Archive for rock and roll music

BRET MICHAELS IS BACK! … PHEW.

Posted in hair metal bands, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 27, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRET MICHAELS – The lead singer for Poison, solo artist and Celebrity Apprentice “champ” seems to be out and about… just about everywhere these days. How I see it, great for him! Heck, Bret Michaels has every reason in the world to make things happen now. If I was in the same position, I would have an extreme sense of urgency to get it done… especially if you have the musical talent, contacts, resources and funds to lean on. The incredible turnaround for Bret Michaels health only makes me feel great inside, it inspires me to enjoy each moment of each day, like there really is no tomorrow.

Having a sense of urgency to accomplish life’s goals is a great thing to bestow… in my Metal opinion. Witnessing this incredible comeback by Bret Michaels inspires me to “get it done” and not sweat the small stuff. (Well, I’ll still complain about crap and act like a corn dog from time to time). I wish Bret Michaels nothing but the very best at life… we are all only given one pass on Earth as it is… and there are no rain checks or reverse button to push for living life either.

Welcome back Bret Michaels!

Stone.

THE WHO – “GREATEST HITS” IS MY ANNIVERSARY GIFT!

Posted in 1960's classic rock music, 1960's classic rock bands, 1960's rock & roll british invasion, 1960's rock music, 1970's classic rock bands, 1970's classic rock music, 1970's hard rock, 1970's rock bands, 1970's rock music, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's rock music, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's hard rock bands, 1990's hard rock music, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, 1990's hard rock bands, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, cool album covers, current rock bands, family, feel good stories, hard rock bands, hard rock music, life, life stories, living, metal odyssey, Music, real life experiences, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 10, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

My wife and I will celebrate our 15 year Wedding Anniversary on February 11th. Wow, how time has flown by! Tonight, while strolling about at K-Mart, my wife informed me my anniversary gift from her is The Who – Greatest Hits. (Not too shabby, in my Metal opinion). Heck, I’m the guy, I never expect an anniversary gift to begin with… I always make sure my wife gets a gift for certain, still, this feels like a bonus to me!

What’s very exciting about getting this CD from my wife is the pure fact: I have never owned The Who on CD my entire life!! You read that correctly… never did I upgrade The Who to CD, after all these years. Go figure. Of course, I have owned some, (not all), of The Who titles on vinyl and cassette… still have them floating around somewhere. It’s an invigorating feeling to have this Greatest Hits by The Who now… 19 songs and all! What sweetens the deal about this CD is that it was on sale for $9.99! Yes, maybe I have given off hints now and again that I am frugal… it’s from growing up in New England for most of my life… in extremely expensive Connecticut. Believe me, if you live or ever lived in Connecticut, you know what I mean. Living there, man, you have to know how to cut corners and clip coupons… or go broke trying.

Back to The Who… my wife and I, along with my best Metal buddy Scott Coverdale, saw The Who back in the mid ’90’s… seeing them was a thrill beyond belief for me. Drivin N Cryin was the opening band too. I’m thankful I was able to witness John Entwistle live, on bass as well. This legendary show was at the Meadows Music Theater in Hartford, Connecticut.

The Who is a band that I can never, ever, grow tired of. Honestly, The Who just strikes that certain chord within my psyche… and I’m not concerned about figuring it out either. Seeing Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend Rockin’ out during the Super Bowl XLIV half-time special… was something special. I could only hope and pray, that I am in that kind of shape when I hit that age! Sure, Roger Daltrey may not sound like he did in 1980… yet c’mon… he belted it out for the world to know that The Who is still around and damn proud! Pete Townshend also reminded us all, that he too… can still kick some Rock and Roll ass.

My favorite song ever, from The Who, is: Eminence Front. I’m not going to attempt any explanation here, other than this is THE song. You know how it is… there’s always that one particular song from a band that resonates with your mind and soul… Eminence Front is just that song by The Who. I’m thankful for my beautiful wife of 15 years and counting… nothing beats the memories, life experiences and love we have both shared with each other. (We actually have been together since 1988, married in 1995). I’m also thankful I have the memory of seeing The Who, live, with my wife and best friend. Money can’t buy love and memories… but $9.99 can buy me the coolest wedding anniversary gift – The Who, Greatest Hits.

The Who – Greatest Hits was released on December 21, 2009.

LONG LIVE THE WHO!

Reflecting on the good memories of life and staying positive and true to yourself… is what it’s all about. Music is the stimulus of good life memories for me… the Rock Music of The Who is no exception.

RANCID “…And Out Come The Wolves” – Punk Rock To Cure The Rainy Day Blues

Posted in 1990's punk rock bands, 1990's punk rock music, Album Review, american punk rock bands, classic punk rock, collecting rock music, cool album covers, current punk rock music, essential punk rock albums, everyday experiences, feel good stories, independent record labels, legends of punk rock, metal odyssey, Music, old school punk rock, personal stories, Punk rock, punk rock album covers, punk rock album review, punk rock albums, punk rock bands, punk rock bands today, punk rock music, punk rock music 1995, punk rock music 2009, punk rock music today, punk rock musicians, recent punk rock albums, rock & roll, rock and roll with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 28, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

RANCID "...And Out Come The Wolves" small album picI am listening to Rancid today, all day. In my house, in my car, it does not matter. Rancid is my band of choice due to the slick and groove saturated Punk Rock style they bestow. They are Street Punk at many turns, yet they are so much from the Old School Punk Rock mold of the Ramones too. Kickin’ and fun, (gasp), did I just use the F word there? In my area today, the weather is miserable – rainy, semi-cold, of course cloudy and dank. What better band for me, than Rancid… to get my energy level back on high and to kick start my day and attitude. I am actually going to settle on one Rancid CD to crank today – …And Out Come The Wolves. The richness and foundation of Rock and Roll 101 is so evident in the Punk Rock of Rancid, especially on this album. My adoration for Rancid grows each and every time I listen to their Punk Rock. Out of the nineteen songs on this album, there is not one to skip over. I apologize to no one for being a rabid Rancid fan. Life is too short, I love the music I listen to – end of Metal story. Uh, not really… Rancid rules.

I have my core Punk Rock Band favorites… getting swallowed up by this addicting genre is an easy thing to do. It is funny, to see me today, driving the family taxi and picking up my daughters from school… you would never know that I am a devout lifetime Metalhead, who is experiencing his Punk Rock fever of Rancid. I’m certain I am not alone… there are too many of us out there who look like the average Johnny or Beatrice… and were cranking up the Metal and/or Punk Rock in the family taxi’s or mini vans. Funny stuff, however, it is the Metal truth.

RANCID "Let The Dominoes Fall" small album picI just can’t explain it though, there are those certain bands that just make you feel like everything is cool and alright. Rancid is just that band for me. Over the weekend, I just hung up the very large Rancid poster that comes inside their new CD – let the dominoes fall. The front of the poster is the front cover group photo on that CD, (pictured to the left of this paragraph). On the back of the poster are all of the songs lyrics – real cool. I put this poster inside a very large, thick plastic sleeve for protection too. It is hanging up in my Rocked out basement. It serves me right. Plus, my daughters dig Rancid like there is no tomorrow and this poster being hung makes the basement that much more homey for us all. Rancid is a Punk Rock Band that you should give a try, especially those who are sitting on the fence about wanting some Punk Music in their life. The social commentary and relevance of Rancid’s lyrics are entertaining as they are legitimate. In my most honest of Metal opinions, I just cannot resist the damn credibility of Rancid. The overall realness of …And Out Come The Wolves and any of the other Rancid albums overflows. I can’t ever jump onto that dreaded word – Pop, and attach it to this band… never. Rancid is not Pop Punk – period.

So, if you are looking for something really cool to do today, take my advice and buy RancidAnd Out Come The Wolves. If you already have it, you know what I am talking about. (Hey, it is not like I am telling you to go out and buy the latest artificial crap from some televised talent show winner). Here is some more solid advice to adhere to from Metal Odyssey – buy any Rancid CD today and know that this is Punk Rock that was Made In America.

RANCID IS:

Tim Armstrong – vocalist, guitarist and all around musician

Lars Frederiksen – guitarist and vocalist

Matt Freeman – bass guitarist

Branden Steineckert – drums

** Brett Reed was the drummer for Rancid on …And Out Come The Wolves

* …And Out Come The Wolves was released on August 22, 1995.

* let the dominoes fall was released on June 2, 2009.

RANCID "...And Out Come The Wolves" large album pic

John Fogerty – “Eye of the Zombie” a 1986 Creepy & Rockin’ Halloween Song

Posted in 1970's classic rock bands, 1980's classic rock bands, 1980's classic rock guitarists, 1980's rock albums, 1980's rock music, 1980's rock musicians, 1980's classic rock, 1980's classic rock music, 1980's classic rock songs, 1980's rock bands, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, classic rock songs, classic rock vocalists, collecting rock music, cool album covers, creepy album covers, essential classic rock albums, essential classic rock songs, halloween songs, metal odyssey, Music, Rock, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music lyrics, rock vocalists, scary album covers, song lyrics, spooky album covers, vintage rock albums with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

John Fogerty "Eye of the Zombie" small album picHere I go again… pulling out another great and scary Rock song that is just eerily perfect for the Halloween season. In 1986, the ever legendary John Fogerty released his solo album – Eye of the Zombie, (on Warner Bros. Records). The cool release date of October 1st made this song all the more fitting for Halloween too. I was introduced to this song and album by my late sister, back in ’86, she knew this particular song was right up my Metal alley. With all of my time being occupied by Metal Music back in the ’80’s, I knew I could always count on my sister, to hook me up to some very cool mainstream Rock albums and songs from time to time. If my Metal memory serves me correct, the video for Eye of the Zombie, (which MTV played frequently then), was damn spooky and cool too. Just the way in which John Fogerty sings this song gets the creep out meter moving. Musically, this song Rocks in a very unique and spooky way.

As for the entire album of Eye of the Zombie, I don’t find it difficult to recommend to any Classic Rock or Rock Music fan at all. This song and album may not have been the blockbuster of John Fogerty’s career, still, Eye of the Zombie is a song and album that I reflect upon for it’s originality and cool Rock vibe. Too many times, it is the Rock album and/or song that does not find chart success or critic praise that turns out to be the true Rock and Roll wild card of a musicians career. Change in the Weather was the song talked about most from this album, with it’s Creedence Clearwater Revival roots, yet it is the allure of the song Eye of the Zombie that had me listening to the entire album itself. The front cover album artwork for this album is a visual nightmare image of a horrible looking creature… a zombie perhaps, only to me it appears to be more of a half man, half lion monstrosity. Very cool image nonetheless, something you would expect on a Metal Band’s album cover. In the end, if it has always been construed that John Fogerty took a Rock Music risk with this album, then I will be Metal bound to say it was a fabulous risk to take. The song Eye of the Zombie is one not to miss listening to this Halloween season… nor is it not a risky bet to get into the rest of this album any time of the year.

Here are the lyrics to this great song, if this doesn’t spook you out then you are too cool:

Eye of the Zombie

Hoo! Oooooh!

Shadows on the mountain,
And the night begins to fall;
Gather up the children,
‘Fore the darkness takes us all.
Tribe has come together,
Standin’ naked against the night;
Twenty feet from the fire,
The evil waits with zombie eyes.

Chorus:
Eye-eye-eye eye of the Zombie!
Eye-eye-eye eye of the Zombie!

Oh! Sneakin’ through the long grass
On leopard feet silently,
A beast already dead comes
To join the dance on the zombie.
Ooh! Time has come again
Again the moment of truth;
The terror is at hand,
And there’s nothin’ you can do.

[Chorus]

Oh! Hoo! Aaa-aah! Hoo! Aaa-aaa-aaaah!

From out of nowhere he’s there,
Flashing hideous teeth,
Panic in the crowd,
Helter-skelter,
We’re brought to our knees.
Back to the darkness,
Back on the mountain he stands,
You can’t fight a shadow,
You can’t kill a dead man.

[Chorus x4]

John Fogerty "Eye of the Zombie" large album pic

U2 On Saturday Night Live… September 26, 2009, Some Metal Thoughts…

Posted in 1980's alternative rock bands, 1980's rock musicians, 1980's rock bands, 1990's alternative rock music, 1990's rock bands, 1990's rock music, alternative rock bands, alternative rock music, comedy shows on television, embarrassing rock music performances, late night television shows, political rock bands, Rock, rock & roll, rock & roll hall of fame inductees, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame inductees, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music commentary, rock music on television, rock music reviews, rock vocalists with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 27, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

MetalOdysseyOh, what a wonderful world it is, especially when you have the extremely deep pockets of NBC. To dole out whatever millions of dollars it probably took to get the no longer relevant U2 on Saturday Night Live, hey NBC… whoopee do!!!! Hey Saturday Night Live and your big daddy NBC… getting U2 on your no longer funny show is not impressive, it’s a pity. Could someone please tell Bono that he did not invent Rock and Roll? The sunglasses are very dated, Bono. Could someone please remind The Edge that it is a guitar that he is trying to play? Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. have always known how to play their respective instruments, at least the rhythm section of U2 is able to keep any semblance of their music together, in some sort of respectable manner. The U2 of the early 1980’s was tolerable and/or semi-entertaining. Now as the decades go by, when U2 resurfaces, it is like a bad cold you can’t kick during beautiful Summer weather. Was that live performance from U2 a skit or was it supposed to be serious? Sorry NBC and Saturday Night Live, this is one viewer who woke up this morning and did not experience any life changing experience from your over rated, not ready for prime time musical guest.

Shaw Blades – “Influence” pays a solid tribute to Rock Music’s Roots

Posted in 1960's rock & roll, 1960's rock music, 1970's Rock, Album Review, classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock cover songs, classic rock music, cover songs, essential rock albums, folk rock music, Music, Rock, rock & roll, rock album reviews, rock and roll, rock cover songs albums, rock music, rock music vocals, rock vocalists, vintage rock and roll cover songs with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 25, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

8244526After just one listening experience with “Influence” (released March 6, 2007) and you hear and feel the unique musical chemistry, that both Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades have together. The overall up beat vibe throughout “Influence” will have you not putting this disc away for a very long time. What an accomplished set of Classic Rock gems that Shaw-Blades covers! Typically, I always approach cover songs with skeptical tendencies. Usually one or two listens to a cover tune, will be enough of a listen for me to either like it or cherish the original version. With “Influence”, I was taken completely by surprise by how Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades brought new Rock life to these classics. While I listen to this album, I cannot help but go through a Rock and Roll reality check, realizing where the roots of Rock music actually come from. The Mama’s and the Papa’s, Simon and Garfunkel and Seals & Crofts may have their legacies emblazoned in the Rock Folk and Easy Listening genres, yet their lyrics, song structures and melodies can so easily be considered the building blocks of true Classic Rock. Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades took hold of these musical building blocks and ran with it… creating a sensational album of Classic Rock, that breaks down any generational barriers that carry the tags of dated and non-relevant.

I used to never care for “The Sound Of Silence”, now I cannot wait to listen to the Shaw-Blades version. These guys have taken “Summer Breeze” to an entirely different Rock level, making it seem that much more alive and vibrant. Tommy Shaw sings lights out on “California Dreamin”, having the void of not having a female vocal anywhere in this tremendous song, seem totally appropriate. (However, there will always be only one Mama Cass Elliot). “Time Of The Season” gives me the chills no matter how many times I listen to it, the vocal harmonies and overall musical arrangement and tempered up-tempo of this Shaw-Blades version hits home. “Lucky Man” is an abbreviated version of the original, Shaw-Blades treat this masterful song with the upmost respect. “I Am A Rock” is covered here with a dose of more energy than the original, making it sound even more inspirational the second this song begins. I obviously have fallen head over heels for “Influence”, this is one disc that will lift your spirits in a good old fashioned, Classic Rock way.

All fans of Tommy Shaw and Styx, Jack Blades and Night Ranger have to positively, absolutely, add “Influence” to their music collection. Shaw-Blades have proven to me that they are a class act and stand alone musically. If their musical talents on “Influence” do not blow you away, their vocals surely will. It is not the easiest of tasks to take on so many revered Rock and Roll classics and cover them for a sound that rings of relevancy. I always stand up for Rock and Roll, no matter how far back the roots may lie. If it was not for these legendary bands of yesteryear, along with their brilliant songs, where would any of todays Rock genres be? I live by the credo – know your roots and know where you came from… this holds true for the music I love as well. Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades have proven to me over the years they are unique and outstanding musicians. On “Influence” they have done it again, while also upholding the respect and reverence for the history of Rock and Roll.

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