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Some Rockin’ Albums To Get You Through An Ice Storm Warning!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, weather news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Well, it’s coming… back for round II. On Tuesday, February 1st, round I came through Pennsylvania and it was enough to cause plenty of headaches and anxiety attacks. As it is, round I was just a teaser compared to the impending “round II”, which is supposed to be bigger, badder and more potent than ever. What is “it”? I can almost see the concerned look on your face, as you begin to mutter: what was round I and what could round II possibly be? What is Stone unravelling about now? An ice storm. Another F’n ice storm. Metal be thy name, ice storms are not fun. Ice storms for all intents and purposes are dangerous to life, liberty and the pursuit of Metal happiness.

I have my snow shovel, yet what can that actually do when it comes to ice? My nearly 4 foot long ice chopper will come in handy though. Rock salt… yup, I have about 15 pounds of it, only it’s not gonna be enough probably. Will we lose our power due to the ice storm’s brutality to tree limbs and power lines? Maybe. Losing power when the temperature outside is below freezing is not something I welcome with open Metal arms.

What can any one of us do when it comes to a raging ice storm? The damn ice storm warning put out by the National Weather Service says it all! With big jack-o-lantern grins on their faces, my late/great uncles (Uncle George and Willard) always used to say to me when I was a young lad: you can’t control or predict Mother Nature. They were not mistaken. All that the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England States can do now is wait. Wait. Wait for this ice storm to cometh… and…

LISTEN TO SOME ROCK ‘N’ ROLL & F’N METAL!

Below is a list of five albums that are somehow linked to that very cold three letter word… ICE. Be it the band name, song or album title, the reference to ice is there. WARNING: This list just might serve you right. Each album is recommended by Stone for your listening Rockin’ pleasure during – Ice Storm Round II of 2011.

Foreigner – debut/self titled (1977)

Their Classic Rock gem – Cold As Ice is as fitting as any song to listen to during Ice Storm Round II. If these lyrics to Cold As Ice speak to me correctly, this song has some pissed off attitude happening. That’s perfect! For I am pissed off at this ice storm. By the way, this Foreigner debut album is a Classic Rock masterpiece.

Yngwie Malmsteen – Fire & Ice (1992)

Göran Edman is the lead vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen’s sixth studio album. I’ve always liked this Fire & Ice album and consider it to be one of those best kept secrets from the early 90’s. Can you keep a secret? I still have… Fire & Ice… in mint condition… on cassette. No, it’s not for sale.

AC/DC – BLACK ICE (2008)

If any band in this great land has the ability to cheer me up, especially during Ice Storm Round II of 2011, it’s gonna be AC/DC. This album’s title and it’s title track have those two words no driver wants to hear during these winter months – Black Ice.

Frozen Ghost – The Essentials (2005)

If you dig Night Ranger, Nelson and Survivor, then you just might dig Frozen Ghost. Their melodic and well crafted songs were tailor made for Rock accessibility. This Canadian AOR band released three studio albums from 1987 to 1992. Here’s a Rockin’ fun fact: Frozen Ghost spelled their band name as Frōzen Ghōst on their first and third album covers, (their second album from 1988, Nice Place To Visit, had the spelling Frozen Ghost). Frozen Ghost broke up in 1993 and their mainstream Rock still resonates relevancy to my ears.

ICED EARTH – ALIVE IN ATHENS (1999)

Since their 1990 debut and self-titled album, Iced Earth has been an American Heavy Metal Band that has never buckled down to music trends or watered down their music for any mainstream acceptance… thanks to the legendary Jon Schaffer (founding member/guitarist/songwriter). Matthew Barlow is the lead vocalist on this live gem from Iced Earth.

Alive In Athens bestows some solid production, capturing Iced Earth’s Heavy Metal energy as they play their classics to a fired up mass of fans in Athens, Greece. I can’t ever find myself keeping this CD out of arms reach. Plus, what other band has a name so fitting for an ice storm? On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011, when I wake up from my Metal slumber… a visible Iced Earth will be awaiting me outside, courtesy of Mother Nature. My great uncles are smiling down on me now.

By now, many of you are asking: hey Stone, what about that album cover at the top of this post? Is that a cool album to listen to during Ice Storm Round II of 2011? My answer is very simple. Yes, The Crucible Of Man: Something Wicked Part 2 is a Metal recommendation for any ice storm. It receives Stone’s Metal stamp of approval the whole year long too.

METAL BE THY NAME.

ICE STORMS SUCK.

ICE STORM WARNINGS ARE SPOOKY.

Stone.

7 Comments »

Mötley Crüe and Kid Rock To Headline Cheyenne Frontier Days – July 2011!

Posted in classic rock, country music, country rock music, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 30, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS – Held in beautiful Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the Cheyenne Frontier Days. This ten day super event will begin on July 22nd and ends on July 31st. Cheyenne Frontier Days has rodeo, Championship Bull Riding, lot’s O’ fun and… Rock ‘N’ Roll! From Country to Heavy Metal, the schedule of events for Frontier Nights (see below) say it all! Whoa… Cheyenne Wyoming is gonna ROCK for ten days straight! What am I saying? Cheyenne Wyoming already ROCKS!

Check the dates below for Mötley Crüe and KID ROCK!

* For more info on Cheyenne Frontier Days, (including ticket info), click on the link below! It’s a very cool website that will tell you more about this 10 day event than I ever can!

Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo – The Daddy Of Em All

* Below is the concert & event schedule for Frontier Nights, with shows starting at 8:00 p.m.!

July 2011 Schedule:

July 22 – KID ROCK

July 23 – Jason Aldean

July 24 – The Charlie Daniels Band

July 25 & 26 – Championship Bull Riding

July 27 – Mötley Crüe

July 28 – Darius Rucker with Sara Evans

July 29 – Zac Brown Band

July 30 – Toby Keith with Eric Church

KID ROCK – Born Free was released on Atlantic Records, on November 16, 2010.

* For more info on Mötley Crüe and Kid Rock:

MOTLEY CRUE

KID ROCK – Official Website

And… for more info on The Charlie Daniels Band:

The Charlie Daniels Band – Official Website

LONG LIVE CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS RODEO.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

LONG LIVE THE POWER OF ROCK… and METAL.

Stone.

3 Comments »

ZZ TOP “Eliminator” – Metal Odyssey’s Classic Rock Journey Back To 1983

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern hard rock, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ZZ TOP – It’s a humdinger of a thought, reflecting back to those blissful days of keg parties so long ago, in an open field, while Eliminator from ZZ TOP was blasting from someone’s boom box or car stereo. It was very common to hear Eliminator being cranked up along with Screaming For Vengeance from Judas Priest (released in 1982), Iron Maiden’s The Number Of The Beast and Piece Of Mind (released in 1982 and 1983 respectively) and Quiet Riot’s Metal Health. You have to remember, these were profoundly popular Metal albums of the day and ZZ TOP came knockin’ on the door to party… when all the world was abuzz about Heavy Metal. The really cool thing is, I and the majority of fellow Metalheads I knew then… let ZZ TOP in.

Metal Health was released on March 11, 1983 and Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983. Everyone knows the Metal historical importance of Metal Health being the first #1 Heavy Metal album on the Billboard Chart. (If you did not know, well, now you do. Plus QR rules too). Eliminator cracked that same Billboard Chart peaking at #9. As I reflect on it now, both the Metal Health and Eliminator albums should be hailed more frequently for their combined pop culture impact, it was like a one-two punch to the Hard Rockin’ forehead that felt so damn good back then. It certainly was a great moment in Rock Music history, when MTV really played music videos and while Heavy Metal along with Hard Rock was heard everywhere.

The coexistence of Eliminator alongside such Metal album classics back in 1983 proved that Heavy Metal, Hard Rock and Rock can and does have a common connection. A “weeding out” process was happening amongst us fans and bands back in those early 80’s… resulting in the eventual endless list of sub-genres that we all debate about in 2011. Eliminator seemed to break down any barriers of Rock ‘N’ Roll segregation back in 1983, the Country and Southern Rock fans just might like a band that a Metalhead digs!

I’ve never been one to embrace just Metal as my only music listening experience and ZZ TOP is one major reason why. (Metal is #1 in my Metal heart though). I remember my buddies and I rushing to Strawberries Records & Tapes to buy earlier albums from ZZ TOP after Eliminator was released. This album gave the ZZ TOP back catalog even more notoriety, (even though it was already revered) and helped spotlight the righteousness of Blues Rock and Southern Rock/Southern Hard Rock.

While I write about Eliminator, I’m tapping into my memories of yesteryear, regardless of how dazed they might be. I do remember vividly the social impact that Eliminator had on my group of buddies and the media impact goes without saying. The music videos that spawned from this album were beyond entertaining… they were Rock ‘N’ Roll coolness with an exclamation point. TV Dinners is not just a (gasp) fun song, the music video for this song is flat-out hilarious. The slow driven, thump and stump of TV Dinners “really can’t be beat”, in my Metal opinion.

Not to disrespectfully push the “hits” of Eliminator aside, still, there are other songs on this album that cut loose with their dirt kickin’ and down home Rockin’ vibes. I Got The Six, Dirty Dog, If I Could Only Flag Her Down, I Need You Tonight, Thug and Bad Girl are just as potent as the world popular Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure and of course… TV Dinners.

Was Eliminator commercial for it’s time? Of course it was and for grand reason. Eliminator will forever have a commercial appeal due to it’s memorable lyrics and good-times feel. It’s that big Texas boogie beat that will always make ZZ TOP and their catalog of albums timeless. Blues and grooves. Add into the sound and style of ZZ TOP these three words as well: Hard, Heavy, Classic. What other Rock power-trio, if you will, manifested more bluesy slick and muscular grooves into their songs such as ZZ TOP? Eliminator only magnified this.

There was no rushing to the “Prog-Rock” door to impress the fans when it came to the Rock ‘N’ Roll of Eliminator, that’s never been what ZZ TOP was/is known for. Straightforward with their brand of bluesy Southern Rock and Hard Rock is what made ZZ TOP famous for in the first place. As time has gone by, Eliminator just “eliminated” any doubts about this band and album having a huge impact among a cross section of Rock genres. It always feels dandy when I can reflect on an album that has made my Rock lovin’ life so enjoyable. My Eliminator vinyl and CD can never grow moss or collect dust mites… there’s just too many BIG beats and FUN moments that it bulges with, just like a Classic Rock album from ZZ TOP should do.

ZZ TOP:

BILLY GIBBONS – guitar & vocals

DUSTY HILL – bass & vocals

FRANK BEARD – drums

* Eliminator was released on March 23, 1983, on Warner Bros. Records.

* Eliminator was produced by Bill Ham.

LONG LIVE ZZ TOP.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

The word “dandy” was used in the last paragraph.

Stone.

38 Comments »

Henrik Ostergaard – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

HENRIK OSTERGAARD – As quoted from the FnA Records website:

“Henrik Ostergaard, lead singer for the band Dirty Looks and current FnA Recording Artist, passed away this morning, January 27th, 2011 at 9:18 a.m. The Cause of death at this time is unknown and the results of an autopsy are pending.

The Rock world will sadly mourn the loss of this 80’s hard rocker. Ostergaard, who was of Danish descent, lived in Erie, Pa. In 1985, Henrik started the band Dirty Looks. Three independent albums and an EP would soon follow, which led to Dirty Looks getting signed by Atlantic Records. Later in Henrik’s career, he would be signed to Sony Records and most recently FnA Records where he released a new album, I.C.U., in 2010. Ostergaard is survived by his 2 children Henrik Jr. and Elliot”.

* Later credible reports have stated: “The Erie County, Pennsylvania coroner stated that Henrik Ostergaard died of natural causes while under hospice care”.

* Top album photo – Cool From The Wire (1988) Atlantic/Wea

Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends, band mates and fans of Henrik Ostergaard.

MAY THE MUSIC OF HENRIK OSTERGAARD LIVE ON.

REST IN PEACE, HENRIK OSTERGAARD

1964-2011

Stone.

4 Comments »

Twisted Sister and Friends: Benefit Concert For Uveitis Research – On April 29, 2011

Posted in charity events, classic rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Attention SMFs!
Tickets are on sale NOW for The Pinkburst Project Presents Twisted Sister & Friends – a concert to benefit Uveitis research. The show will take place on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, New York City. All proceeds will go to the Ocular Immunology & Uveitis Foundation to raise funds for Uveitis research. Twisted Sister will perform a full show, and we’re bringing some very special guests to the party.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Order yours today – do not miss this show! 

For more information on the show and to purchase tickets, just click here: Best Buy Theater.com and be sure and visit the new web site for Jay Jay French’s THE PINKBURST PROJECT – a special auction of one-of-a-kind custom guitars and amplifiers to be held on May 1, 2001 at Skinner Auctioneers, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts.

Help Twisted Sister find a cure for Uveitis, the leading cause of blindness among American girls.

Dee, Jay Jay, Eddie, Mark & AJ,
Twisted Sister

* For more info on Twisted Sister: TWISTED SISTER – Official Website

* Thank You – to Scott Coverdale for sharing the news to Metal Odyssey on this great charity event and The Pinkburst Project.

LONG LIVE TWISTED SISTER.

LONG LIVE THE PINKBURST PROJECT.

MAY A CURE BE FOUND THROUGH UVEITIS RESEARCH.

Stone.

 

2 Comments »

Eddie Van Halen – Happy Metal Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 26, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

EDDIE VAN HALEN – Back on January 26, 1955, one of the greatest guitar players that has ever roamed the Rock and Heavy Music landscape was born. This icon of Rock is also a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer as well. Incredibly documented and noted for his superior guitar wizardry, that in turn has made him become a most influential musician spanning Rock ‘N’ Roll generations is – Eddie Van Halen. Happy Metal Birthday Eddie! The legendary founding member and lead guitarist for Van Halen turns a young 56 today! Whoa… YEAH!

(VAN HALEN I – 1978/Warner Bros. Records)

Van Halen I and Van Halen II are both albums that made my eyeballs widen and my jaw drop to the ground when I was just a young lad. All I can remember was thinking to myself… what is this? This music, this Heavy sound, THAT guitar! I would confidently venture to guess, that I’m not alone in that Rock ‘N’ Roll memory. This was 1978 and 1979 when these first two Van Halen albums were released respectively. Van Halen’s wide-open Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal sound and vibe created some excitement, that was and still is damn amazing to my ears to this very day!

CRANK UP SOME VAN HALEN TODAY AND YELL F’N YEAH!

Guess what? Guess who else shares their birthday with Eddie Van Halen on this 26th day of January? Need some hints? He’s a Metalhead lifer. The dude writing this. Stone. That’s me! YEAH! Happy Metal Birthday to me! I turn a very young 18 today! Um, alright… maybe I’m not 18 after all. Just add “27” to “18” and you win the Metal prize… which is the answer to my real age! The older I get, the more Rock ‘N’ Roll I need… and Metal is my all natural elixir.

(VAN HALEN II – 1979/Warner Bros. Records)

LONG LIVE EDDIE VAN HALEN.

LONG LIVE VAN HALEN.

LONG LIVE STONE.

Stone.

14 Comments »

KOPEK – “Cocaine Chest Pains” Music Video Is Out!

Posted in alternative rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, modern rock, Music, rock music, rock music news, rock music videos with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 21, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK/Cocaine Chest Pains – From Dublin, Ireland, comes the three piece Mod Rock Band famously known as KOPEK. With their critically acclaimed debut album White Collar Lies released digitally back on June 29, 2010, the Hard Rockin’ momentum of KOPEK is carrying right into 2011 with no end in sight! The physical CD of White Collar Lies will be released this March 1st, 2011. Both digital and physical releases of White Collar Lies are released on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Independent Network. * You can currently purchase the single Cocaine Chest Pains on iTunes.

This week, the music video for KOPEK’S hot Rockin’ single Cocaine Chest Pains, from White Collar Lies, has been released on the official KOPEK sites below. I won’t tell a Metal lie, KOPEK flat out ROCKS in their new Cocaine Chest Pains music video! Just click on either KOPEK’S Official Website or TV Official Channel – YouTube links below to view Cocaine Chest Pains for yourself. (Checking out all 3 KOPEK links below is super cool and recommended!)

Be forewarned: KOPEK will ROCK you like there is no tomorrow!

KOPEK – Official Website

KOPEK TV Official Channel – YouTube

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

For more info on KOPEK’S 2011 U.S. Tour Dates, click the header link below:

KOPEK – To Tour With HINDER, SAVING ABEL and MY DARKEST DAYS Starting January 21, 2011

KOPEK ARE GOING TO BE HUGE.

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

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Metal Odyssey’s Rock Music Book Pick: “A Brief History Of Album Covers”

Posted in album covers, book reviews, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, rock music reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 18, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ALBUM COVERS – I recently discovered and bought a book that is about one of my favorite Rock ‘N’ Roll topics, that being album covers. A Brief History Of Album Covers set me back just $5 (U.S. funds). The store where I bought this cool book sells nothing higher than $5, hence the store name: Five Below. Now, this is not a used book store, nor a thrift store, all the variety of merchandise is sold as “new” at Five Below. There are a few of these Five Below stores in my area of Eastern Pennsylvania. Finding a book that interests me seems to be the norm, each time I visit a Five Below.

A Brief History Of Album Covers is an entertaining and insightful book to read. Author Jason Draper covers nearly 200 classic album covers, all in chronological order. From the debut and self-titled Elvis Presley album from 1956, to the (best of) Oasis album from 2006 – Stop The Clocks. From the Fifties to the “Noughties” as Jason Draper refers to the Millennium decade, he chooses album covers that are “the most iconic, unusual or representative” of each respective decade. It’s interesting and simply fun to see the album covers which Jason Draper has chosen for this book.

Each album cover has a brief write-up, with an anecdotal approach that works just well with me. Every album that is revisited has it’s respective cover pictured, in full color, along with it’s record label, release dates and songwriters. I find this book to be extremely helpful with it’s details that it offers. A Brief History Of Album Covers could have easily been a mammoth sized coffee table book, however, in this instance, the “less is more” school of thought comes together very attractively. This book has a soft cover and is 384 pages long. The oddball measurements (approximately) for this book are: 6 and 5/8″ x 6 and 1/4″.

There are not an abundance of Heavy Metal album covers found in Jason Draper’s research here and I quite honestly can live with it. Not everyone will submit the same list or book of what they consider to be the standout album covers that span 60 years. Iron Maiden’s third studio album from 1982, The Number Of The Beast is included, along with Van Halen’s 1984 and Led Zeppelin’s ultra-legendary sixth studio album – Physical Graffiti.

(Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti)

The diversity is seen here in A Brief History Of Album Covers that lends itself as a tribute to many Rock Music genres, only not all of them. From Frank Sinatra to Lynyrd Skynyrd with Pink Floyd and the Sex Pistols in-between, Jason Draper has accomplished a tidy celebration of album cover art. Sure, if it were my book on a history of album covers I would include representations from Black, Death and Thrash Metal without blinking a Metal eye. As I mentioned earlier though, not everyone will share the same opinion on an absolute list of decade defining album covers.

Even with the lack of Extreme Metal being represented within A Brief History Of Album Covers, I still strongly endorse this book and applaud Jason Draper for revisiting such a tremendous catalog of album covers. His interpretations of the album cover art he compiled, has made me look at these covers with an “open mind” once again. I also commend Jason Draper for paying homage to what is now quickly becoming an obsolete experience for younger generations of music fans, of being able to view and enjoy the album cover art that so often represents the respective music of the album and it’s creators. The LP does live on though, thanks to Jason Draper’s brief journey with all of these cool covers.

There are many interesting facts found in A Brief History Of Album Covers, both historic and artistic. One fact that I was reminded of, (due to my blatantly forgetting about), is the design similarity between Elvis Presley’s 1956 debut album and London Calling by The Clash, which was released back in 1979. Jason Draper refers to The Clash cover as “parodying” the Elvis Presley debut, only I beg to differ. My interpretation is The Clash are paying tribute to a true pioneer of Rock ‘N’ Roll, regardless if the initial intent was to be that of parody or not. Both the Elvis Presley debut album and London Calling are serious representations of their respective Rock genres, therefore the tag of “parody” realistically does not apply. Take a look for yourself below:

Elvis Presley (debut/self titled) – RCA Victor – 1956

The Clash (London Calling) – CBS Records (UK), Epic Records (U.S.)

* Jason Draper is the Reviews Editor for Record Collector Magazine, the United Kingdom’s longest running monthly music magazine, with distribution in the UK and worldwide. Jason Draper is described as a “true collector” on the inside back cover panel of this book… I would tend to agree he surely is, without knowing him.

* The foreword for A Brief History Of Album Covers was written by Paul Du Noyer. As the founder of Mojo (music magazine based in the United Kingdom), Paul Du Noyer has also edited many Rock Music reference books and is an author himself.

* A Brief History Of Album Covers was first published in 2008, by Flame Tree Publishing, based in the United Kingdom.

LONG LIVE ALBUM COVERS.

LONG LIVE THE POWER OF MUSIC.

Stone.

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Cheap Trick “Dream Police” – Pops Into My Head, Has Me Revisiting 1979…

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on January 17, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CHEAP TRICK – Just like it was yesterday. That’s how it feels each time I listen to the 1979 Dream Police album from Cheap Trick. Those days of just playing pick-up basketball games around the neighborhood, going to friends birthday parties on Saturdays, messing around at the roller rink, hanging out at my grandma’s, reading MAD Magazine and having a major crush on Loni Anderson. Back then, I even had a huge crush on Donna Pescow, (she played Angie, on her own sitcom Angie). Yup.

I don’t know exactly why I had Dream Police playing in my head today… maybe because this song reminds me of Winter more than any other season. Songs will do that though… they just “pop” into my head without warning. I’m sure you know what I mean. Wow, maybe “those” Dream Police really do “live inside of my head”. Hey, as long as they’re cool songs that “pop” into my head and not something from The Wiggles (from days when my girls were crawling and rolling on the floor). Whatever the reason why Dream Police caught me off guard today, this song ROCKS and so does Cheap Trick. Metal be thy name.

I hope you enjoy this song and dig Cheap Trick too. This video below is Classic Cheap Trick. ‘Nuff said. If you don’t dig Cheap Trick, well, then go take a laxative and stop watching C-SPAN for awhile.

Back on May 16, 2009, I posted about this Rocktastic Cheap Trick album – Dream Police. If you like to read about it, just click the giant header-link below:

Cheap Trick – “Dream Police” an essential Hard Rock album

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

LONG LIVE CHEAP TRICK.

Stone.

10 Comments »

Doobie Brothers “World Gone Crazy” – Classic Rock Never Sounded So Superb!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

DOOBIE BROTHERS – On September 28, 2010, the Doobie Brothers released their thirteenth studio album titled – World Gone Crazy, via HOR Records. Classic Rock is named such due to it’s ability to cross generations and make us revisit the songs and albums that became the building blocks of what Rock and Hard Rock is today… and Classic Rock continues to build that solid foundation in which Rock finds it’s stability to this very moment. World Gone Crazy is as fine an example of a Classic Rock foundation block as I could ever point out. The Doobie Brothers are Classic Rock warriors, returning with fire and melody in their sound that needs to not just be listened to, their new album needs to be celebrated.

For a new Doobie Brothers album to have what I consider to be my new “favorite all-time” song from them is quite a Rockin’ thrill to tell. You see, China Grove from their third album The Captain and Me, released back in 1973, has forever been my favorite Doobie Brothers song. No more. Now my favorite Doobie Brothers song is My Baby. The Rock infectious melody coupled with the trademark Doobie Brothers chorus is spellbinding to my ears. Listening to My Baby is like I’m taking a journey back to 1978, I’m a young lad once more and I’m listening to the radio… and being introduced to Rock ‘N’ Roll all over again.

I know I can’t just continue on about My Baby the whole time here, however, this song has brought back something to my senses that has been missing for quite some time… and this song just makes me feel so goooooooooood. This song is like the fountain of youth to my ears. Tom Johnston, you wrote one incredible song with My Baby… take a Rockin’ bow. Alright, onto the rest of World Gone Crazy. I’m crazy about this album. Get it? World Gone Crazy… I’m crazy about it? Whatever.

A Brighter Day opens up this Doobie Brothers gem, packed with enough Caribbean flavor oozing from it’s sound, to send my day dreams longing for that island in the sun. The musical flirtation with Funky grooves summons up this song’s positive theme to even greater heights. The title track, World Gone Crazy is a Doobie Brothers take on the state of our economy, (with the way things are going in 2011, you can take your pick on global or U.S. economy). This song, as with the entire album, glistens with every Classic Rock aspect and nuance that The Doobie Brothers are world famous for.

Far From Home is a mid-tempo ballad that beholds some very inspirational lyrics. Far From Home combines it’s soothing lyrics, cool melodies and harmonious vocals to make it a mellow winner among some hot Rockin’ Doobie Brothers numbers. Young Man’s Game is what Doobie Brothers Rock ‘N’ Roll is all about, with a Classic Rockin’ guitar solo and plenty of foot stompin’ piano, all mixed into a non-stop and up-tempo groovin’ listen on this album.

Don’t Say Goodbye features the legendary and former Doobie Brother, Michael McDonald. This song is a mid-paced and easy listening experience, which fits right into the musical scope of what The Doobie Brothers have ventured into in the past. The only drawback to this song is that Michael McDonald’s vocals are “featured” as background and chorus. Initially, I was expecting a Michael McDonald performance where he takes center stage on vocals, with both lead and background.

With the legendary Country Outlaw we all know as Willie Nelson, his “featured” vocals on I Know We Won are utilized for both lead and background. This song’s lead vocals are shared by both Pat Simmons and Willie Nelson, their duet, if you will, is as fabulous as I could have ever expected. Old Juarez embodies a latin Rock sound and vibe that has me seeking out my Santana albums. I’d swear Carlos Santana plays a lick or two on this song, only his name does not appear in the liner notes. The Doobie Brothers are not falling short on Rock diversity with World Gone Crazy, the shifting of Rock gears makes this album smoke.

Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons both sound excellent on vocals. This Doobie Brothers band has proved to me, they are still a major player in the world of Rock, a Classic Rock icon of a band they truly are. Yes… The Doobie Brothers can still play and jam the Rockin’ lights out. There is comfort food… then there is comfort Rock. The Doobie Brothers epitomize what feel-good Classic Rock sounds like to my ears. Metal be thy name.

In the event I have to recommend that “one” Classic Rock album from 2010 to purchase, (and I guess that this is the event), it is World Gone Crazy. The Doobie Brothers may have let nearly an entire decade pass without a new studio album, yet they have more than made up for the long recess between albums. If The Doobie Brothers are to substitute quality over quantity, then they have unquestionably succeeded, for World Gone Crazy is top tier, Classic Rock quality… magnified ten times.

Doobie Brothers:

Tom Johnston – acoustic & electric guitars, vocals, background vocals

Michael Hossack – drums & percussion

John McFee – acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, percussion, violin, electric guitars, resonator guitars & vocals

Pat Simmons – acoustic & electric guitars, vocals & background vocals

Other World Gone Crazy Info:

* Bob Glaub plays bass on all songs except I Know We Won. (There’s no bass on this song, that’s why)

* World Gone Crazy was produced by the legendary Ted Templeman and The Doobie Brothers.

* Ted Templeman plays tambourine on Chateau. (I Thought you’d want to know).

* Nobody is a remake from The Doobie Brothers single Nobody, taken from their debut/self-titled album released back in 1971 on Warner Bros. Records.

* For more info on the Doobie Brothers, click on the link below:

Doobie Brothers – Official Website

World Gone Crazy Track Listing:

A Brighter Day

Chateau

Nobody

World Gone Crazy

Far From Home

Young Man’s Game

Don’t Say Goodbye (Featuring Michael McDonald)

My Baby

Old Juarez

I Know We Won (Featuring Willie Nelson)

Law Dogs

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

LONG LIVE THE DOOBIE BROTHERS.

Stone.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA “NEVERENDER SSTB” U.S. and Toronto 2011 Tour Dates!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 14, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Progressive Rock/Metal giants COHEED AND CAMBRIA are getting ready to tour the U.S. and Toronto, Ontario, Canada this April and May of 2011! Below is the band telling all about this upcoming NEVERENDER SSTB Tour, as quoted from the COHEED AND CAMBRIA newsletter, January 14, 2011:

“Hey All,

In case you haven’t heard, we are performing our debut album, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, in it’s entirety in 23 cities across the US and in Toronto, Canada.

The “Evening with” format means we’ll do the full set electric, along with a 30-40 minute acoustic set, and a bonus electric set. No support bands.

Most of the shows are on sale now, a few go on sale tomorrow (and Oakland on Sunday)”. Full dates and ticket links are posted here:www.coheedandcambria.com

We hope to see you at the shows!!

April & May 2011 Tour Dates:

4/08 Kansas City, MO – Midland Theater
4/09 Dallas, TX – Palladium
4/11 Austin, TX – Stubbs
4/12 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
4/14 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
4/15 Tampa, FL – Jannus Live
4/18 Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
4/19 Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live
4/20 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
4/22 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
4/25 Boston, MA – House of Blues
4/26 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
4/27 Toronto, ON – Kool Haus
4/29 Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theater
4/30 Chicago, IL – House of Blues5/02 Denver, CO – Ogden Theater
5/03 Salt Lake City, UT – In the Venue
5/05 Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo
5/06 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
5/07 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
5/09 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theater
5/10 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
5/11 Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia

www.coheedandcambria.com
www.twitter.com/coheed
www.facebook.com/coheedandcambria

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Year Of The Black Rainbow was released on April 13, 2010, via Sony.

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

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WINO Acoustic Performance In LA This Saturday! Plus More Tour Dates With Scott Kelly Listed!

Posted in doom metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

WINO – Legendary Doom Metal guitarist and vocalist Scott Wino Weinrich (The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, Shrinebuilder), will be performing a solo acoustic set this Saturday, January 15th at Volcom’s store in Los Angeles! At this special one-off performance, Wino will be performing tracks from his first ever collection of acoustic anthems on his new solo album Adrift. The show in LA is FREE to the public, but those attending are to RSVP at Wino’s new website: http://www.scottweinrich.com/

As previously announced, Wino will also hit the road this February on a short acoustic tour with longtime friend and Shrinebuilder band mate Scott Kelly of Neurosis. Sponsored by BrooklynVegan, the tour will venture through California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York, showcasing both legendary artists in solo, acoustic mode.

Wino/Scott Kelly February 2011 Tour:

2/05/2011 Viper Room – Hollywood, CA
2/07/2011 Casbah – San Diego, CA
2/08/2011 Emo’s – Austin, TX
2/09/2011 Abbey Pub – Chicago, IL
2/10/2011 Great Scott – Allston, MA
2/11/2011 Sonar – Baltimore, MD w/ Darsombra
2/12/2011 Mercury Lounge – New York, NY w/ Man’s Gin

Adrift is set for North American release on respected German label Exile On Mainstream Records March 8th, 2011, the label now distributed domestically by E1 Entertainment. A limited edition vinyl version of the album featuring extended liner notes and more is to be released in the U.S. on January 18th by Volcom Entertainment.

(Source: Earsplit PR, January 13, 2011)

LONG LIVE WINO.

LONG LIVE SCOTT KELLY.

Stone.

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VANDEN PLAS “Holes In The Sky” – Music Video… ROCKS!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, Power Metal, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

VANDEN PLAS – Holes In The Sky, the brand new music video from German Progressive Metal Band VANDEN PLAS, is the “first regular video clip in VANDEN PLAS band history”… and it flat out Rocks! Holes In The Sky is a melodically heavy song that has caught my Metal attention like a thunder strike. This song is from the new and sixth VANDEN PLAS studio album Seraphic Clockwork, released in the U.S. on June 22, 2010 via Frontiers Records. I like everything about this song, from the  smooth and harmonious vocals of Andy Kuntz to the atmospheric keyboards of Günter Werno.

If you are into Power Metal, Progressive Power Metal and/or Melodic Metal, then check out this exceptional song below and give your ears the candy it deserves. My ears are asking for more…

VANDEN PLAS:

Andy Kuntz – vocals

Stephan Lill – guitars

Torsten Reichert – bass

Günter Werno – keyboards

Andreas Lill – drums

Track Listing For: The Seraphic Clockwork:

Frequency

Holes In The Sky

Scar Of An Angel

Sound Of Blood

The Final Murder

Quicksilver

Rush Of Silence

On My Way To Jerusalem

Eleyson (bonus track)

(Seraphic Clockwork back cover)

* For more info on VANDEN PLAS, click here: VANDEN PLAS – Official Website

LONG LIVE VANDEN PLAS.

Stone.

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KOPEK – To Tour With HINDER, SAVING ABEL and MY DARKEST DAYS Starting January 21, 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock and roll news, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – See Ireland’s hottest, Hard Rockin’ and critically acclaimed band from Dublin! KOPEK is coming back to America and will be touring with HINDER, MY DARKEST DAYS and SAVING ABEL on the dates/venues listed below! This highly anticipated tour begins on January 21st in Jackson Mississippi! Welcome back to the U.S.A. KOPEK… now ROCK the daylights out of your fans!

01/21/11 @ Fire – Jackson, MS

01/23/11 @ The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

01/25/11 @ Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL

01/27/11 @ Carolina Theater – Greensboro, NC

01/28/11 @ Harrah’s Cherokee – Cherokee, NC

01/29/11 @ House Of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC

01/30/11 @ The Norva – Norfolk, VA

02/01/11 @ Northern Lights – Clifton Park, NY

02/02/11 @ Royale – Boston, MA

02/04/11 @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, RI

02/05/11 @ The Armory – Manchester, NH

02/08/11 @ Best Buy Theater – New York, NY

02/09/11 @ State Theater – Portland, ME

02/10/11 @ Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA

02/12/11 @ Club Fever – Southbend, IN

02/13/11 @ Dow Event Center – Saginaw, MI

02/14/11 @ House Of Blues – Chicago, IL

02/15/11 @ Verizon Wireless Center – Mankato, MN

02/17/11 @ Osage Elm Casino – Tulsa, OK

02/19/11 @ First Council Casino – Newkirk, OK

* More dates will be announced shortly!

KOPEK:

Daniel Jordan – lead vocals & guitar

Brad Kinsella – bass guitar

Shane Cooney – drums

The digital release of White Collar Lies was released back on June 29, 2010. * The U.S. debut release for the physical CD of White Collar Lies is March 1st, 2011! White Collar Lies is being released on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Independent Network.

This debut album from KOPEK has received it’s Hard Rockin’, double-fist to the air approval from Metal Odyssey! White Collar Lies was chosen as the #5 Album Of The Year for 2010 by Metal Odyssey! You can read the complete album review for White Collar Lies, as it was featured on Metal Odyssey back on June 28, 2010. Just click the large header below!

KOPEK “WHITE COLLAR LIES” – DEBUT ALBUM IS A PRESENT & FUTURE STANDOUT OF MODERN ROCK

On July 20, 2010, Metal Odyssey featured an interview with Daniel Jordan, vocalist/guitarist for KOPEK! If you missed it, you can still read it by clicking the big header link below:

KOPEK VOCALIST/GUITARIST DANIEL JORDAN – A METAL ODYSSEY INTERVIEW!

* For more info on KOPEK, just click on the link below:

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

KOPEK… ROCKS!

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

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Funniest Heavy Metal Album Covers… Here’s Five!

Posted in album covers, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 11, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FUNNIEST HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS – It’s time to laugh out loud or at least crack a smile… or maybe two. I have always been a fan of memorable album covers. From Horror themes to dragons and every flaming Flying V guitar in-between, I find album artwork to be a representation of the respective musician or band’s music heard within. This may not always be the case, however, it is more often than not a pretty good gauge when caught up in a “blind purchase”. Funny album covers are out there as well and there are perhaps a countless variety of them.

I dug up five funny album covers recently, just to throw out to the world for some Metal lightheartedness. Drop a comment about any other funny album cover you want to laugh about. I hope you get a chuckle out of ’em like I have. If these funny album covers don’t have you cracking even the slightest smile, well, then, your most likely constipated and it is making you grouchy.

#5

PRIMUS – Frizzle Fry

No matter how you slice it, Les Claypool and his Funky band PRIMUS do belong in the Heavy Metal family. This “head thing” in the frying pan, on the 1990 album cover for Frizzle Fry, always has me laughing out loud. Plus, there have been times, where an omelette I’ve cooked slightly resembles this grotesquely funny atrocity. This is not the type of thing you want to find, staring up at you from a port-O-potty toilet at the country fair.

#4

Ugly Kid Joe – America’s Least Wanted

Another Funky Heavy Metal band, Ugly Kid Joe’s kid mascot always put’s a grin on my face. This time around, on America’s Least Wanted, (their 1992 debut full-length), that cartoon mascot kid can’t bug on any adult conversation.

#3

Scorpions – Lovedrive

Released back in 1979, on Mercury Records, this is a classic Scorpions album, even if it doesn’t boast a Top 40 ballad or an MTV smash hit video. Coast To Coast and Holiday are two songs worth the price of picking up this album alone. Now, can someone explain to me, how a dude can get caught in a pickle like this? What makes it so funny to me, is it’s visually bizarre… plus, seeing a huge sticky wad of bubble gum, being pulled from this ballroom babe’s breast is downright funny!

#2

NOISY MAMA – Everybody Has One

Released back in 1991, on ATCO/Atlantic Records, this NOISY MAMA album cover is simply a funny classic. The album cover illustration was created by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, who created the iconic hot-rod mascot of the 1960’s and ’70’s known as Rat Fink. “Big Daddy” opened the door to custom automotive cartoon art. As a custom car builder, he helped to create and innovate Kustom Kulture. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth passed away back in 2001, still, his legendary custom cars, album artwork and illustrations for the hot-rod community live on. It’s album artwork like you see here, that makes it so damn cool to buy the physical CD and have the liner notes to enjoy. Take that mp3’s.

For all Metal intents and purposes, this NOISY MAMA band knew how to play some good-times, Hard Rockin’ songs. Everybody Has One… ROCKS! You can hear for yourself, by clicking on the link below. This link will take you to a myspace music fan page for NOISY MAMA, where there are some of their songs streaming to ROCK OUT to!

NOISY MAMA – myspace music fan page

#1

DANGER DANGER – Screw It!

From 1991, it’s DANGER DANGER with Screw It. This was their second studio album, released on Epic Records. A while back, best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale reminded me of this hilarious album cover, which in turn, prompted me to revisit it and take in these songs from Screw It! once again. I’m telling you, that gorilla is funny, while he is holding that jungle hottie while she is ready to devour that lucky banana! In my Metal opinion, this is an excellent Hair Metal album from Danger Danger. Screw It! is definitely worth owning. The only drawback, is Yeah, You Want It! is a Rap/Metal song that stinks like skunk poop that’s roasting in the hot Summer sun.

LONG LIVE FUNNY HEAVY METAL ALBUM COVERS.

Stone.

9 Comments »

KISS “KILLERS” – A Piece Of Vinyl KISStory From 1982!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 9, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – Sometime back in 1982 or 1983, I bought the KISS KILLERS album. I can vividly recall when I first saw this album though, it was at a small pop culture store that sold plenty of cool Heavy Metal albums from the 1970’s right up to those early 80’s. My cousin Randy worked at this store, he was always astute at Rock ‘N’ Roll history and what the newest album releases of the day were.

I didn’t hesitate about buying this KISS album then, knowing at the time it was an import, KILLERS was not a mass release within the United States. It was quite an impressive find for any KISS fan back then, even more so today, (see used prices below). The asking price for KILLERS set me back around $7 (U.S.) all those years ago. $7 back in ’82/’83 for a teen Metalhead like me was still a chunk of cheese.

Still having this KISS album in my collection is quite a thrill. I am proud of myself for not selling or trading away this piece of KISStory after all these years. (There are some KISS albums and KISS Kollectibles that I have moronically let go during my lifetime). My copy of KILLERS is in as near perfect condition as you could ever ask for, with no wear to the album jacket or vinyl. I truly took great care of this album over the years.

KILLERS was released a year after The Elder and is the first album cover to have Eric Carr pictured as a member of KISS, being released months before the amazing Creatures Of The Night album. This album is a greatest hits of the time, with four new studio tracks. Those tracks being: I’m A Legend Tonight, Down On Your Knees, Nowhere To Run and Partners In Crime.

KILLERS never came with any inside liner notes, nor are there any musician credits listed on the back cover. I’ve read throughout the years, from many sources, that Bob Kulick, (Bruce Kulick’s older brother), was the guitarist on the four new tracks. Obviously, Eric Carr was the drummer on the four new tracks.

Track Listing For KILLERS:

SIDE I:

I’m A Legend Tonight

Down On Your Knees

Cold Gin

Love Gun

Shout It Out Loud

Sure Know Something

SIDE II:

Nowhere To Run

Partners In Crime

Detroit Rock City

God Of Thunder

I Was Made For Loving You

Rock & Roll All Nite (live version)

* KILLERS was released on Casablanca Records, with their parent company phonogram having their logo at the bottom right corner on the back cover.

* As of January 8, 2011, there are 7 used KISS KILLERS albums (vinyl) for sale on Amazon.com. The prices range from $26.98 to $106.04 in U.S. funds.

* KILLERS was produced by Michael James Jackson, (no, not the Michael Jackson). The album cover design is by Howard Marks Advertising, Inc.

There’s definitely better images out there of this KISS KILLERS album cover. I just wanted to show the world the exact copy that I own. The colors on the album cover I own, are much more vibrant than shown. The back cover design is very simple and it never impressed me. You just can’t beat owning any KISS vinyl. Check it out below:

Front cover of KISS KILLERS

Back cover of KISS KILLERS

LONG LIVE KISS.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

13 Comments »

Sweden Rock Festival 2011 – Confirmed Bands Listed!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL 2011

Below is the current list of bands that will be playing at the Sweden Rock Festival 2011. This beyond amazing festival of Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal will be held in Norje Havsbad, Solvesborg, Sweden, June 8, 9, 10 and 11! This list is current as of January 7, 2011. Metal be thy name, from looking at the list below, this looks to be an incredibly potent four days of Rock ‘N’ Metal! For more information on this 2011 Sweden Rock Festival, just click on this link: Sweden Rock Festival 2011

OZZY OSBOURNE

WHITESNAKE

STYX

HELLOWEEN

JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS

RHAPSODY OF FIRE

MUSTASCH

MR. BIG

BUCKCHERRY

DESTRUCTION

DAN REED BAND

WALTER TROUT

GHOST

RAUBTIER

MASON RUFFNER

RAGE

JUDAS PRIEST

ROB ZOMBIE

THE CULT

SAXON

CLUTCH

MOLLY HATCHET

JASON & THE SCORCHERS

THE DAMNED

OVERKILL

THE HAUNTED

AGENT STEEL

ELECTRIC WIZARD

MOONSPELL

GROUNDHOGS

FLASKET BRINNER

The Sweden Rock Festival is an annual festival, going Metal strong since June 6, 1992!

LONG LIVE THE SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL.

LONG LIVE ROCK, HARD ROCK & METAL.

Stone.

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THE BRONX CASKET CO. – Announce New Record Details, New Song Streaming Now!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(New York, NY) — BRONX CASKET CO. will be releasing their forthcoming record titled “ANTIHERO” on Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 via eOne Music. “This Bronx Casket record is the best we’ve done, and we are looking forward to getting out on the road and doing some shows,” says front man DD Verni. The record also features master shredder Mike Romeo from Symphony X. Romeo can be heard on all guitar solos.

The title track “ANTIHERO” is streaming in full here: http://bit.ly/f4EMDn

The record can now be pre-ordered via iTunes as well, click here to get it: http://bit.ly/hAy1g3

The band originally formed in 1998 by Overkill co-founder and bassist DD Verni. Having played in one of the most respected thrash bands ever for over 2 decades, why have another band? Two reason states DD, “the challenge of writing interesting new material and for fun of course!” The bands second release caught the ear of playwright Andrea Lepcio. Soon after, Verni and Lepcio were collaborating with 3-time Tony Winner Hinton Battle to direct and choreograph. Soon the seeds of The “Bronx Casket Co, A New Musical” were planted.

Verni quickly recruited several members from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to perform. The cast consisted of performers from the Broadway shows Hairspray, Rent and Dance of the Vampire. There have been several performances off-Broadway for producers/backers and the show is still in the writing stages. It has a gothic/Broadway score with a twisted love story woven throughout. Songs from the first two Bronx Casket Co. releases are included in the show, as well as 13 new songs D.D. Verni penned just for the musical.

It’s been five years since the BRONX CASKET CO. last released an album and has been well worth the wait.

(Source: eOne Music press release, January 7, 2011)

LONG LIVE THE BRONX CASKET CO.

Stone.

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Phil Kennemore – May He Rest In Peace

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on January 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(photo credit: Jill Meniketti)

PHIL KENNEMORE – On January 7, 2011, Y&T bass guitarist Phil Kennemore has passed away from a brave battle with lung cancer. Phil Kennemore was 57. This sad news has been released through Y&T’s vocalist/lead guitarist Dave Meniketti. You can read the entire message as written by Dave Meniketti, by clicking here: Meniketti.com/Y&T Home Page

Metal Odyssey expresses sincere condolences to the family of Phil Kennemore, Y&T, his friends and fans. Yes, I am saddened at the news of Phil Kennemore’s passing, just like countless other Y&T and Rock fans worldwide. Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven has accepted in, an unreal great bass guitarist.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, PHIL KENNEMORE.

REST IN PEACE, PHIL KENNEMORE

October 20, 1953 – January 7, 2011

Stone.

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Californication Season 4 Music From The Showtime Series – Crosses Rock Genres and Delivers On Cool Vibes

Posted in alternative rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, soundtracks with tags , , , , , , , , , on January 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Californication Season 4 Music From The Showtime Series – Releasing on January 11, 2011, via Arrival Records/Scion Music Group is Californication Season 4 Music From The Showtime Series. Whenever a team of music supervisors and producers have to choose “those absolute songs” that most reflect the consistent themes and vibes of a television series, a delicate balancing act will be conducted based on both knowledge of that respective series and Rock Music. Nora Felder, Budd Carr and Jonathan Platt can enjoy a collective sigh of relief, that their 13 song selection for Californication Season 4 has flowed together seamlessly, like an assortment of Rock ‘N’ Roll clouds amidst a blue, cool, Summer sky.

The story lines surrounding main character Hank Moody (played by David Duchovny) to the Californication series is more complicated than just blue Summer skies, however. There is plenty of dark and taboo cool, mixed within the reality of this comedy/drama that fans can appreciate and this soundtrack capitalizes on all of it. Life isn’t something that can be followed by any guidelines from a handbook purchased at the corner book store, the songs on this soundtrack dictate exactly how dynamic life is, in all of it’s lovable and not so adored intricacies. Again, another nod to the themes one can find being absorbed into, while watching the Californication series. An overall competence in keeping the relevance between song and series, is accomplished extremely well on this soundtrack.

From Motley Crüe’s Tommy Lee, to Indie Folk Rock artist Gregory Alan Isakov, this Californication Season 4 soundtrack is liberally represented by a cross-section of Rock genres. It makes me pleased, to see the late and legendary Warren Zevon make his appearance with Wanted Dead Or Alive, originally performed by Zevon on his 1970 debut album, famously known by the same title. It’s amazing to me, the strong relevance this Warren Zevon classic has in 2011. Tommy Lee takes a more sing-a-long approach, in covering his galaxy famous band’s hit ballad Home Sweet Home. The vibe I feel, while listening to this cover of Home Sweet Home, puts me in the neighborhood bar where everyone knows my name.

Queens of Dogtown are featured here with three cover songs: Would? (Alice In Chains), Last Caress (Misfits) and I Remember You (Skid Row). All three of these songs are monumental Heavy Music classics in their own right, with realistically no room for error when covering even just one of them. With that said, lead vocalist Zoe Kravitz puts her own emotional feel into each song, giving each their justifiable Rock historic respect. In turn, a whole new generation of fans shall hopefully be introduced to these bands, that made these songs timeless, thanks to Queens of Dogtown. I find myself nodding in approval, while Queens of Dogtown cover these three heavy classics with their hardened Semi-Pop Rock sound.

Experimental/Industrial Disco Rock gets coverage on this soundtrack courtesy of My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult or TKK as they are often times referred as. Their song Sex On Wheelz pulls me in with it’s Industrial edge and groove injected up-tempo. Having such a modern sounding invitee to join the party here, makes perfect sense to me. Alternative Rock is represented in excellent form with Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me from Cracker. This song has an uncanny way of making me drift off into cool thoughts… and that isn’t anything too lame to admit.

Eagles Of Death Metal are always a band that takes and makes their brand of Garage Rock serious, even if they did change the title of the Stealers Wheel classic from Stuck In The Middle to Stuck In The Metal. From the 1972 original, to the 2003 cover from Eagles Of Death Metal, it finds home again on Californication Season 4 and it never sounded more Rock righteous. Back in 1989, at the peak of MTV being a real music video network, Love And Rockets was at the top of the charts with their Alternative smash – So Alive. You’ll hear Better Than Ezra put their Alternative cover spin on So Alive, gelling into the mix of this soundtrack and it’s respective Californication theme almost too perfectly.

Soundtracks are either fun, boring or come highly recommended. I’ll omit the boring category here. I will put out to you, that this soundtrack for Californication Season 4 is both fun to listen to and Rocks with enough cool vibes to make me grin defiantly, at a very lousy day. Rock ‘N’ Roll was never supposed to be anti-fun nor anti-cool. Rock ‘N’ Roll was meant to be dangerous, like the series this soundtrack represents. Californication Season 4 has the Rock that sheds away the anti’s and I recommend your getting a copy… especially if you want to have fun and be cool.

* Californication Season 4 Music From the Showtime Series releases on January 11, 2011, on CD and download, on Arrival Records/Scion Music Group.

Take a cool time-out to check out the Californication Season 4 Trailer from SHOWTIME below!

Track Listing With Respective Artists:

01 – Shooter Jennings & Hierophant – F**K You (I’m Famous)

02 – Eagles Of Death Metal – Stuck In The Metal

03 – Better Than Ezra – So Alive

04 – Queens Of Dogtown – Would?*

05 – My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult – Sex On Wheelz

06 – Queens Of Dogtown – Last Caress*

07 – Monster Magnet VS. Adrian Young – Mirror People

08 – Cracker – Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me

09 – Queens Of Dogtown – I Remember You*

10 – The Soundtrack Of Our Lives – Second Life Replay

11 – Warren Zevon – Wanted Dead Or Alive

12 – Gregory Alan Isakov – If I Go, I’m Goin

13 – Tommy Lee – Home Sweet Home*

* Soundtrack Exclusives

Soundtrack Production Credits:

Soundtrack Album Producers: Jonathan Platt, Nora Felder and Budd Carr

Executive Soundtrack Album Producer: Tom Kapinos

Executive Soundtrack Album Producer For Arrival Records/Scion Music Group: Rick Rand and Mark Spier

Music Supervisors: Nora Felder and Budd Carr

http://www.CALIFORNICATIONTVSOUNDTRACK.com

LONG LIVE CALIFORNICATION.

Stone.

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