heard on Sugarbomb as well!
* Album cover and group photo courtesy of Kev Moore.
* For more info on BC Sweet, click on the link below:
FAITHSEDGE – The Hard Rockin’ brain trust of FAITHSEDGE, Giancarlo Floridia (vocals & guitar)and Fabrizio Grossi (bass & producer), have done a video/interview, where they both discuss in detail all you need to know about their second forthcoming studio album! Take a listen below all of you FAITHSEDGE and Hard Rock fans out there… and get your update now!
* This video interview was done by ROCK ON! Press. Click here to visit their site: ROCK ON! Press
FAITHSEDGE ROCKS!
* For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click on the links below:
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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