Yes, Kip Winger is still creating music. Only you will not hear the Winger of the 1980’s on “From The Moon To The Sun” – this is Kip Winger accentuating his diverse affection for all music. Really, this is not an album to pass over if you are an open minded Hard Rock or Metal fan. With so many musicians in Hard Rock and Metal experimenting musically these days, it does not come as a huge surprise to listen to a softer, more mature (musically), Kip Winger. I hear Kip Wingers influences throughout “From The Moon To The Sun.” Kip Winger gives special thanks, in the liner notes, to his musical heroes, they are: Honegger, Ravel, Debussy, Bach, Brahms, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, Kurek, Vaughan Williams, Adams, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel and Joe Walsh. Seeing the list of Kip’s musical heroes definitely solidifies my saying this album is truly musically diverse. Quite honestly, there are some dudes on this heroes list that I have absolutely no clue as to who they are. I am innocent, for I am a Metalhead after all. (I am not used to too many mellow musicians, especially Classical musicians, however, I am a work in progress).
Now, I actually bought this CD without hearing a single song first. You betcha. Why did I do such a thing you may be asking? First, I always liked Winger and the catchy/sometimes near sappy, Hair Metal music that Winger really was. Secondly, I saw Winger live, with Cinderella and The Bullet Boys. It was at the Springfield Civic Center, in good ol’ Springfield Massachusetts, back in the late 80’s. Winger rocked the house that evening in Springfield, Kip Winger was cool, flashy, yet he was in position to be as flamboyant as he wanted to be back then, he had every darn right. Thirdly, Kip Winger once was a member of Alice Cooper’s band, making two albums with the legendary Alice Cooper. For this Metal fanatic, I think those 3 reasons are good enough for embarking on my purchasing this Kip Winger solo CD.
I definitely hear The Beatles, I especially hear the influence of George Harrison (guitar licks), on the tracks – “Where Will You Go” and “What We Are.” Let me just say that these are definitely my two favorites on this album. “Every Story Told” has an Electric Light Orchestra sound, especially at the beginning with the synthesizer sounds. “Nothing” has an almost Native American and Middle East vibe sound and feel, (I cannot decide which it really sounds like), the vocals at the beginning of this tune explains my comparisons better. “Nothing” is definitely the heaviest of the songs found on this album, it is very catchy and very cool with Kip Wingers vocals stealing the show on this one. “Ghosts” is a Classical/Symphonic masterpiece of a musical work. Yes, an instrumental is found on this Kip Winger solo album and it is Classical and Symphonic. Need not worry, the music on “Ghosts” is not sadness saturated, what I mean is – it is not sad sounding or fast forward worthy. This is obviously, music that means a lot to Kip Winger, I do not mind at all if a Classical/Symphonic tune appears on this CD, for heaven sake, the music of “Ghosts” is not going to bite me.
I have to honestly say that I really dig this Kip Winger solo album. “From The Moon To The Sun” is as complete and honest of a diverse Rock musical effort as you will ever find or hear. Overall, the vocals of Kip Winger are superb, he convinced me that he can change harmony without flaws and be truly dynamic with his range on these songs. The only song on this album that I need to have grow on me is “Pages And Pages,” for some silly reason or another I think this song eventually will. I recommend Kip Winger and his brilliant release “From The Moon To The Sun” to all Rock fans and especially Winger fans who just need to own all things music from Kip. I will say this again, Hard Rock fans and Metal fans who want to chill it down once in awhile, here is your opportunity – what better way to mellow out than to listen to a guy like Kip Winger,
who has without doubt, carved out his place in Heavy Metal history.
It is an obvious Metal music marriage, the paranormal being put to lyrics in Metal songs. Any King Diamond album supports this statement, that is for certain. Horror and the paranormal rules the Metal world’s lyrics with it’s mystery, shock, and imagery. This to me, is one of the great attributes to Metal music, the paranormal and horror has given personality and life to throngs of Metal bands as: Alice Cooper, Misfits, Kiss (with makeup), Lordi, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Danzig, W.A.S.P., Cannibal Corpse and of course, King Diamond again. The list could go on and on, regarding which Metal bands represent the horror and paranormal subjects best.
Metal, Heavy Metal is so gooooooood. That is why I like to know facts about my favorite Metal heros and bands – Metal trivia/Heavy Metal history. Here are some facts that you may find interesting, informative or just plain boring. In any regard, you found them here!
The voice of Janis Joplin, in my opinion, has never, ever, bean duplicated, nor has any female Rock vocalist even come light years close. The raspy, sand papered and bluesy vocals of Janis Joplin has always sounded magical to me. The raw emotion that Janis Joplin exhibited vocally will always come through to me as honest and true. Janis Joplin was an all encompassing Rock legend – singer, songwriter and guitarist. 
Metal Odyssey has taken upon itself to proclaim: Saturday, April 11, is National Heavy Metal Day! Therefore, you may take these helpful tips/advice and put them into action, (if you like) and spread and/or share the great music of Heavy Metal to those around you.
If I could pin point the exact age I was, when I first listened to the Electric Light Orchestra, I would be somewhere around 10 years old – the vintage 1970’s. I have been inhaling the music of ELO for my entire life, safe to say. It does not matter what Metal genre I am currently obsessed with, ELO always gets playing time on my turntable and/or CD players. The Electric Light Orchestra, in my opinion, is one of the original leaders of Progressive Rock. What exactly is it about ELO that gravitates me to their music? Since I can remember, even as a young kid, I always got the biggest kick out of any music that was louder, faster and heavier than what was being played on AM radio. (that is correct, I wrote – AM radio).
Here I go again, making up hysterical situations that could never, ever happen. Oh, by the way, these situations are all Heavy Metal related. So, sit back, turn up some Iron Maiden, read along and enjoy.
Gosh, is the mainstream Rock radio world missing out or what. Try listening to any desensitized FM radio station these days, try as you may, you will never hear who I feel is Hard Rock and Metal’s most underrated female vocalist today – Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. Symphonic, Gothic and at the end of the day, Lacuna Coil is still – Metal. Cristina Scabbia has proven to me, that you can have a beautiful female voice and still sing Metal music. I find Metal brilliance in Lacuna Coil for many reasons, (Cristina Scabbia’s vocals being #1), including the total musicianship and co-vocalist Andrea Ferro. Lacuna Coil means empty spiral, there is nothing that I find empty about any of the music created by Lacuna Coil. 
Every once in awhile, well, I tend to be slightly comedic. What better way to get away from the white useless noise of MSNBC than to have some comic relief that incorporates Heavy Metal? Here are some Heavy Metal happenings that will never, ever, happen in a million Metal years:
Metal Odyssey sends out a very loud Happy Birthday to Steve Howe of the incredible Progressive Rock band – Yes. (62 years young on April 8, 2009). Steve Howe has defined Progressive Rock guitar through the legendary music of Yes. Steve Howe created his own signature sound, blending his guitar playing through a myriad of Rock sounds and instruments that helped define the Progressive Rock genre. The two other famous Rock bands Steve Howe played in are Asia and GTR. At last count, there have been 19 solo albums released by Steve Howe. In my opinion, Steve Howe is as important of a guitar player to the history of modern day Rock music as any other. Thank you for all the memorable music you have given the world Steve Howe!
As “Commando” kicks in, there is no glimmer or hint that Satyricon “The Age Of Nero” is going to disappoint. The groove heavy Black Metal and black as night lyrics are two powerful characteristics of this entire great album. “The Wolfpack” pick up where “Commando” leaves off, with unrelenting and extremely likable riffs and leads that has me nodding, knowing that Satyricon has quite possibly created an album, that is the very best in all of Metal for 2009. “Black Crow On A Tombstone” is indicative of just how Satyricon can be creatively dark and creepy, both lyrically and musically, without over stating any traditional or obvious themes. In my opinion, throughout “Age Of Nero”, I hear nothing less than rock solid confidence through Satyr’s vocals and guitar playing. A serious approach musically has captured Black Metal greatness in a black bottle for Satyricon.
What Papa Roach has created with “Metamorphosis” is a Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal good time. My favorite tune, (like many fans I’m sure), is “Lifeline”. An inspirational hard rocking song that is a can’t miss if you are looking for an uplifting moment in Metal. This song pretty much says it all, about the emotions and tribulations that many people are going through in our society at this moment. “Days of War” is a cool and heavy intro – the perfect start for any Heavy Metal album, a strong prelude to get your adrenaline cooking. “Change or Die” is the lead song, very heavy with strong & aggressive vocals and a pumped up tempo. Every song on “Metamorphosis” is a winner for me, a straight up – melodic ride. This album is an essential listen for leaving your troubles behind you, just move forward with Papa Roach!
I cannot apply myself to the acceptance of dated music as having any existence. If, there does exist dated Heavy Metal, Rock, etc., then, what would Classical music be considered as? Classical music would have to be called dark ages-super dated. Please note, that I do not consider Classical music to be dated whatsoever. The building blocks of all popular music we listen to today are from Classical music! What makes me shake my head in wonderment is, the professionally paid critics and experts that are out there consistently using the terminology of dated sound – dated music in their respective reviews. It has become so common place, such the norm recently, that I actually state in my unpaid – unprofessional Metal reviews that a particular album or band does not sound dated!
So far, I have compiled 5 lists of Metal nominees for the greatest Metal album of all time. I never anticipated just how difficult a (dare I say task) it has been. It has been a fun task, affording me the opportunity to dig deeper into the years of Heavy Metal and all of the amazing genres of Metal that are out there. Will my decision make every Metal fan who reads the Metal Odyssey blog happy? I doubt that, for I am really embarking on a personal decision here, a decision not based on record sales, popularity or chart positions. Furthermore, as any fan of Metal music knows, your favorite band or bands are just that – your main bands. My goal here to decide on the greatest Metal album of all time is not to offend any fellow Metal fans in any way. I keep saying, this is a personal choice, yet, I am also looking forward to backing up and defending my decision! Some people might wonder or think, who cares what this guy thinks is the greatest Metal album of all time? My only response to anyone out there who thinks this is just a waste of time is – this endeavor only shows how much I actually embrace and love Metal music. Plus, researching and writing about the greatest Metal album of all time is light years more constructive and interesting for me, than to be chasing around crap stories about politics and crap stories about politicians second cousins and half sisters.
In case you are unfamiliar with Angel, (one of the original Glam Rock/Glam Metal bands from the late 1970’s), here are some semi-quick facts that may stir up some interest:
I was extremely lucky enough to see Cliff Burton, the late bass playing legend for Metallica, at two live gigs in 1986. The first live experience I had seeing Metallica with Cliff Burton was in a large club setting, (The West Hartford Ballroom, West Hartford, Connecticut). Metal Church opened for Metallica, what a night. The second live gig I experienced seeing Cliff Burton was a rather very large gig. Metallica opened for none other than – Ozzy Osbourne! This exciting concert took place at the New Haven Coliseum, New Haven, Connecticut). (During 1986, Metallica was touring in support of their album “Master of Puppets” and Ozzy Osbourne was touring in support of his album “The Ultimate Sin”) My Metal memory cannot recall the exact dates of these shows, yet they both occurred in the brutally cold Winter months of 1986!
Motley Crue’s incredibly talented, lead guitarist, Mick Mars has turned the cool age of 53 on Friday, April 3, 2009. Happy Heavy Metal birthday Mick Mars! It is so obvious to me, what Mick Mars has contributed to Motley Crue since 1981, as both musician and song writer. In my opinion, Mick Mars with his guitar playing, has lended extreme credibility to Motley Crue since day one. I had the Metal opportunity to see Motley Crue live in 1987, on the “Girl’s, Girl’s, Girl’s Tour”, Mick Mars was sensational on stage. His mere presence alone made me feel like I was witnessing one of the biggest stars of Heavy Metal – ever. As for Mick Mars shredding on guitar, live, let’s just say I was afforded an opportunity that night, to see one of the very best guitarists in Heavy Metal history. Thank you for all of the unbelievable Metal over the years, Mick Mars!
It is raining where I live this morning. The rain is coming down with quite the bad attitude too. This is the kind of rain where, you know, you dread just having to get your garbage container from the roadside; you know the drenching that is about to occur to your body and it is not requested either. Without complaining any further about inclement weather that no human or expert meteorologist can do to rectify it, here is a band that gets me through driving in the lousiest of lousy weather conditions – Rush. I thought about it this morning as I drove the family cab, yes, Rush just seems to straighten my focus and makes me feel like – who cares what the weather is like. It then hit me, Rush is always my first band of choice that I grab when I have to drive in snow, icy hell and tropical/evil thunderstorms. Not to worry, I always have Rush – “Snakes and Arrows” handy for sunny days, do not ask me why, for I correlate sunny, warm and beautiful days to this fine album. (?)
Queensryche has done it, done it very, very well too. “American Soldier” is a Progressive Metal achievement, in my Metal opinion. This is a concept album, that was written from the words spoken from those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This release brings Queensryche back to where they belong, at the top of the Metal heap, reminding me of the “Operation Mindcrime” days. This is an album to really follow along to, with the lyrics that are inside the liner notes. Each song does lead itself into the next, both with it’s time line and lyrical content. 
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