Archive for rock music

EARTH – 2011 American Tour & Festival Update

Posted in concerts, doom metal, drone metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(Dylan Carlson/guitarist & founding member)

American Drone heroes EARTH yesterday completed their five-week European tour with support from Sabbath Assembly, the successful venture coming to a smashing close in Brugge, Holland.

EARTH are now headed back to Washington to rest up for a few weeks, and prepare for the next leg of their Angels Of Darkness, Demos Of Light 1 Tour. Embarking in early June, EARTH will perform for twelve cities throughout the Midwest and Northeast U.S., bringing Ô Paon along for the ride.

The band will not sit around long after, as EARTH are currently plotting upcoming West Coast and Southeast U.S. tours for the Summer months, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Other confirmed American festival appearances for EARTH in the months ahead include What The Heck? Fest, in their home state of Washington this July, joined by Liturgy, Mount Eerie, Ô Paon, Thrones and many more. EARTH are also confirmed to perform at Hopscotch Music Festival, in Raleigh, North Carolina alongside The Flaming Lips, Swans, Rhys Chatham and countless other acts. In October, EARTH will return to the East Coast where they’ve been invited to take part in I’ll Be Your Mirror, curated by Portishead & ATP America, appearing at the massive festival with Swans, Mogwai, Shellac and dozens more.

(Adrienne Davies/drums & percussion)

Midwest/East Coast American Tour:

6/08/2011 Mayne Stage – Chicago, IL w/ Ô Paon

6/09/2011 Mad Planet – Milwaukee, WI w/ Ô Paon

6/10/2011 Magic Stick – Detroit, MI w/ Ô Paon, Isosceles Mountain

6/11/2011 The Strutt – Kalamazoo, MI w/ Ô Paon

6/12/2011 Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH w/ Ô Paon

6/13/2011 Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA w/ Ô Paon

6/14/2011 Wadsworth Atheneum – Hartford, CT w/ Ô Paon

6/15/2011 Middle East Downstairs – Boston, MA w/ Ô Paon

6/16/2011 Le Poisson Rouge – New York City, NY w/ Ô Paon

6/17/2011 Ottobar – Baltimore, MD w/ Ô Paon

6/18/2011 Braddock Carnegie Library – Braddock, PA w/ Ô Paon

6/19/2011 The Historic Southgate House – Newport, KY w/ Ô Paon

7/16/2011 What the Heck Fest – Anacortes, WA [info]

9/09/11 Hopscotch Music Festival – Raleigh, NC [info]

10/02/2011 I’ll Be Your Mirror, curated by Portishead & ATP – Asbury Park, NJ [info]
(Source: EarsplitPR)
* For more info on EARTH, click on the links below:

LONG LIVE EARTH.

Stone.

SEETHER – Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray: Releases May 17th, 2011!

Posted in alternative metal, alternative rock, Hard Rock, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 25, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

SEETHER –  Following their incredibly successful 2007 studio album Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, Seether will be releasing Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray on May 17th, 2011, via Wind-up. With 12 new songs on this hotly anticipated Seether release, the deluxe edition includes 4 bonus tracks! Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray features Country Song and you can currently purchase this new Hard Rockin’ slice of Seether on iTunes!

Stone says, about Country Song:

Country Song re-establishes Seether as an Alternative Metal/Hard Rock band that leaps away from the Rock norm, while leading by example. The flirtatious Country Rock vibe gives way to the heaviness that is Seether. The combination of Shaun Morgan’s vocals and heavy guitar, with foot stompin’ and fist raising rhythms, inventively elevates Country Song into a stratosphere of Modern Hard Rock perfection. Great music happens, with great song writing.

SEETHER:

Shaun Morgan – lead vocals, guitar

Dale Stewart – bass, backing vocals

John Humphrey – drums

Troy McLawhorn – guitar

Track Listing – Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray:

For Cue

No Resolution

Here and Now

Country Song

Master of Disaster

Tonight

Pass Slowly

Fade Out

Roses

Down

Desire For Need

Forsaken

* The Deluxe Edition includes the following bonus tracks:

Dead Seeds 

Yeah

Nobody

Effigy

* For more info on SEETHER, just click the links below:

SEETHER – Official Website

SEETHER – Official facebook

SEETHER – myspace music

Wind-up

LONG LIVE SEETHER.

Stone.

9 Chambers: In Studio and Recording “Goin’ The Other Way” – See The Video Here!

Posted in Guitar, Hard Rock, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Left: Ed Mundell, Right: Greg Hampton

(All Photo Credits: Rockframe Media/Karen Murphy Mundell)

9 CHAMBERS – Led by multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Hampton and ex-Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell, the new Hard Rock supergroup of 9 Chambers is currently in the studio and recording for their forthcoming debut album.

The lineup for 9 Chambers with their storied backgrounds: Vocalist and guitarist Greg Hampton (Alice Cooper, The New Czars, Lita Ford, to name a few), guitarist Ed Mundell (ex-Monster Magnet), Jorgen Carlsson on bass (Gov’t Mule) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heavn & Hell, DIO) on drums.

“Some guest drummers of recognition will be on board to finish off a few songs”, Greg Hampton has recently told me. Stay tuned for more updates, videos, song samples and news as it breaks from 9 Chambers… it will all be covered right here on Metal Odyssey! Check out Greg Hampton and Ed Mundell below, trading off and playing their guitar licks while recording “Goin’ The Other Way”:

Jorgen Carlsson – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

* Check out some very cool song samples from 9 Chambers by clicking this link: 9 Chambers – Audio Samples

* For more info on 9 Chambers, click on the links below:

9 Chambers – Official Website

9 CHAMBERS – Official facebook

9 Chambers – Reverbnation

* Related post (click below) on 9 Chambers, featured on Metal Odyssey:

9 Chambers – Hard Rock Supergroup Of: Greg Hampton, Ed Mundell, Jorgen Carlsson and Vinny Appice!

LONG LIVE 9 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

TRILLION RED – two tongues ep: Take A Dark Descent Into An Ambient Metal Abyss

Posted in ambient music, avant-garde music, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 21, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

TRILLION RED – Comprised of 4 songs, this Trillion Red (debut self-released) two tongues ep combines all the dark ambience, progressiveness and flirtations with Extreme Metal that this Metalhead could wish for. The duo of Patrick Brown (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards) and Max Woodside (drums) from San Francisco, have formulated quite an exquisite Metal sound and style that is as sinister as it is ambient.

While I listened to these songs the first several times, I let my Metal mind journey afar to experience where it would go. I kept envisioning a trek to the center of the Earth, just a few blocks from the gates of Hell itself, discovering what Metal would sound like when it’s created there. I’m not kidding around. Music is supposed to take you places, so if my Metal minds eye has me trotting about somewhere in Middle Earth due to Trillion Red’s dark wall of Metal sound, so be it. Metal be thy name.

As a Metal bonus, there are Metal genres that scream out through the songs on two tongues ep: Stoner and Doom chugging make it’s presence heard on Lullaby. Creepy and atmospherically macabre, Lullaby is not to be confused for a song that let’s the sun shine in while sugar plums dance in your head. The opening track No Visible Help (Hold Tight!) is carried by thumping Metal bass grooves and retrospective guitar tones and riffs that should make Tony Iommi proud. Patrick’s intro vocals on this song indicates to me, an admirable taste for Black Metal.

Forging Two Tongues / A Reckoning has Patrick summoning up the spirit of Jim Morrison in his vocal tone, with a poetic vibe in his calmer verses. Oh, can Patrick switch vocal gears however, giving this song it’s maniacal beauty with his Extreme vocal range. The coda of this song only solidifies my feelings of being a few blocks from the gates of Hell too… whoa.

Right Over To The Helm begins innocently enough with a slow tempo of Stoner fused with psychedelic sound, while Patrick takes a deliberate and eloquent approach to singing, with a near spoken word. At nearly the mid-point, the tempo picks up quickly and shades of psychedelia smothered in Metallic froth boils over. Trillion Red is not delivering the same old here, they are delivering an ambient horn of plenty and I’m listening. Hell yeah I am.

Musically as a whole, Patrick displays his keen talents of being a multi-instrumentalist, while Max is downright good and very cool to take in on drums. A “less is more” style to Max’s drumming fits right into these songs. Songwriting is a plus here, while the layering of all 4 songs gives this ep it’s intriguing delight. Trillion Red have created songs to be digested thoroughly, then savored and reached for again… and again.

With bands that Patrick has looked up to, such as Triptykon/Celtic Frost to Pink Floyd, with Old School Swedish Death Metal, YES, Miles Davis and George Carlin in-between, it is no wonder he has such a savvy grasp on the music he’s created and played on this two tongues ep.

Left: Max, Right: Patrick

TRILLION RED:

Patrick Brown – vocals, guitars, bass & keyboards

Max Woodside – drums

TRILLION RED Track Listing:

No Visible Help (Hold Tight!)

Forging Two Tongues / A Reckoning

Right Over To The Helm

Lullaby

* For more info on TRILLION RED, click the link below:

TRILLION RED – Official Website

TRILLION RED – myspace music

LONG LIVE TRILLION RED.

Stone.

AEROSMITH – Revisiting Their Greatest Hits Album From 1980

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

AEROSMITH – If I had a buffalo nickel for every good-time moment I had, while this 1980 Greatest Hits album from Aerosmith played, I’d be a wealthy Metal lovin’ dude. Then again, the wealth of good-time memories that I’ve accumulated from listening to Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits can’t be taken away from me… like money can. Sometime in the early 80’s I bought this album due to my not owning every Aerosmith album at the time, it just made good sense to have their hits all in one shot.

If my Metal memory serves me correct, just about every keg party and date I experienced through high school had this Aerosmith album playing in the background. Granted, it was not the only cool Rock ‘N’ Roll being played, yet it was played. In all Metal honesty, I had my cassette copy of Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits in my car, straight through my college years. Whenever I listen to this album today, I can vividly picture cruising in my 1985, dark blue, Cutlass Supreme… and driving in my 1984 Dodge Charger 2.2… looking for a party and chicks. Not hot rods were my cars back then, only they got the Metal job done. Ah, Metal youth and easy daze. Um, I mean easy days.

This Aerosmith album was released back when a “greatest hits” was truly just that. These were days when bands actually had ten or more solid hits to compile for their fans both old and new. All ten of these Aerosmith songs were FM radio hits and not supposed hits, b-sides or rarities, like many of today’s greatest hits albums boast. The ten songs on this album are undisputed classics, crossing through the Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres. Steven Tyler’s vocals and Joe Perry’s guitar are as identifiable as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards or Steve Perry and Neal Schon. Icons all.

Little did I know back in 1980, that the legendary guitar duo of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford would not be on the following 1982 Aerosmith studio album (and seventh overall) Rock In A Hard Place. Brad Whitford did play guitar on Lightning Strikes, which is my favorite song on Rock In A Hard Place. I do remember the “buzz” being written regarding the departure of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford back then, in Hard Rock magazines such as Creem and Hit Parader. As soon as 1985 came around, Aerosmith released Done With Mirrors with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford back in the saddle again, (no pun intended).

Regardless of the time edited versions of Same Old Song and Dance, Sweet Emotion, Kings and Queens and Walk This Way, I never balked at this greatest hits. Heck, back in those days I didn’t know the damn difference anyways! As decades have passed since this album’s release date, there have been at least ten more greatest hits compilations from Aerosmith, with a 2004 revised version of this 1980 classic as well.

With more than ten million copies sold, this 1980 Greatest Hits has been certified Diamond by the RIAA. Any greatest hits album that becomes certified Diamond must be a tried and true collection of exemplary songs, which stand the test of time. At the end of my Metal day, the one real Aerosmith Greatest Hits is this memories filled and certified Diamond from 1980.

* Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits was released on Columbia Records.

Track Listing For Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits:

Dream On

Same Old Song and Dance

Sweet Emotion

Walk This Way

Last Child

Back In The Saddle

Draw The Line

Kings and Queens

Come Together

Remember (Walking In The Sand)

* For more info on AEROSMITH, click on the link below:

AEROSMITH – Official Website

LONG LIVE AEROSMITH.

Stone.

FAITHSEDGE – Debut Album Is One Of The Year’s Best In Both Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

Posted in album oriented rock, arena rock, classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 15, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

FAITHSEDGE – I’m a believer in the old adage “what’s old is new again”. In other words, Old School Hard Rock and Heavy Metal will never fall out of relevance in my Metal world. Step in please, from Southern California… Faithsedge. This band of Rock industry veterans have created a debut and self-titled album of Hard Rock meets Heavy Metal songs that are anointed with the double M. What’s the double M you query? Melodic and Memorable. Simply stated, this debut album from Faithsedge is one of the best albums thus far, that I’ve listened to in 2011. Releasing on April 19th, 2011, on Scarlet Records, this album has more melodic momentum in it’s heavy that it’s dizzying. Faithsedge will (not should) make some serious noise in the Heavy Rock world.

If a band today wants to make an impression from the very onset, it’s quality that will win over fickle Hard Rock and Metal fans. It all starts with songwriting and the songs I hear on this album are a reminder that Rock is supposed to Roll. This is an album that I’ve been listening to for a few weeks now and it only sounds better each time I push play. Before you read on any further, take out your blackberry or a post-it-note and remind yourself to buy this new Faithsedge debut album. It’s that much of a guarantee of Rockin’ satisfaction… Metal be thy name.

Giancarlo Floridia on vocals sounds every bit the seasoned pro, with many moments of Joe Lynn Turner like resonance. Hitting the high notes and exhibiting some of the best vocal harmony this side of Jon Bon Jovi, Giancarlo is top tier. Not to be mistaken, Giancarlo is as original as they come, only he’s so good I have to compare him to the finest out there. Alex De Rosso lays down more delectable chops on guitar than I can count. The leads, solos and riffs that Alex plays are abundant, making this album easily tagged as guitar driven.

Initially, I listened to the five songs that were streaming on the Faithsedge website and was extremely impressed by all of them. Then, once I listened to all eleven songs it dawned on me… this is as good as it gets when it comes to a complete album of quality songs. No, there is not even a hint of a bugger on this Faithsedge album. AOR and Classic Rock has it’s roots buried within the sound that Faithsedge has captured here, while never compromising on relevant Hard Rock and arena style Heavy Metal. If there ever was an album tailor-made for a Summertime psyche-you-out experience, then this is it and let the good times roll!

With up-tempo as a constant on this album, a song such as That’s What Happened To Us comes across to my ears as: ready for radio airplay now. Faithsedge is not lacking in the accessibility department when it comes to their songs. You will be searching in a vain effort to find any cheese-its illuminating from this album. The heavy thumper of World Keeps Falling Down appeals from both it’s speed and Power Metal flair, while visions of Faithsedge playing this song in an arena or festival one day doesn’t seem that inappropriate in my Metal mind.

I spoke to Giancarlo Floridia recently, to characterize him as a musician who is grounded while being ever enthusiastic about the future of Faithsedge is appropriate. “I’m really fortunate, going from being homeless at one point to where I am now”. Giancarlo continued: “I’m fortunate and I appreciate everything that is happening, I’m a singer that realizes I can lose everything”. “Things happen in our lives and we have to get through them. Even the dark stuff needs to be addressed, I write, sing and play these songs because I want to help people get through tough times”.

I can’t help liking a musician such as Giancarlo, especially when he added: “The lyrics represent what was going on in my life on a day to day basis. These songs are about my story, my comeback in life. Hopefully, people can relate to it. I don’t party or do drugs. Paul Stanley and Joe Lynn Turner are two big heros of mine and I want to be where they are in another twenty years”.

“To take in the overall sound of the album, you have to listen to the whole thing through”, is how Giancarlo characterizes the many Rock genre tags that have been used to describe Faithsedge. “There was so much special stuff happening while making this record, from Tony’s drumming to Alex just doing it with his solo’s! I don’t know how they did it, they just did it!”

The songwriters for Faithsedge are Giancarlo and Fabrizio Grossi. “Fab” as Giancarlo calls him, is a world renowned bass player and record producer. Giancarlo affectionately refers to “Fab” as “The Godfather” when talking about his experience working with and listening to his advice. The appreciation and respect that Giancarlo has for “Fab” pours out of him with admirable sincerity.

Fans of 1980’s Hard Rock, Arena Rock and Heavy Metal should feel quite content as they listen to Faithsedge. Any fan of Rock who wants a complete album of songs, with no fatty acids thrown in, should be all over this Faithsedge debut. This band has all the melodically Hard and Heavy credentials to share the stage and open for the likes of Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, KISS, Edguy or Journey. It makes perfect Metal sense to me. Faithsedge proves with their debut album of immensely contagious songs that they are for real and they belong. I’m on board for this melodic Rockin’ ride with Faithsedge… I hope countless others will join me.

Metal Odyssey gives FAITHSEDGE 5 out of 5 Metal Fists!

FAITHSEDGE:

Giancarlo Floridia – vocals & guitar

Fabrizio Grossi – bass

Alex De Rosso – lead guitar

Tony Morra – drums

Track Listing For FAITHSEDGE:

Another Chance

There’s Still Hope

Let It End This Way

World Keeps Falling Down

Even If

Hold On

Take You Away

Somewhere In Your Heart

That’s What Happened To Us

Faith-Anne

When It Rains

* For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click the links below:

FAITHSEDGE – Official Website

FAITHSEDGE – facebook

SCARLET RECORDS

LONG LIVE FAITHSEDGE.

Stone.

THE TREWS – “Hope & Ruin” Releases April 12th, 2011! Track Listing, Album Art and Info…

Posted in alternative rock, alternative rock bands, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , on March 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

“Big riffs, bigger hooks, anthemic choruses – Canadian Alt-Rockers The Trews bring all of that and more” – Guitar Edge Magazine

THE TREWS’ fourth full-length studio album, Hope & Ruin, due out on The Trews Records on April 12, is a level-raising evolution for the Toronto-based rock band with two gold records, 10 top-10 singles and 800-plus concerts logged. After wrapping up the first leg of touring for 2009’s  Acoustic – Friends & Total Strangers retrospective, The Trews found themselves with time off and a blank canvas in front of them for the first time in years. The band decided to retreat to Tragically Hip’s fabled Bathhouse Studio’s, which is an old converted lake house just outside of Kingston, Ontario.

Recorded live-off-the-floor, they captured lightning in a bottle, resulting in a sound that is raw, electric and igniting. Of course, the ripping rockers that have made front man Colin MacDonald; his brother, guitarist John-Angus; their cousin, drummer Sean Dalton; and long-time friend, bassist Jack Syperek one of Canada’s top live acts are still present with the heavy “The World I Know,” unrelenting “Misery Loves Company” and pummeling “People of the Deer.”

“We haven’t forgotten how to rock, but there’s new ground being covered,” says Colin. The Trews have never made an album in the manner in which they recorded Hope & Ruin, and it’s an album they never could’ve made before now. There’s a certain connection, comfort and intuition that’s needed to write and record in such an off-the-cuff, inspired manner. And that takes years to develop.

As the “Hope & Ruin” single continues to climb up the Active Rock charts in The Trews native Canada (currently at #7), the band is receiving accolades from around the globe. Performer Magazine here in the U.S. claims that “The Trews are, without a doubt, the greatest rock band of their generation” and upon their departure from their Australian tour  this month, famous native and rock affectionado Russell Crowe tweeted “Bon Voyage @thetrews hope you make it back to Australia soon. They came, they saw, they rocked”

The Trews will be touring the U.S. this Spring.

Hope & Ruin Track Listing:

Misery Loves Company

One By One

People of the Deer

Stay With Me

Hope & Ruin

If You Wanna Start Again

The World I Know

Dreaming Man

I’ll Find Someone Who Will

Love Is The Real Thing

Burned

You Gotta Let Me In

* I’ve listened to One By One, a song currently streaming from Hope & Ruin several times over. The Alternative Rock sound blended with a relevant Classic Rock feel and vibe, makes One By One erupt with all things fabulous about quality songwriting, memorable lyrics and guitar driven Rock Music. I’m really looking forward to landing my ears into this entire new album from The Trews.

* For more info on THE TREWS and to hear One By One streaming, click the links below:

THE TREWS – Official Website

THE TREWS – myspace music

LONG LIVE THE TREWS.
Stone.

THE CARS “MOVE LIKE THIS” – New Studio Album Releases May 10, 2011!

Posted in alternative rock, classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on March 16, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

THE CARS – Making a triumphant return with their first studio album since 1987’s Door to Door is The Cars! Yes, The Cars are back! Move Like This will be the seventh studio album in The Cars influential discography, releasing on May 10, 2011, via Concord Music Group. The Cars 2011 lineup consists of all original members, with the exception of Benjamin Orr, who passed away too young from cancer in 2000. Ric Ocasek sings lead on all ten songs of Move Like This.

With ten new studio songs to savor over from The Cars, the landscape of Rock Music in 2011 will be ignited once again, courtesy of the unique style and sound from this legendary Rock band. The Rock, Alternative, New Wave and Pop accessibility that The Cars have bestowed upon their fans, from 1978’s debut/self titled to 1987’s Door to Door, helped shape and define Rock diversity in modern day music. As the years have passed and the Rock ‘n’ Roll dust has settled, it’s now best summed up as Classic Rock genius that made the music of The Cars roll! Rock and Roll fans worldwide, let us all welcome back… THE CARS!

THE CARS:

Ric Ocasek – rhythm guitar & lead vocals

Elliot Easton – lead guitar & background vocals

Greg Hawkes – keyboards, bass & background vocals

David Robinson – drums

Track Listing For Move Like This:

Blue Tip

Too Late

Keep On Knocking

Soon

Sad Song

Free

Drag On Forever

Take Another Look

It’s Only

Hits Me

* For more info on THE CARS, click the links below:

THE CARS – myspace music

THE CARS – UNLOCKED

THE CARS – facebook

LONG LIVE THE CARS.

Rest In Peace, Benjamin Orr.

Stone.

EARTH – Announce U.S. and European 2011 Tour Dates! Band To Headline Mexico’s Aural Fest Next Week!

Posted in avant-garde music, doom metal, experimental rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 13, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Following the recent release of their latest mammoth full-length, Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1, we’re proud to announce EARTH’s first confirmed American tour installment in support of the album.

Set to take place this June, EARTH will tour through the Midwest and Northeast regions of America showcasing material from the new album and their new touring lineup to a dozen cities, with support from Washington state-mate, soloist Ô Paon for the entire trek.

This newly announced string of North American dates will follow EARTH’s massive European tour with Sabbath Assembly which engulfs the entire months of April and May for the band.

And before any of the full tour activities even get underway, EARTH have also been confirmed alongside the Melvins to headline Aural Fest, a massive music celebration which takes place during the country’s Festival de Mexico!

Later this Summer, EARTH are also confirmed to appear at I’ll Be Your Mirror, a festival curated by Portishead & ATP America, taking place in Asbury Park, New Jersey, alongside countless other acts.

Dylan Carlson – founding member, guitar

EARTH – Confirmed 2011 Live Appearances:

Aural Fest @ Festival de Mexico:

3/19/2011 Lunario Paseo de la Reforma – Mexico City w/ the Melvins

European Tour w/ Sabbath Assembly:

4/01/2011 Brudenell Social Club – Leeds, England

4/02/2011 Islington Mill – Manchester, England

4/03/2011 Hare & Hounds – Birmingham, England

4/04/2011 The Cluny – Newcastle, England

4/05/2011 Stereo – Glasgow, Scotland

4/07/2011 Auntie Annies Porterhouse – Belfast, Ireland

4/08/2011 Button Factory/Crawdaddy – Dublin, Ireland

4/09/2011 Cyprus Avenue – Cork, Ireland

4/11/2011 Millennium Music Hall 2 – Cardiff, Wales

4/12/2011 Scala – London, England

4/13/2011 La Maroquinerie – Paris, France

4/14/2011 Sugar Factory – Amsterdam, Holland

4/15/2011 Roadburn Festival – Tilburg, Holland

4/17/2011 Inkonst – Malmo, Sweden

4/18/2011 Nefertiti – Gothenburg, Sweden

4/19/2011 Bla/John Dee – Oslo, Norway

4/20/2011 Strand – Stockholm, Sweden

4/21/2011 Tavastia – Helsinki, Finland

4/22/2011 Friction Festival – Berlin, Germany

4/23/2011 Dude Fest – Karlsruhe, Germany

4/24/2011 Impetus Festival – Lausanne, Switzerland

4/26/2011 Spazio 211 – Torino, Italy

4/27/2011 Init Club – Rome, Italy

4/28/2011 Locomotiv – Bologna, Italy

4/29/2011 Unwound – Padova, Italy

4/30/2011 MC Velenje – Velenje, Slovenia

5/01/2011 Arena – Vienna, Austria

5/02/2011 Feierwerk – Munich, Germany

5/03/2011 Beatpol – Dresden, Germany

5/04/2011 Gebaeude9 – Koln, Germany

5/05/2011 Stadsschouwburg – Brugge, Holland

Midwest/East Coast American Tour:

6/08/2011 Mayne Stage – Chicago, IL w/ Ô Paon

6/09/2011 Mad Planet – Milwaukee, WI w/ Ô Paon

6/10/2011 Magic Stick – Detroit, MI w/ Ô Paon

6/11/2011 The Strut – Kalamazoo, MI w/ Ô Paon

6/12/2011 Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH w/ Ô Paon

6/13/2011 Johnny Brendas – Philadelphia, PA w/ Ô Paon

6/14/2011 Wadsworth Theatre – New Haven, CT w/ Ô Paon

6/15/2011 Middle East Downstairs – Boston, MA w/ Ô Paon

6/16/2011 Le Poisson Rouge – New York City, NY w/ Ô Paon

6/17/2011 Ottobar – Baltimore, MD w/ Ô Paon

6/18/2011 *TBA – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Ô Paon

6/19/2011 Southgate House – Newport, KY w/ Ô Paon

ATP Fest, curated by Portishead

10/02/2011 I’ll Be Your Mirror, curated by Portishead & ATP – Asbury Park, NJ

Adrienne Davies – drums & percussion

Released on February 22nd via Southern Lord Recordings, Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1 represents yet another new chapter in the EARTH lineage, as the band continues to expand their trademark slow-morphing drone a bit beyond the realms they’ve explored on their last handful of releases and recent years of touring, and continuing to reproduce continually inspiring music as they have with every recording to date.

“…unlike most heavy-music acts it changed over time as human beings actually do. Its music became lighter and clearer and wiser; it started having more to do with Indian music and La Monte Young and Miles Davis’s ‘In a Silent Way.’” – The New York Times

“As Earth developed its heavy instrumental vision in the past six years, subtle deviation has been crucial to the band’s renewal. Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1  is the latest installment in that trajectory, adding a cello, desert blues and British folk-rock motifs to Earth’s slow-moving Americana.” – NPR

(Source: Earsplit PR)

* For more info on EARTH, click on the link below:

Thrones And Dominions.com – EARTH

LONG LIVE EARTH.

Stone.

KISS, JOURNEY and DAUGHTRY – HEADLINING ROCK USA 2011 FESTIVAL IN OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 5, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ROCK USA 2011 – It’s spectacular Rock ‘n’ Roll news! KISS, Journey and Daughtry will be headlining the Rock USA 2011 festival at Ford Festival Park in the great city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin! This extremely cool Rock USA 2011 will take place on July 14th, 15th and 16th. There is a “TBA” (to be announced) shown, so we will stay tuned as to what band is added! The three days of band lineups for Rock USA 2011 are listed below. These lineups are current with the Rock USA 2011 website as of March 29th, 2011:

JULY 14TH BAND LINEUPS:

DAUGHTRY

BUCKCHERRY

PUDDLE OF MUDD

CHEAP TRICK

BOXKAR

JULY 15TH BAND LINEUPS:

JOURNEY

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

TBA

CANDLEBOX

WARRANT

HYDE

JULY 16TH BAND LINEUPS:

KISS

KORN

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD

DOKKEN

ROAD TRIP

KINDRED SOUL

You did read that right… CHEAP TRICK, BUCKCHERRY, LYNYRD SKYNYRD and KORN are on the bill too! Metal be thy name, this looks to be one incredibly potent lineup of bands!!

* My Metal research has found that Oshkosh, Wisconsin has a population of 64,592, with a metropolitan population of 160,000. These are 2007 statistics.

* For all info including ticket info just click on the links below:

ROCK USA OSHKOSH 2011 – Official Website

ROCK USA OSHKOSH 2011 – Facebook

LONG LIVE THE ROCK USA FESTIVAL.

LONG LIVE THE POWER OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Stone.

Rock Jamberoni – A Dream Album Of Classic Rock, Southern Rock and Heavy Metal Jams!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on March 5, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

ROCK JAMBERONI – Have you ever wished for that one day, when you were handed the golden keys to a record company by being named it’s Chief Executive Officer? With this newly bestowed title, you are now able to create that one Rock ‘n’ Roll album that forges your name alongside the legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll history? Well, yesterday I received word via email that my Rock ‘n’ Roll wish has been granted. For today only, I have been officially designated as the CEO and producer for Coverdale Records.

Given my new found Rock ‘n’ Roll power, I’ve decided to take up the fun task of compiling an album of legendary songs. These songs feature kick ass Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal jams! These jams aren’t just merely a guitar solo heard at the beginning or during the middle of a song, these are full-throttle instrumental jams that last more than a minute with total band participation. Below is the album track listing of such legendary jam songs… and I’m titling this revved-up album – Rock Jamberoni. The expected release date is March 24, 2011. Enjoy!

Rock Jamberoni – Track Listing:

Green Grass and High Tides – The Outlaws

Fall of the Peacemakers – Molly Hatchet

Highway Song – Blackfoot

Freebird – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Working Man – Rush

Whole Lotta Rosie – AC/DC

Wasted White Boys – W.A.S.P.

Hallowed Be Thy Name – Iron Maiden

Fade To Black – Metallica

Beyond the Realms of Death – Judas Priest

Layla – Derek and the Dominos

Diamonds For Eyes – Whitestarr

* Bonus Track:

Hocus Pocus – Focus

Life Is One Gigantic Jam Session!

Scott Coverdale.

REV THEORY – “Justice” Billboard Chart Positions For Week of March 5th, 2011! Some Metal Thoughts…

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

REV THEORY – For the week of March 5th, 2011, the third studio album, Justice, from the Hard Rockin’ Rev Theory debuted at #75 on the Billboard 200 Chart. This is refreshing news, especially when the Billboard 200 Chart is saturated with watered down, commercial, bubble gum and flavor-of-the-month (ahem) “music”. Now, it’s time for Rev Theory to serve up some “Justice” on the Billboard charts.

I will readily admit, Justice is one heavy hitter for my ears. This album is loaded with songs that are guitar driven and packed with melodic crunch. The first three songs alone are very memorable: Dead In A Grave, Justice and Hangman just lead right into a complete album of songs that prove Rev Theory weren’t aiming to play it safe.

Rich Luzzi sounds tough as ever on vocals, with not one note being over stretched. The guitar duo of Julien Jorgensen and Lixx are more potent than ever, with Dave Agoglia (drums) and Matty McCloskey (bass) laying down some of the smoothest and coolest beats I’ve heard in a very long time. If your shopping around for a newly released Hard Rock album that kicks some genuine ass, Rev Theory ‘s Justice is the answer.

* Justice was released on February 15, 2011, on Interscope Records/DGC Records and produced by Terry Date.

GO GET ‘EM REV THEORY!

REV THEORY – JUSTICE Billboard chart (debut) positions for the week of March 5th, 2011:

Billboard 200 – #75

Rock Albums – #20

Alternative Albums – #11

Hard Rock Albums – #5

REV THEORY:

Rich Luzzi – lead vocals

Julien Jorgensen – guitar

Rikki Lixx – guitar, backing vocals

Matty McCloskey – bass, backing vocals

Dave Agoglia – drums

Track Listing For Justice:

Dead In A Grave

Justice

Hangman

The Fire

Loaded Gun

Guilty By Design

Enemy Within

Wicked Wonderland

Say Goodbye

Never Again

Hollow Man

* For more info on REV THEORY, click the links below:

REV THEORY – myspace music

REV THEORY – Official Website

LONG LIVE REV THEORY.

Stone.

KOPEK – “White Collar Lies” Releases March 1st, 2011!

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

KOPEK – Ireland’s increasingly embraced, Hard Rock trio KOPEK will be seeing their debut album White Collar Lies releasing on March 1st, 2011… that’s tomorrow!! If you are a fan of Rock, Hard Rock or Modern Hard Rock that isn’t representative of the status quo club, then you will absolutely NEED to get your ears into this KOPEK album! Since January of this year, KOPEK have been touring the U.S.A. and are receiving rave reviews for their live shows!

Stone says this KOPEK album is a MUST buy! I very rarely state these words and I’m laying all the Hard Rockin’ cards out on the table, especially when I endorse a band’s album this highly. KOPEK is going to be HUGE.

* White Collar Lies is being released on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Independent Network.

KOPEK:

Daniel Jordan – lead vocals & guitar

Brad Kinsella – bass guitar

Shane Cooney – drums

Track Listing For White Collar Lies:

Cocaine Chest Pains

White Collar Lies

Fever

Love Is Dead

Floridian

Sub Human

The Easy Way (D.B. Cooper)

Bring It On Home

Love Sick Blues

Bigger Than Us All

Sin City

* To read my complete album review on White Collar Lies, just click on the large header link below:

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

LONG LIVE KOPEK.

Stone.

Neal Schon – Metal Odyssey Salutes Rock Legend’s Birthday!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, guitar legends, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on February 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(That’s Neal Schon, in the top left/back row. This Next album from 1977 was Journey’s third studio album and pre-Steve Perry)

NEAL SCHON – Metal Odyssey gives a loud and Rockin’ Happy Birthday to Neal Schon! A founding member and non-stop lead guitarist for the ultra-legendary Journey, Neal Schon was born on February 27th, 1954. How can anyone measure the Rock ‘N’ Roll career and achievements of Neal Schon? I couldn’t. This is as key a figure in the history of Rock as you can ask for. Neal Schon is an influential guitarist, songwriter and figure of the Rock Music world spanning five decades. Thank you for the music Neal Schon!

My personal favorite Journey song of all-time is Any Way You Want It from 1980’s Departure. My second favorite Journey song ever is: The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love) which is the lone studio song on the 1981 live double album – Captured. I always have a soft spot for that little guitar solo that Neal Schon created in Don’t Stop Believin’ from 1981’s Escape.

As for my all-time favorite Journey album? Man, it’s tough. I’m going with two here: Infinity from 1978 and Evolution from 1979. The entire Journey catalog is just too rich with enormously memorable songs for me.

* Here is a list of some notable bands that Neal Schon has been a key part of during his amazing career. By no means is this list complete and in no particular order, that is not my intent here.

JOURNEY – (of course and ’nuff said)

HSAS – (with Sammy Hagar, Kenny Aaronson and Michael Shrieve). HSAS released only one studio album: Through The Fire back in 1984. Yes, take my Metal word for it, it’s a very cool Hard Rock album to own.

BAD ENGLISH – (with John Waite, Ricky Phillips, Jonathan Cain and Deen Castronovo). Bad English released two studio albums: Bad English in 1989 and Backlash in 1991. An excellent Hard Rock group was Bad English, both albums are very worthy listens.

SANTANA – Neal Schon played guitar on Santana III, which was released back in 1971. Neal Schon was only 17 years old then! Neal also played guitar on Caravanserai (1972). Rock history, pure and simple.

HARDLINE – Neal Schon played lead guitar on Hardline’s debut 1992 studio album: Double Eclipse. This is one fabulous Hard Rock album to get ahold of… if you haven’t already.

* For more info on Neal Schon, click here: NEAL SCHON – Official Website

* For more info on Journey, click here: JOURNEY

LONG LIVE NEAL SCHON.

Stone.

Classic Rock… What Would I Do Without You?

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on February 24, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

CLASSIC ROCK – Yes, I will admit, the thought of a world without Classic Rock is a bit scary. Just in the last couple of days, I thought to myself, what would I do without Classic Rock? If it wasn’t for the bands, solo musicians and albums of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s yesteryears would Metal as we all know and love it in 2011 be the same? What would Rock and Hard Rock have sounded like the past 20 years without Classic Rock? The Classic Rock bands that I turn to on a consistent listening basis, are equivalent to comfort food. My mashed potatoes and chicken pot pies of Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Truthfully, bands like the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Pink Floyd, Styx, The Doors, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Heart, Bad Company, Grand Funk Railroad, Yes, Sweet, Asia and Boston give me an engulfing sense that everything is either alright or it’s gonna be alright. There are countless more Classic Rock bands that I can rattle off here, of course. These bands and their albums have forever been linked to moments I’ve experienced through life, good or bad, from a young lad to adulthood. Certainly, any fan of music knows what I’m getting at here… I hope.

I can’t leave out KISS… their 1970’s catalog of albums can realistically be tagged as Classic Rock, regardless of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal that they are so famously known for. How about Motörhead? Can a case be made that this iconic Rock ‘N’ Roll band’s legacy is, after all, Classic Rock worthy? Am I just getting too damned sentimental in my thoughts? Am I becoming this big old softy after all? Classic Rock is synonymous with good times. That’s just the way I feel about this era of Rock ‘N’ Roll.

There will never be another 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s or 1980’s. Those are all decades that will continue to live on through their respective music, with no genre excluded. No decade can ever be duplicated for it’s pop-cultural or Rock ‘N’ Roll impact. Duplication of a Classic Rock sound and/or style is merely called influence. Classic Rock grows it’s roots deeper into the fabric of Rock ‘N’ Roll history with each passing day. There are young bands of today that will inevitably be looked upon as influential and classic as well… 25 or 30 years down the road by different generations of fans.

Who are these bands of today that will be the Classic Rock influences of tomorrow? Is it Kopek? Rooney? My Darkest Days? Pop Evil? Daughtry? Sons Of Sylvia? I never thought of this question when I was a young lad. I used to think that the bands I listened to back then would not be around once I turned, um, the age I am now. Man, was I ever wrong! I’m very glad that I was wrong too.

LONG LIVE CLASSIC ROCK.

Stone.

RAINBOW “Power” – Dedicated To My Dad and Cousin Mike

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

Right now, the best way I can speak about how I feel is through the music I love. Recently, my Dad has had his setbacks with his health. My cousin Mike has had a serious health setback as well in recent days. I love them both and dedicate Rainbow’s incredible song Power to both of them. Regardless of what faith you may hold in your heart, regardless if you believe or don’t believe in God, please cheer these two amazing dudes on for Stone. They can both use some Power right about now.

LONG LIVE MY DAD.

LONG LIVE MY COUSIN MIKE.

Stone.

The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection – Revisiting This Guitar Legend’s 1991 Greatest Hits

Posted in classic rock, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, neoclassical metal, rock music, rock music news, speed metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , on February 6, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – Back in November of 1991, The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection was released on Polydor Records. This Yngwie Malmsteen compilation spans the first six albums of his career, from 1984 to 1990. These albums are: Rising Force (1984), Marching Out (1985), Trilogy (1986), Odyssey (1988), Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad (1989) and Eclipse (1990).

Of these first six Yngwie Malmsteen albums, the only one I have on CD is Odyssey. Eclipse I have on cassette and the other four I have on vinyl. Sounds crazy, huh? The $ factor comes into play, whenever the desire to upgrade my entire collection of music to CD crosses my Metal mind. Regardless, I have these Yngwie albums on old school formats and I’m content. About seven years ago, on a lazy Saturday, I took a leisurely stroll into Strawberries Records & Tapes, back in my hometown up in very expensive Connecticut. That day I zeroed in on The Yngwie Malmsteen Collection… it was calling my name.

At this time of my life, seven years ago, my wife and I were really cutting corners and trying to make ends meet… and the ends were not interested in meeting either. Purchasing one CD would send me into guilt city. I took the Metal plunge, held my breath and Metal be thy name I purchased this Yngwie Malmsteen bonanza of songs. It has served me right ever since. Yes, by now you might have guessed I am giddy about listening to Yngwie Malmsteen over the years. I really enjoy listening to his guitar playing, his Neoclassical style is pioneering and legendary, in my Metal opinion.

I’ve always enjoyed listening to every vocalist that Yngwie Malmsteen has recruited for his albums as well. I’m not trying to sound like Mr. Sunshine wants everyone happy when I state this. No, I will readily admit that Mark Boals and Joe Lynn Turner are my favorite vocalists from the entire Yngwie Malmsteen catalog, which includes his most recent release of 2010’s Relentless, which boasts Tim “Ripper” Owens on vocals, (with Yngwie singing Look At You Now). If someone out there asks: hey Stone, c’mon, pick one or the other, Mark Boals or Joe Lynn Turner!? My Metal answer is easy: it’s a tie… Metal be thy name, a tie.

I recommend anyone who is just getting interested in Yngwie Malmsteen to get ahold of this CD. These fourteen songs are a magnificent representation of Yngwie’s first six albums. From the live cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic – Spanish Castle Magic, to Queen In Love, this compilation shows not a flaw, in my Metal opinion once again. Veteran fans of Yngwie who don’t own his first six albums on CD entirely, may want to grab this collection for the same reason I did.

Yngwie Malmsteen Facts To Know:

* Yngwie means: young Viking chief

* Born: In Sweden on June 30, 1963

* Yngwie Malmsteen taught himself how to play guitar.

* The late and legendary Jimi Hendrix inspired Yngwie to play guitar, only it was the image of Jimi Hendrix more so than his music that influenced Yngwie.

* At the age of 15, Yngwie quit school and landed a job at a music shop in Stockholm, Sweden, repairing guitars.

* The debut 1984 album Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force was nominated for a Grammy Award.

* (Source for these Yngwie facts found in the liner notes of this CD)

* For more info on Yngwie, just click here: YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

* I’ve listed below, next to each song in the track listing, the album of origin along with the respective vocalist. Instrumentals are noted.

Track Listing:

Black Star – Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – (instrumental)

Far Beyond The Sun – Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – (instrumental)

I’ll See The Light Tonight – Marching Out – Jeff Scott Soto

You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget – Trilogy – Mark Boals

Liar – Trilogy – Mark Boals

Queen In Love – Trilogy – Mark Boals

Hold On – Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Heaven Tonight – Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Deja Vu – Odyssey – Joe Lynn Turner

Guitar Solo – Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad – (instrumental)

Spanish Castle Magic – Trial By Fire: Live In Leningrad – Joe Lynn Turner

Judas – Eclipse – Göran Edman

Making Love – Eclipse – Göran Edman

Eclipse – Eclipse – (instrumental)

LONG LIVE YNGWIE MALMSTEEN.

The word “giddy” was used in paragraph 3.

Stone.

EARTH’s Entire New Album Streaming On NPR Until February 7th, 2011!

Posted in avant-garde music, drone metal, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1, the latest organic opus from EARTH, is now streaming in its entirety as an NPR “Exclusive First Listen.” Click here to check out the whole album, where it will stream for free until February 7th.

Set for release on February 22nd, once again for Southern Lord Recordings, Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1 represents yet another new chapter in the EARTH lineage, as the band continues to expand their trademark slow-morphing drone a bit beyond the realms they’ve explored on their last handful of releases and recent years of touring, and continuing to reproduce continually inspiring music as they have with every recording to date.

EARTH have also announced an official hometown record release show for Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1, scheduled for March 3rd at The Tractor Tavern in Seattle.

EARTH Record Release Show:

3/3/2011 The Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA w/ Mount Eerie, Low Hums

LONG LIVE EARTH.

Stone.

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.

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.