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Jerry Lee Lewis – Happy Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock and roll news, rock music, rock music history, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

JERRY LEE LEWIS – Metal Odyssey wants to extend a LOUD and ROCKIN’… Happy Birthday to Jerry Lee Lewis! On September 29, 1935, this living Rock ‘N’ Roll Legend was born. At age 75, Jerry Lee Lewis is still Rockin’ the house down wherever he plays! It is real Rock ‘N’ Roll Legends like Jerry Lee Lewis who wrote the book on Rockin’ stage presence. Be it Rock ‘N’ Roll, Country or the genre he helped to shape into form, Rockabilly, Jerry Lee Lewis is without question… a timeless singer, songwriter and performer. A pioneer of Rock ‘N’ Roll is he.

When I was just a young lad, I can remember watching the live concert footage of Jerry Lee Lewis on numerous Rock ‘N’ Roll documentaries. My Dad would tell me: “son, Jerry Lee Lewis use to cause quite the ruckus wherever he played back in the ’50’s!” My Dad actually did get to see Jerry Lee Lewis perform live at a theater in Hartford, Connecticut… back in those Rockin’ late ’50’s. He told me time and again, as I grew up, that Jerry Lee Lewis “live” was incredible stuff. From the stories told to me from my Dad, other unreal legends of Rock ‘N’ Roll played at the local Hartford area theaters as well… Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, The Everly Brothers and so on.

There are those moments, where I wish I could go back in time, just like Michael J. Fox did in those fun Back To The Future movies. Just to see the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis performing live, in the decade of those fabulous ’50’s, would be a Rockin’ time traveling experience for certain. Aw, heck, I would want to see all the legends of Rock ‘N’ Roll playing live back then… making for a very long stay, on a trip back through time. I guess those good ‘ol news reels and live concert footage from the ’50’s, that make up so many Rock ‘N’ Roll documentaries, will have to do for now.

* Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986.

* Jerry Lee Lewis has a brand new studio album out, it’s titled: Mean Old Man and was released on September 7, 2010, on Verve Forecast/Shangri La. There are some very cool and legendary guest musicians on this album with Jerry Lee Lewis too. Here are just “some” of the great names: Ringo Starr, Kid Rock, Slash, Tim McGraw, Ronnie Wood, John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Sheryl Crow and… Eric Clapton! This is an abbreviated list too! I feel it’s pretty fine when some of the biggest names in Rock and Country Music can rally around Jerry Lee Lewis like that for his new album. A Metal kudos to all of ’em!

* There are 10 songs on the standard issued CD of Mean Old Man, with 18 songs on the deluxe edition.

* My personal favorite Jerry Lee Lewis song is Great Balls Of Fire. Sure, it may seem like an obvious choice, only it is my favorite from him. This song was covered by an all-time favorite band of mine… the MISFITS. Great Balls Of Fire can be heard on their 2003 studio album – Project 1950. This is an album of ten cover songs… all legendary hits from the fabulous ’50’s. The Misfits Jerry Only sings Great Balls Of Fire the only way that he can… and it’s fiendishly great. I highly recommend Project 1950 to any fan of Rock ‘N’ Roll… any.

I think the album cover for Project 1950 is very cool.

LONG LIVE JERRY LEE LEWIS!

LONG LIVE THE MISFITS!

AW, HECK…  AS THE LATE AND ULTRA GREAT RONNIE JAMES DIO ONCE SANG… LONG LIVE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!!

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KEV MOORE – A METAL ODYSSEY INTERVIEW!

Posted in classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, punk rock music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music interviews, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

(Photo courtesy of Kev Moore archives)

The roots of Rock ‘N’ Roll. That’s what has shaped and molded the Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal we all listen to today, including their respective sub-genres. Here at Metal Odyssey, I always try to acknowledge the bands and musicians who have been a part of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s evolution. Many bands and musicians that have carved out their own place in Rock ‘N’ Roll history may not be cracking the Billboard charts or walking the Hollywood red carpets. Still, these bands and musicians hold the same weight of importance for me, especially when their contributions to the history of Rock ‘N’ Roll are of quality, sincerity and time tested credibility. These are the bands and musicians who don’t create music because they feel they have to, they create based on their genuine love they have for Rock ‘N’ Roll. Step right up… Kev Moore.

From Punk Rock to Pub Rock with Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in between, Kev Moore has played it and lived it. Kev Moore is currently recording his new album, Blue Odyssey and was very considerate to take the time to answer questions for Metal Odyssey. Kev talks about his upcoming album, where his Rock ‘N’ Roll career started, being a one time member of The Gonads, his biggest Rock influence and of course… being the current vocalist and bass guitarist for the legendary BC Sweet. There is also Kev’s membership with Christie and his past membership with Graham Olivers Saxon and so much more… I’ll just let Kev tell you all about it in his words!

* Definitely check out the links at the end of this interview… so you can learn more about the terrific bands that Kev Moore has been a part of throughout his Rock ‘N’ Roll life.

Stone: Kev, you are currently in the studio recording a new album called “Blue Odyssey”, can you elaborate and give fans a sneak peak at what to expect?

Kev: Well, at the beginning of the year, I took a 2 month tour around the major music cities of the American South, Nashville, Memphis, Helena, Clarksdale, New Orleans, Austin, etc, and the album is basically a ‘road diary’ – that is to say, each song charts my journey and experiences and changes musical style accordingly, so it’s a fairly eclectic mix!  I’ve been lucky enough to have contributions from some American blues musicians, plus a legendary DJ, “Sunshine” Sonny Payne from King Biscuit Time. I don’t claim that it’s bona fide blues, but rather, the result of how my music has been influenced by being immersed in that environment. It’s nearing completion, and should be out in a couple of months. For now, you can hear a small taster by clicking here: Kevin Andrew Moore – myspace music

Stone: Is Tubeless Hearts where it all began for Kev Moore?

Kev: Tubeless Hearts is the band where I began seriously gigging around the UK (having spent two years in a touring band in Scandinavia) – but the two bands from my teens, Midnight Express ( a new wave pub band) and Crosstown Traffic (complicated rock band!)  were where I first started developing my songwriting and stage craft.  In fact, Stef Cybichowski, the drummer from Crosstown Traffic, has put down some drums for my new album, over 30 years after we last worked together! Tubeless Hearts however, became a mainstay for me, the nucleus stayed together many years and we recorded a single (in 1982) and an album (1994) that have become highly collectible. The album, “Three”, featured Graham Oliver from Saxon, and was retro-reviewed in the 100th issue of Powerplay magazine, as it’s begun to command silly money on the internet nowadays! Being in Tubeless Hearts proved to be a springboard to many other areas of my career.

Stone: As noted in your introduction, you have been a part of many bands during, your music career, as well, being a solo artist. What is Kev Moore’s most proud music achievement thus far?

Kev: It’s difficult to pick one. From a live perspective, I would probably have to say playing at Moscow Dynamo stadium with Christie on our tour of Russia. It was an amazing gig, and we were so well looked after, being granted admittance to Lenin’s tomb in Red Square – quite something!
Recording wise, I was always very proud of the Tubeless Hearts album, and whilst it didn’t pull up any trees on release, history seems to have been kind to it. Though I have to say, my first solo album, which I made available as a free download, was a big achievement for me, writing, playing and producing everything on it.

(Photo courtesy of Kev Moore archives)

Stone: Being the lead vocalist and bassist of BC Sweet, are there moments when you stop to reflect on the significant Rock roots of this band?

Kev: Very much so. In fact, the roots and history of this band are so strong, and feekings have run high over the years, mostly before my time with the band. Andy Scott runs his version of The Sweet, as does Steve Priest, who recently came out of retirement in L.A. As you know, this band was started by the late Brian Connolly who I had done some shows with as a part of Christie, and met him several times. After Brian died, the band decided to continue with various line up changes and evolved and continued with the blessing of former members into what you see today. For my part, I feel privileged to be able to play such a great canon of pop rock material, and I like to think we pay homage to the hard rock side of the Sweet. We feature some of the rockier stuff such as “Turn it Down” and one of the great ‘b’ sides “Burn on the Flame”.  From my perspective as a bassist, I’m very lucky indeed to be part of a rhythm section with Pete Phipps (Glitterband, Eurthymics, Mike Rutherford, XTC) I like to think we stay true to the rock roots – even the bubblegum songs are played a little more forcefully, shall we say!

Stone: Do you regularly stay in touch with Graham Oliver and/or Steve Dawson?

Kev: Graham and I have always stayed in touch and often discuss working together again, but it’s always a case of trying to find time that suits us both, which is easier said than done, particularly with me living in Spain! I regard him as one of my closest friends, a great guitarist and a real gentleman. Steve’s also a great bloke, but I haven’t seen him in a while.

Metal Odyssey Note: Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson are founding/former members of Saxon, a pioneering band of the NWOBHM.

(Photo courtesy of Kev Moore archives)

(Pictured above: Graham Oliver/left, Kev Moore/right)

Stone: Which Saxon song was your favorite to perform live?

Kev: There are two that spring to mind. Firstly, “Dallas 1pm”. I’ve actually been to the spot where JFK was assassinated, and I think the song is so theatrical, you don’t need a video, it tells the story beautifully, as all the best songs do. The second is “Strong Arm of the Law” – another story in a song, but what I love about it is the sheer unstoppable boogie of it, it’s real fun to hammer that one out live!

Metal Odyssey Note: Currently known as Oliver/Dawson Saxon, Kev Moore was lead vocalist and played bass on the first tour with Son Of A Bitch… which later was renamed – Oliver/Dawson Saxon, after Steve Dawson joined up with Graham Oliver. Kev Moore was lead vocalist while on tour as a member of the first incarnation of Oliver/Dawson Saxon, while Steve Dawson played bass. Kev Moore never recorded for either Son Of A Bitch or Oliver/Dawson Saxon. However, Kev Moore did sing and play bass on Graham Oliver’s solo album – “End of an Era”.

Stone: What is your current and/or future status as a member of Christie?

Kev: I’m a fully paid up member of Christie – though we took something of a sabbatical from around 2004-2008. In 2009 we took things up a gear to coincide with Jeff releasing a double CD “Floored Masters” and did a Summer European tour, which was a blast, resurrecting a few Christie songs that had never been played live before. This year, we have a couple of shows in Germany, and I’ve invited Jeff to come over to work on some material in my studio.

Stone: How did you get introduced to The Gonads, resulting in your being a past member of their band?

Kev: The Gonads is a long story. I formed a duo back in the 90’s with a guitarist called Dave Sargent for a covers album project that someone had put the money up for. I approached “Gang of Four ” producer Bob Miller (he’d done some work with us on one of the Tubeless Hearts album tracks) and he suggested a guy called Clyde Ward who had a studio down in Southampton. Well, the sessions with Clyde were great, we became great friends, which we still are to this day. Clyde became very succesful working with European dance acts such as U96,  and also as a co-writer and producer for Right Said Fred, but in his heart he’s a rocker, sharing a love of Philo and Thin Lizzy with me!  He’s also a close friend of Garry Bushell, and they had developed a side project resurrecting The Gonads for a one off single. It created such a stir in the U.S. that Dave and I were recruited into a newly-reformed Gonads, and we toured the East and West coasts of America in 1998, eventually releasing three albums, the last of which I filmed a couple of videos for which ended up on Garry’s dvd. Once again commitments have prevented me from doing anything since then, though when I spoke to Garry a few months ago, he said how he’d love to do something with Clyde and I again some day. One of the highlights of my time with The Gonads was playing the legendary (and now sadly gone) CBGB’s in New York.

Stone: Your 2009 single “Derby Pride” is a fine Rockin’ salute to the Derby County Football Club! Will a series of songs for the Derby Football Club materialize to CD?

Kev: Following Derby Pride, I did in fact record an entire album in homage to my team!  It’s done very well, mainly because Derby County have a huge and loyal fanbase. I sell it from my website mooremusic.biz and the club shop at Derby’s stadium, Pride park, also stock it.

Stone: Another single from 2009, “The Co-Op Cow” is a Pub Rocker that tells of a love that seemed to go astray. Is this song based on a real experience?

Kev: The Co-op Cow is also featured on the Derby album, this is because it refers to many landmarks around the Derby area, the Co-op cow of the title being the chief among them. It is a huge red neon cow, which advertises Co-op milk, and has many times been threatened with destruction, but I believe is now the subject of a preservation order. As a child, my abiding memory is of coming back into Derby on a cold night either by train or bus, and seeing the red neon glow in the night sky, and knowing you were nearly home. The story of lost love….not based on actual events, but it’s so generic, it could be any of us, couldn’t it? I was never stood up beneath the cow, but I’ve certainly been stood up!

(Photo courtesy of Kev Moore archives)

(Pictured above: Kev Moore live with Christie, Jeff Christie in center)

Stone: “The Turre Stomp” is a song that fuses together a mix of sounds, from Rock and Funk vibes with Middle Eastern strings, making for quite the fun listen. What influences tapped you on the shoulder for this song?

Kev: The Turre stomp is a song I’ve had kicking around for a while, and infact will be the last track on my Blue Odyssey album, completing the circle of the journey, if you will. Turre is the village in Southern Spain where I live. For those who don’t know, this area is the only classified ‘desert’ in Europe, and although irrigation and climate change over the last 25 years have changed it a lot, when I go up on the roof in midsummer, it really has that feel to it. It’s the area where Clint Eastwood made his famous western trilogy, and at the other end of our village, Indiana Jones was dragged down the ravine underneath the Nazi truck. I wanted to create a song that captured the heat, the dryness, and to some extent, the mystery. I tried a lot of sounds before I settled on the sitar, but once I had, it came together nicely.

Stone: What is the one thing you wish you could change about the Rock Music industry?

Kev: I think a lot of things need changing! But if I were to pick one……There’s been such a seismic shift in the way the industry works now, but I mourn the passing of the days when bands were signed with the understanding that they could be developed over a period of time. Let me take as an example Budgie, a great welsh power trio who were a big influence on me becoming a pro musician, and who I had the pleasure to meet a few years back. They were signed to A&M. They released a string of albums, probably 7 in as many years, touring regularly, never had a hit single!  Can you imagine a label sticking behind a band like that nowadays? It’s no surprise acts like Yes, Jethro Tull, Genesis, Fleetwood Mac etc, continue to sell, they were designed, and encouraged, for longevity.  Now, you’re lucky to even get your album out if a lead-in single flops. I know of artists who have to sit and watch their tapes gather dust on shelves, never to see a release. I’d like to see a return to The Music business instead of The music Business, if you know what I mean!

Stone: Who or what band has been the greatest influence on Kev Moore’s music career?

Kev: I think I’d have to say Trapeze. I’m not sure it necessarily comes out in my music, but from the moment I heard that band I thought “this is absolute perfection – funk and rock beautifully combined, wonderful understated incisive guitar, and that voice!”  I’ve met Glenn Hughes on several occasions and told him he was the single biggest influence on my becoming a professional musician. I kind of “back-dated” to Trapeze via Deep Purple. I was around 15, I’d been playing the drums for about 7 years, and then I bought “Burn”.  I just homed in on Glenn’s vocals and bass playing. I just remember thinking “that is what I want to do”.

Stone: Does Kev Moore make music or does music make Kev Moore?

Kev: It’s a vicious circle, Stone! I think it’s something like an energy exchange. Perhaps, at one time, I’d have been tempted to say the former, but having had a longer than usual period away from the stage, I’d have to say that on balance, it is music that defines me. Simply, I’ve never really known, nor wanted to do, anything else.

(Photo courtesy of Kev Moore archives)

(Pictured above: Graham Oliver/left, Kev Moore/right)

* For more info on Kev Moore, just click here: mooremusic.biz

* Listen to Kev Moor’s music, browse around and purchase the digital downloads of “Derby Pride”, “The Co-op Cow” and “The Turre Stomp” by clicking here: KEV MOORE: THE MUSIC BOX

* For more info on Oliver/Dawson Saxon, just click the link below:

OLIVER/DAWSON SAXON – myspace music

* For more info on The Gonads… click here: THE GONADS

* For more info on Jeff Christie and his band Christie, click on the link below:

JEFF CHRISTIE – Official Website

LONG LIVE KEV MOORE & HIS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

6 Comments »

CHEAP TRICK – “FOUND ALL THE PARTS” VINYL EP FROM 1980… I FOUND!

Posted in classic rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 26, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

CHEAP TRICK – Earlier this Summer, I took the family on one of our trips to Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As I have stated in past posts… I like to hunt for Rock ‘N’ Roll, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal memorabilia and/or music anywhere I go. Antique stores are around Lancaster County, that is for certain. One particular stop, to a second hand memory shop uncovered the Cheap Trick – Found All The Parts EP from 1980, on vinyl. The asking price was $10… sold!

The total condition of this Cheap Trick EP’s album jacket and vinyl is mint, as if it was just opened from it’s original plastic factory wrap. (Check out my pics below of this EP I found). On the backside of this EP, at the top left corner, there is a gold embossed stamp that reads: “For Promotion Only, Ownership Reserved By CBS, Sale Is Unlawful”. Cool… a promo copy. The only bugaboo about my finding this Cheap Trick EP is that it does not have the bonus promotional 7″ single – Everything Works If You Let It. That is now a Cheap Trick 45 rpm that I will be on the look-out for.

I have seen this Cheap Trick EP for sale on Amazon ranging from $25 to $91 in new/sealed condition with the 7″ single included. I have also seen the used versions of this EP on Amazon ranging from $6 to $58. (Used conditions do vary though). The highest priced used copies don’t specify if the 7″ single comes with it, yet a couple of the lower priced used copies do state the 7″ single comes with the EP. Go figure. Nonetheless, I’m pleased that I found this used promo copy of Cheap Trick – Found All The Parts EP for $10, especially since the condition is so mint and I’ve never owned it before.

Track Listing For Found All The Parts EP:

Day Tripper (live)

Can’t Hold On (live)

Such A Good Girl

Take Me I’m Yours

* These same four songs heard on this EP can also be heard on the studio release: Cheap Trick – All Shook Up – (remastered/reissued version). This EP was originally released on Epic Records.

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

Cheap Trick – Official Website

Album Jacket Front:

ALBUM JACKET BACK:

CHEAP TRICK ARE:

Robin Zander – lead vocals

Rick Nielsen – lead guitar

Tom Petersson – bass guitar

Bun E. Carlos – drums

LONG LIVE CHEAP TRICK!

Stone.

* Note: The word “bugaboo” was used on Metal Odyssey. Yes it was, in paragraph two of this post.

2 Comments »

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds: Happy Birthday From Metal Odyssey!

Posted in 1960's rock music, classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock and roll news, rock drummers, rock guitar legends, rock music, rock music history, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 25, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Jim McCarty – Ultra legendary Rock ‘N’ Roll drummer Jim McCarty turns a very cool 67 today, July 25th, 2010. Happy Rockin’ Birthday Jim! Jim McCarty is the original drummer for the Yardbirds and with this iconic band has played alongside such unreal guitar legends: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Chris Dreja, with equal legends in bass guitarist Paul Samwell-Smith and of course, the late vocalist Keith Relf… Rock And Roll Hall of Famers all. To get into how important and influential the Yardbirds were and still are would take many, many more words to write. (Hint: the eventual evolution of Led Zeppelin).

Besides being a drummer, Jim McCarty is also a vocalist, guitarist and composer. Jim McCarty has also released some solo albums, two examples are: Out Of The Dark (1994) and Sitting On The Top Of Time (2009). Other very well known bands Jim McCarty has played in are: Renaissance, Illusion and Box Of Frogs among others. It is pioneering Rock bands such as The Yardbirds that have paved the way for Rock ‘N’ Roll today… thank you Jim McCarty and long live Rock ‘N’ Roll!

* For more info on Jim McCarty and to learn about his diverse music career, (it is worth the Rock ‘N’ Roll knowledge), just click this link: Jim McCarty – Official Website

Long Live Jim McCarty!

Stone.

4 Comments »

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

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – Unless you have been on an extended vacation from Rock ‘N’ Roll, you should have heard of a band named KOPEK by now. This 3-piece Hard Rock Band comes from the beautiful country of Ireland, with a twist… they are redefining what Modern Hard Rock sounds like. I’ve even thrown the adjective of “special” at KOPEK, that’s how serious I am about their debut album – White Collar Lies. This KOPEK gem had it’s U.S. digital release on June 29, 2010 and a forthcoming physical release on September 14, 2010, on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Music Independent Network.

KOPEK’S three musicians; Daniel Jordan, (lead vocals & guitar), Brad Kinsella, (bass guitar) and Shane Cooney, (drums), probably should brace themselves for what’s ahead… and that’s plenty of Rock ‘N’ Roll attention this side of the Atlantic. O.k., worldwide Rock ‘N’ Roll attention too. Yes… KOPEK’S Hard Rock sound is that good, with a vibe of newness spilling out from every crevice, lending for cool accessibility that peeks in at the mainstream.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Jordan recently took a few moments from his stacked schedule to talk to Metal Odyssey about KOPEK, White Collar Lies, the new Love Is Dead video and what bands would be very cool to tour with, amongst other Rockin’ discussion. Dan’s polite demeanor and nonexistent ego will only carry KOPEK and himself to greater acceptance and respectability. Here is what Dan had to say:

Stone: How did the sound of KOPEK’S brand of Rock evolve? Was there ever a period of time for experimentation?

Dan: We’re actually experimenting more now as a band. As a three piece it can be so basic and we try new ways and new tricks to make the sound better. With our album, it’s a solid three piece base. When we were younger, we did play in different bands, with different set-ups.

Stone: I have written that KOPEK can really play like their lives depend on it. Do the three of you realize just how great White Collar Lies sounds and feels?

Dan: I suppose it has grown on us a bit, not as a product but as a finished piece of work we really feel strongly about.

Stone: It’s an amazing album and I can’t stop listening to it!

Dan: Thanks, I appreciate that!

Stone: How important to you, is the message conveyed in your song White Collar Lies?

Dan: Very important. It is something that I feel so strongly about, that it’s enough to write a song for. This song is about people at the top making bad decisions, that eventually affect us people below. A number of years ago I wrote this song. Now it’s on our album as well as the album title.

Stone: Writing the song White Collar Lies years ago and it is such a strong song today. That shows just how relevant this song’s theme is. Just watching the nightly or cable news makes me shake my head at all the corruption that is happening around me.

Dan: It goes to show nothing really changes. Your not the only country where this stuff happens, we have the same thing going on in Ireland too, it’s going on everywhere.

Stone: Floridian, besides it’s melodic up-tempo, has emotional lyrics that you resonate in such a fantastic way. What’s the influence behind Floridian?

Dan: It’s a love song, yet I don’t want to say it just that way. It can be a song for a friend. Floridian is about creating something new, to give a new kind of meaning to what you want. Floridian is about an object of desire. It’s also a need as well I suppose.

Stone: Love Is Dead is an absolute hot hit, both song and video! Did you guys get to choose the model for this music video?

Dan: It was out of our hands, although the lads did a good job!

Stone: You bet they did! (laughs)

Dan: Oh yeah! (laughs)

Stone: Did you have a good time making the video?

Dan: It was lot’s of fun! This song is so good lyrically to sing. Johann, the director, did an excellent job in creating the tattoos appearing on the nude. Love Is Dead is all about Rock ‘N’ Roll excess and is definitely a great song for us.

Stone: There really are so many songs on White Collar Lies that can be tagged as a hit single. I am blown away by Fever!

Dan: Fever has good kinds of memories for me. We went to L.A. on a self financed trip and stopped by Crazy Girls. Fever was born out of that situation, it was just a good time we had there at Crazy Girls!

Stone: Did you like L.A. itself?

Dan: Oh yeah! We like New York City as well, it’s really easier to get around there.

Stone: Coming from Ireland, how much of an influence is U2, if any at all, to KOPEK?

Dan: We were into their earlier albums, listened to Achtung Baby and Zooropa. U2 opened boundaries for younger bands and musicians in Ireland. They opened up a whole new musical ground for us too.

Stone: Does having the backing of Religion Music Group, coupled with Sony Music Independent Network, elevate your desire and confidence as a band?

Dan: KOPEK has been together for a few years now, so we do our thing regardless. There is a level of confidence we share, all the way through our career as a band. We travelled all around the world as a band beforehand. Still, it’s good to know there is money to record albums behind us. Sony, to have them on board in America is great for us.

Stone: Is a North American tour in the near future for KOPEK?

Dan: I hope so! We are very anxious to get over there to America. The crowds in America are so responsive to our music. America is the first place on our list for a tour! Our fans can keep checking the web for news on a tour, maybe in a couple of months or so we’ll know something.

Metal Odyssey Note: Click this link for your KOPEK updates: KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

Stone: What bands would you want to tour with in North America?

Dan: AC/DC! Them Crooked Vultures! Bruce Springsteen!

Stone: That’s a pretty cool and diverse list.

Dan: We listen to a little of everything.

Stone: Describe the general state of Rock ‘N’ Roll in Ireland today.

Dan: The heavier or Rocky stuff is not prominent. Indie and lighter sounding bands are on the radio.

Stone: Gee whiz.

Dan: The U.K. is where it would be at for bands that are heavier. A few bands can make it out of Ireland but it’s not many and not easy.

Stone: If you could pick a guest musician for the second KOPEK album, who would it be and why?

Dan: Jimmy Page. I love the work he does on guitar and his knowledge of music. To me, there is no one else like him. Led Zeppelin is a huge influence on KOPEK’S sound as a three piece.

Stone: Thanks Dan for sharing your time and thoughts. Good luck to KOPEK on your new album! Tell Brad and Shane, Stone says hey.

Stone.

1 Comment »

SLAUGHTER – ROCKS HARD ON “EXTENDED VERSIONS” LIVE CD

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

SLAUGHTER – If your looking for a live CD of Slaughter, that is priced right, then this Extended Versions is choice. The liner notes do not reveal where or when these songs were recorded, just that they were recorded live. The compilation date on the back of this CD is 2002. Regardless, at the onset before the opening song, Mad About You, you can hear Mark Slaughter shouting out – “home sweet home, Las Vegas Nevada”! So, at least you know the city where Mad About You was recorded live.

There are those subtle breaks between the songs that obviously tells me this is not a complete/uninterrupted concert recording. Instead, this Extended Versions plays out as a compilation of live recordings. It really makes no difference to me if this is not a complete concert recording. Plus, it is noted on the back cover of this CD: this CD contains previously released recordings. The inside cover of the CD sleeve reads: all tracks 1998. (The 1998 live Slaughter album – Eternal Live, really comes to mind here and Las Vegas & Mexico were the live locations). The overall sound quality is excellent and the song selection is fantastic on this Slaughter – Extended Versions CD.

Having Mad About You as the opening song is a thrill to me, as it is one of my favorite songs from Slaughter. Mad About You just Rocks steady from beginning to end, making for a perfect pump-you-up song to get this live listen started. Up All Night is the fourth song, it’s always been just an amazing Hard Rocking anthem for me. Slaughter doesn’t disappoint with this live version of Up All Night, making it a true highlight of this Extended Versions CD.

An abbreviated and acoustic version of Spend My Life is included in the song selection. I have seen Slaughter perform an all live, acoustic set back in the early 90’s and it was extremely cool. To hear Spend My Life in it’s acoustic entirety would be even better. Despite the shortened version, it’s still a cool listen to hear Mark Slaughter prod the crowd into a sing along with this song’s chorus.

Wild Life is brought to live Hard Rock glory and is a standout listen. Don’t be surprised if you are to repeatedly play Wild Life… very loud, as it should be heard. An excellent, excellent, Slaughter song is Real Love and it is live and kickin’ on this CD. On this heavy ballad, Mark Slaughter sings his heart out. Rock The World has Slaughter Rockin’ on all heavy cylinders, with all the potency I like to hear in a live song such as this. If Rock The World can’t motivate your day, then take two healthy dumps and don’t call me in the morning because your probably constipated.

Throughout each song heard on this live Slaughter CD, I will readily admit that Mark Slaughter’s vocals sound very, very, good. Vintage good. I can’t imagine any Slaughter fan walking away disappointed, after listening to this live CD. Slaughter – Extended Versions I strongly recommend to all Slaughter and Hard Rock fans the world over. Fans of 1980’s and early 1990’s Hair Metal should be pleased by this Slaughter CD too. Slaughter – Extended Versions is readily available wherever CD’s are sold, in both used and new condition. I’ve seen this CD out there and a new copy should set you back no more than $5 or $6 (U.S.), at the most.

* Slaughter – Extended Versions was released on BMG Special Products.

Track Listing For Slaughter – Extended Versions:

Mad About You

Fly To The Angels

Move To The Music

Up All Night

Spend My Life

Wildlife

Real Love

Rock The World

Shout It Out

Dance For Me

SLAUGHTER – (Original Lineup) – From left to right: Dana Strum, bass guitarist * Mark Slaughter, vocalist & guitarist * the late Tim Kelly, guitarist * Blas Elias, drummer

Long Live Slaughter Rock ‘N’ Roll!

Stone.

2 Comments »

BRET MICHAELS “CUSTOM BUILT” – MAKES FOR A DIVERSE ROCKIN’ LISTEN

Posted in country music, country rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock album reviews, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BRET MICHAELS – Bret Michaels did not leave us… thank you God and all the Rock ‘N’ Roll angels for that. Now, Bret Michaels has his brand new solo album Custom Built out, released on July 6, 2010, on Poor Boy Records Inc. and it is built on Rock ‘N’ Roll diversity. Anyone expecting a full-throttle Hard Rock album should prepare for a little bit o’ Country, a little bit o’ Club Mix and some acoustic music from Bret Michaels on Custom Built. Not to worry though… there are a couple of decent Hard Rock moments on this new Bret Michaels album too. Just because Bret Michaels wants to exhibit his fondness for some other music genres shouldn’t make this Custom Built album any less desirable for fans of Bret, Poison and good ol’ Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Am I thrilled by the Club Mix of “Go That Far”? (Club Mix by Jason Miller of Godhead). Nope. Not a chance. It’s not my cup o’ Rockin’ tea. With that said, it grooves enough for someone to dance to, wiggle to, or whatever to. At this point in Bret Michaels life, I feel he can basically do whatever he damn well feels like with his music anyways. You only live once. Plus, there are probably gonna be hordes of fans that will dig “Go That Far”. Just because I don’t dig it, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.

Open Road is a Country Rock song to relish however. Bret Michaels can really sing Country. He sings Country like it’s his second nature and I’m buying into it. “Open Road” has some classic Country lyrics to go along with it too… it’s upbeat in both it’s music and lyrics. “Rock’n My Country” is… you guessed it. Country! Hey, if I am to see Bret Michaels live someday and he sings this song, I’m gonna be doin’ my sneaker kickin’ (or is that boot kickin’?) stomp with one hand held high. My other hand shall have a cold one in it. Maybe two cold ones. A fun Country Rock song is “Rock’n My Country”.

“Nothing To Lose (Bret Only Demo)” is an acoustic gem. What a cool and mellow listen this song is. Lyrically moving and yes, inspirational. Is it a kleenex song? Maybe… only I’m too damn tough for that. Excuse me please… while I blow my nose and wipe my eyes now. Yes, yes, yes… the duet version of “Nothing To Lose” with Miley Cyrus is on this album too. Hey, it’s a good song and that’s what writing and playing good music is all about. Plus, Miley Cyrus has come of age in doing this song with Brett Michaels… in my Metal opinion. No, no, no… my eyes are not welling up. Stop it… and leave me alone. Gee whiz. Someone pass me a damn beer. Um, please.

I’d Die For You is a raw and downright non-commercial song that Rocks. It’s the last song on Custom Built and ends this album on a pretty Hard Rockin’ note. Plus, Bret Michaels sounds pretty bad ass singing this song too. Riding Against The Wind is the album opener and it falls somewhere between Hard Rock and Hard Rock Country. It’s a song that lyrically flirts with some patriotism and flourishes with undeniable emotion and reflection. Yes, this song I would raise the horns in the air to with Rockin’ glee.

Lie To Me is the bona fide Hard Rock song on “Custom Built”. Hell yeah… this song is a heavy hitter. Bret Michaels made the right move in adding this song to the mix… plus a psyche-you-out mini guitar solo doesn’t hurt “Lie To Me” either. “Wasted Time” is a Hard Rock song that wastes no time in grabbing my attention. This Rocker leans more towards being a tough Power Ballad, as it sounds semi-raw with Bret Michaels adding a sandpapered tone to his vocals, to enhance it’s overall heavy appeal.

My recommendation is buy “Custom Built”, listen to the songs on it and celebrate a musician who loves music. This is an album of songs, regardless if I don’t happen to like any Club Mix or not, it’s a song too… a song for someone else. Bret Michaels isn’t going anywhere anytime soon… there is just too much Rock ‘N’ Roll, Hard Rock and Country in his veins and “Custom Built” proves it.

Track Listing For Bret Michaels – Custom Built:

Riding Against The Wind

Lie To Me

Nothing To Lose (Featuring Miley Cyrus)

Wasted Time

What I Got

Every Rose (Country version featuring Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down, Chris Cagle, Mark Wills)

Go That Far (Club Mix by Jason Miller of Godhead)

Driven (Rock Mix)

Open Road

Rock’n My Country

Nothing To Lose (Bret only demo)

I’d Die For You

Long Live Bret Michaels! Only… the Club Mix has to go.

Stone.

8 Comments »

URIAH HEEP “HEAD FIRST” – 1983 HARD ROCKIN’ ALBUM FLASHBACK

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock guitarists, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 5, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

URIAH HEEP – Back in 1983, Uriah Heep released their 15th studio album – Head First. Granted, this was not the original Classic Rock lineup of Uriah Heep. The sound and style of Uriah Heep had changed considerably as the ’70’s came to a close and the colorful ’80’s came reeling in. With the 1982 Uriah Heep album – Abominog ushering in a new lead vocalist in Peter Goalby, Head First would be the second of three albums that this vocalist would be fronting. (Equator from 1985 would be the third and last Uriah Heep album featuring Peter Goalby as lead vocalist). For comparison purposes, the class of Rock/Hard Rock vocalists that best fits alongside Peter Goalby are: Lou Gramm, (Foreigner), Kelly Hansen, (Foreigner/Hurricane) and Brian Howe, (Bad Company/Ted Nugent), to name just a few.

I consider Head First, to be a Hard Rock swirling with early ’80’s commercial Heavy Metal album. Head First is AOR for certain and is not lacking with melodic Rockin’ songs. This is not a blockbuster of a heavy album by any means. Instead, Head First is an album of songs that gives off some cool vibes… vibes that I still find appealing after all these years. My favorite song on this album is hands-down: The Other Side Of Midnight. When I first heard this song played on FM back in ’83, I was hooked. This song is very much a psyche-you-out listen, with it’s up-tempo and melodic Hard Rock sound.

In 1983, I was a junior trying to survive in High School and working part-time as a grocery store bagger and shopping cart gopher. The supermarket I worked at was named Finest… only there was nothing very fine about it. One cool aspect about working for this dingy and depressing supermarket was it’s next door neighbor store… Bradlees. This department store had a semi-impressive records & tapes department, so I used to spend most of my $20 – $30 paycheck there on music. I bought this Head First album there… only I don’t have it on vinyl anymore. (itunes cured my hankering for this album though).

Stay On Top and Sweet Talk are two other extremely melodic and accessible songs that probably made it to the FM airwaves way back then. I just can’t say for certain. Stay On Top is “kinda like” an anthem represented on Head First. This song has a bit of toughness about it… early ’80’s Heavy Rock toughness that is. Sweet Talk is dominated by the keyboards played by John Sinclair. It’s the keys that really makes Sweet Talk elevate with it’s pumped-up tempo and mood. During his musical career, John Sinclair was also the keyboardist for The Babys and Ozzy Osbourne.

Bob Daisley plays bass on Head First and is most famous for his Rock ‘N’ Roll stints with Rainbow and Ozzy Osbourne. Longtime Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake was on board for Head First. Lee Kerslake was also the drummer for Ozzy Osbourne’s 1980 debut album – Blizzard Of Ozz and  1981’s Diary Of A Madman.

Lonely Nights is the Bryan Adams cover song that Uriah Heep plays a bit heavier than the original. Not by much though. Lonely Nights is from the Bryan Adams 1981 sophomore release titled – You Want It You Got It. Both the Bryan Adams and Uriah Heep version of this song just screams with that early ’80’s Rock sound, feel and… may I add vibe? No, no, no… I HATE the word “dated”. It makes ME feel… um, uh… old. Regardless of my rhetorical nonsense here, Lonely Nights is undisputedly a very emotional and  inspirational song, in my Metal opinion.

If there has ever been that #1 constant with Uriah Heep, since day one, it is lead guitarist Mick Box. A founding/original member of Uriah Heep, Mick Box seems to have quietly become a Rock legend in his own much deserving right. Ever since the 1970 Uriah Heep debut album – Very ‘eavy… Very ‘umble, Mick Box has been on lead guitar. Fast forward to 2008 and Uriah Heep have released their 21st studio album – Wake The Sleeper. Uriah Heep is still Rockin’ the lights out live in 2010 from what I have read and been told… a Rock historic band that I would love to see live sometime soon. Then, I could boast that I have seen Mick Box play guitar… in real time.

Classic Rock, 1980’s mainstream Heavy Metal & Hard Rock, Melodic Rock, Progressive Rock and AOR fans should take a keen liking to Head First from Uriah Heep. This is a band that stretches across quite a few Rock genres, both past and present.

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

URIAH HEEP – THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

URIAH HEEP – MySpace Music Page

Uriah Heep, as they appeared on the Head First studio album:

Peter Goalby – lead vocals

Mick Box – guitar

John Sinclair – keyboards & backing vocals

Bob Daisley – bass

Lee Kerslake – drums, percussion

Original Track Listing For Uriah Heep – Head First:

The Other Side Of Midnight

Stay On Top

Lonely Nights

Sweet Talk

Love Is Blind

Roll-Overture

Red Lights

Rollin’ The Rock

Straight Through The Heart

Weekend Warriors

LONG LIVE URIAH HEEP!

40 years of Uriah Heep Rock ‘N’ Roll is something to celebrate.

Stone.

3 Comments »

4th Of July 2010 – Some Rock ‘N’ Roll Songs To Celebrate Independence Day!

Posted in american holidays, classic rock, classic rock music, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs, holidays, metal odyssey, Music, patriotic music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

MANOWAR – Warriors Of  The World (2002)

July 4th, 2010 – Independence Day: Happy Birthday U.S.A.! On July 4th, 1776, The United States of America declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, adopting the Declaration of Independence. What better way to celebrate July 4th, by listening to some patriotic Rock ‘N’ Roll songs that embody the spirit of America? Plus, I make no apologies to all of the Hollywood deadpans and political deadbeats that will be most offended by celebrating America, through song, on the 4th of July. For the rest of us Patriotic Americans out there… enjoy this list of songs that you might just crank up LOUD on this July 4th holiday!

Bruce Springsteen – Born In The U.S.A. (1984)

Grand Funk Railroad – We’re An American Band (1973)

The Charlie Daniels Band – In America (1980)

James Brown – Living In America (1985)

Helix – The Kids Are All Shakin’ (1985)

Kansas – Song For America (1975)

Billy Joel – Allentown (1982)

Ace Frehley – New York Groove (1978)

W.A.S.P. – Blind In Texas (1985)

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Stone.

5 Comments »

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

Posted in alternative rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, modern rock music, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 28, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KOPEK – Each era seems to have one, two or maybe three “new” Rock bands that illuminate with an unexpected specialness. Dublin Ireland’s Rockin’ trio named Kopek is special to my ears. It is 2010, and a whole new era of Rock ‘N’ Roll has just begun. Sure, my ears may have some Rock ‘N’ Roll mileage on them, only what I hear in the music from Kopek is Modern Rock that isn’t just shunning that dreadful and uninvited guest named the “status quo”… Kopek has obliterated it with their debut album – White Collar Lies.

The lyrics, song writing, musicianship and Modern Rock angst I hear on White Collar Lies, all points to the direction of Kopek one day becoming bigger than they could ever dream of being. As long as Kopek does not lose sight of keeping their music’s intentional and unintentional sound, feel and message within the parameters of soul and passion, all the while saturating it with pulsating modernism, they may very well be an iconic example of Rock influence in 2020. A momentary sigh of relief came upon me, after my very first listen through of White Collar Lies… there just isn’t any Pop accessibility happening in the music of Kopek. Thank God.

Certainly, the first single from White Collar Lies, Love Is Dead, most credibly will garner enough mainstream attention without a doubt. Once anyone unfamiliar with Kopek listens to Love Is Dead, they shall forever and always know who Kopek is. A personal and emotional Mod Rock march to psyche-out madness, may very well erupt in the streets, if Love Is Dead was played loud upon a giant metropolis. That would probably be a sight to see and doesn’t sound too far fetched, especially once Love Is Dead begins it’s Rockin’ and groovy Modern takeover of your soul.

If I was in charge of handing down the “first single” from White Collar Lies, it would be Cocaine Chest Pains. This opening track on Kopek’s debut not just establishes them as a refreshing and viable Mod Rock Band, this song let’s it be known that Kopek can Rock quite Hard. The song – White Collar Lies is a show stopper in and of itself. The lyrics are applaudable, with Kopek putting a spotlight of despicable shame on corporate greed and selfishness. Kopek plays music that makes me feel like I’m supposed to stand up and be counted, with a seasoned attitude of musicianship radiating from every note, from every song.

It is not difficult to find myself doing a semi-headbang to the Mod Rock of Kopek. Fever is a song that makes my Metalhead soul peek out the cracks and wonder what the hell is going on. Fever should, with it’s melodic foot stomping and Hard Rock influenced edginess, be another single embraced by the whole darn world too. Floridian is the up-tempo ballad that is highlighted by it’s ability to be melodic beyond belief. Inspiring melodies and just brazenly memorable is Floridian, making for guess what? Another potential single from this ultra-dynamic debut album called White Collar Lies.

The trio of Kopek play their instruments so well, it is almost too easy to succumb to, while letting my mind wander off to the lyrics, energy, spirit and mood that Kopek has created throughout White Collar Lies. In the end, the music on White Collar Lies… albeit Modern Rock dominate, still has flashes of Alternative, Rock and at times Hard Rock influences, dictating from beginning to end, that Kopek really can play like their lives depend on it. Lead vocalist Daniel Jordan may very well carry you off, into an excitingly edgy and engagingly powerful world of listening delight. There is a confident streak in Daniel’s vocals, that exhibits the strength in Kopek’s songs.

Kopek laid out their path of music for my ears to journey on, little did I know of the unexpected Rock ‘N’ Roll finds I would encounter along the way while listening to White Collar Lies. Let the uniqueness of Kopek’s Mod Rock blended with Hard edged crunchiness take your ears for a much overdue surprise of Rock newness. Believe me, once you’ve listened to White Collar Lies for yourself, you might very well be thinking this band is special as well.

* Just click on that groovy video box below, to watch and hear just how insanely cool the Kopek song – Love Is Dead from White Collar Lies is. Plus, this Kopek music video comes with Stone’s stamp of Rock ‘N’ Roll approval! Enjoy!

KOPEK ARE:

Daniel Jordan – lead vocals & guitar

Brad Kinsella – bass guitar

Shane Cooney – drums

Track Listing For KOPEK – 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

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

KOPEK – MySpace Music Page

* KOPEK – White Collar Lies – will have it’s U.S. release, digitally, on June 29, 2010. The physical release for White Collar Lies will be on September 14, 2010. Both digital and physical releases are on Religion Music via SIN/Sony Music Independent Network.

* White Collar Lies was produced by Glenn Herlihy and mixed by Tom Lord-Alge.

Stone.

15 Comments »

NELSON – A ROCKIN’ CLASS ACT AT THE 2010 M3 ROCK FESTIVAL

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, concerts, hair metal music, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 24, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NELSON – Ricky Nelson was a 1950’s Rock ‘N’ Roll – Pop sensation that reached #1 in 1957 with his debut album aptly titled – Ricky, on Imperial Records. Up until his untimely death in 1985, Ricky Nelson was without doubt, a successful Rock ‘N’ Roll singer and songwriter. I can remember spinning the 45 rpm of Ricky Nelson’s 1972 hit – Garden Party, when I was just a little kid. This 45 rpm was my late Mother’s and she let me listen to it unconditionally. For me, listening to Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers records as a little kid came long before I knew of KISS or Cheap Trick.

I’m old enough, (trust me), to remember watching and enjoying the re-runs of – The Adventures Of Ozzie And Harriet, after school. This was a light-hearted and innocent comedy series that starred Ricky Nelson, alongside his Mother, Harriet and his Father, Ozzie. Ricky Nelson was just a young boy when this show hit television in 1952, coming to a series end in 1966. Ricky’s older brother, David, also starred in this same television series. Black & white television ruled my house when I was a kid. Seeing re-runs in black & white made no difference to me then, nor does it make a difference to me now.

Whenever Ricky Nelson was on a television variety show performing back in the ’70’s, I would know. My mother would let it be known to all he was on. (The same thing would happen whenever Tom Jones or Jim Morrison and The Doors were on t.v. too). Memories… even if they are about television stars and early ’70’s flashbacks, the cool thing about it is these guys I’ve mentioned were/are about music and Rock Music history. Music always seemed to bring me and my family together while growing up as a kid, it excited us and made us feel happy.

Fast forward to the 2010 M3 Rock Festival… Ricky Nelson, Ozzie and Harriet would be proud. Ricky Nelson’s twin sons and Ozzie and Harriet’s grandsons known as Nelson, performed at the M3 Rock Festival, in Columbia, Maryland, with the upmost Rockin’ class. And I’m not foolin’ around when I say that.

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson can play Rock and Hard Rock with the best of them. Why do I state this? Nelson played alongside bands such as KIX, Winger, Cinderella, Vince Neil and the ultra iconic Scorpions at this M3 Rock Festival. Throw in the Metal fact, that Mark Slaughter, (of Slaughter fame), played guitar onstage, right alongside of Nelson at M3 and I’m not talking smack. Mark Slaughter has joined Nelson on their 20th Anniversary Tour. I have always and forever will be enamored by the vocals and music of Mark Slaughter.

Nelson put on one cool, feel-good, Rock ‘N’ Roll set. Matthew and Gunnar played many of their career’s best songs, making each one as melodically contagious as the other to my ears. Actually, Nelson could have easily played for another two hours and I would have gleefully stood in the thick, sticky and humid air to watch them. (Just as long as their set wouldn’t overlap the Scorpions, of course).

As I stood at M3, watching Nelson perform their set, I realized just how important Rock ‘N’ Roll roots truly are. Nelson is a third generation of musicians from their family. This is quite impressive, when you stop to think of how difficult it is to grasp success and hold onto it in the Rock Music world.

I’ve never claimed to be a wizard at taking live concert photos. Nonetheless, here is a photo I took of Mark Slaughter, while performing onstage (second stage) with Nelson at M3 2010. Mark Slaughter is on the far left with the yellow shirt.

Here is another photo (below) of Mark Slaughter onstage to the far left, alongside Nelson. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are seen in the center of stage.

When Nelson released their debut album, After The Rain, back in 1990 on Geffen Records, they were an MTV gold mine of musical talent, looks and personality. Twenty years later, Nelson is still Rockin’ out their songs, albeit with much shorter hair. If success in music is measured in the number of albums you sell or how often you walk the plastic red carpet in Hollywood, then so be it to the corporate money hounds. My idea of success is still being able to play your songs, better than ever, twenty years after the fact, with a blue collar touring ethic that Nelson bestows. Throw in the fact that I witnessed a patriotic and genuine band, that were conscientious of our U.S. troops abroad, making a point to dedicate their music to them on stage… at M3. Kudos to you, Nelson.

Nelson welcomed the fans to join them at the merchandise booth, upon completion of their set, extending an invitation to their fans, to shake hands and sign autographs at the merch booth. Kudos to you, Nelson, once again. Oh, yes… I did take advantage of the meet & greet invitation from Nelson. Not only were Matthew and Gunnar gracious about shaking hands and having their photo taken with me, (and with many, many other fans as well), they also happily signed the liner notes to their “Greatest Hits & Rarities” CD I purchased at the merch table. The photo Scott Coverdale took of me and Nelson below proves that Nelson is permanently in the  Metal Odyssey camp.

Nelson looks like they could go another couple of sets here. I think I look a tad worn at this point, needless to say, I kept on Rockin’ and downin’ the cold brews. Metal be thy name. Yup.

I connected the dots by tracing the Nelson Rock ‘N’ Roll family tree at the beginning of this post for good reason. To hopefully let visitors to Metal Odyssey know, in abbreviated form, a musical background of where Matthew and Gunnar Nelson came from. It’s all relevant, the Nelson family television and music history. These two Rock ‘N’ Roll twins are musicians, that have honed their craft at delivering some very cool Rock and Hard Rock albums over the last twenty years. With their dedication to the music they play, as well as their thankfulness to their fans, while honoring our U.S. troops abroad on stage, only makes me say once again…

A ROCKIN’ CLASS ACT IS NELSON.

* For more info on Nelson, just click this link below:

NELSON KICKS ASS.COM – OFFICIAL WEBSITE!

Without the “Roots of Rock ‘N’ Roll” the M3 Rock Festival would never exist.

Stone.

12 Comments »

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 PART I: THE STATE OF HEAVY MUSIC ACCORDING TO STONE

Posted in concerts, hair metal music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal concerts, heavy metal festivals, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock festivals, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 21, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

M3 ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 – As I was a part of the many thousands of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans at this year’s M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland this past Saturday, I came upon a realization… that Heavy Music is alive and very F’n well in 2010. Fans from teens to Old School Metalheads were in attendance at this Heavy Music event and they were not at all bashful at letting their excitement be seen or heard. The excitement for music that moves them, grooves them and makes them all feel like one gigantic and united family. Music, regardless of genre, should and most often does, ignite and bring out the emotions in all of us. How thrilling and satisfying it was, to witness thousands of Heavy Music fans at the M3 Rock Festival, celebrating together, (very peacefully too I might add), some of the greatest songs and bands that time has not forgotten.

We are a rowdy and straight forward bunch, us Heavy Music fans. Yet our rowdiness comes with jubilant horns raised in the air, a handshake, a high five or a slap on the back to our fellow fan. While I was amongst the massive M3 Rock Festival crowd on June 19th, I shared stories, anecdotes and countless quips with what I thought were strangers. After a couple of days have passed since this memorable day in my Metal life, I’ve come to the realization… that these strangers were never really strangers at all. They were passionate and loyal Heavy Music fans, just like myself. We were all family on June 19th, at the M3 Rock Festival. A proud, loud, loyal and raucous family at that.

We all live during a time of war, economic instability and political mud slinging that engulfs the headline news each and every moment. For one day, thousands of Heavy Music fans along with more than a dozen bands and countless vendors, created a world where politicians could never bullshit with or dare enter without running away with their heads caught between their legs. A world where spending eight dollars on a cold beer brought a smile to my face. A world where thousands of us could escape to, away from the crap that our cable network news shoves down our throats continuously. A world where us Heavy Music fans proved once again to society, we did not come to conquer, burn and pillage a community that accepted us in. God Bless the world of Heavy Music and Columbia, Maryland.

As days, weeks and years shall go by, I’ll never forget this 2010 M3 Rock Festival. I shall never forget the bands I Rocked to, the evil humidity that enveloped the air, the beer that went down like candy water and my fellow Heavy Music fans as well. I was truly in my element at the 2010 M3 Rock Festival and so too were thousands of other fellow fans. The state of Heavy Music has never been more defiant, loud and resilient… the 2010 M3 Rock Festival proved this to me, both bands and fans. We are really one big happy and Heavy Music lovin’ family. Metal be thy name.

I will be writing a series of posts that feature this 2010 M3 Rock Festival in the days and most likely, weeks to come. There are many stories to still tell, from the bands to the vendors that made this day ROCK… for me.

STONE.

4 Comments »

ROCK MUSIC VINYL FLASHBACK: ALICE COOPER – “YOU AND ME” 45 RPM FROM 1977

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 20, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

ALICE COOPER –  While on one of my “usual” Rock ‘N’ Roll and Heavy Metal hunts, I found and purchased this vintage Alice Cooper 45 rpm of You And Me, released on Warner Bros. Records back in 1977. The above photo is the 45 rpm sleeve, while the photos below is the 45 rpm, (these are photos of the actual 45 rpm that I bought). The B Side of this 45 rpm is the song – It’s Hot Tonight. Both of these songs are from the Alice Cooper album – Lace And Whiskey, released back in 1977 on Warner Bros. Records. The asking price, for this piece of Alice Cooper vinyl history, set me back a whopping $1 in U.S. funds. Whoa.

This 45 rpm plays very well on my turntable, while the condition of the record sleeve is in very fine condition as well. An ultra worthy addition to my Alice Cooper collection for certain. This is Rock history, Alice Cooper history.

Both songs on this 45 rpm are classics, with You And Me being a mellow and acoustic ballad, while It’s Hot Tonight being the Hard Rock album opener to Lace And Whisky. The photo of Alice Cooper on the record sleeve above, is not the “usual” image of this Rock Horror living legend. I feel that is what makes this record sleeve so classic, that a more laid back Alice Cooper is shown. The song You And Me coupled with this photo of Alice Cooper, only proves there has always been more to this Rock Music icon than just full blown Hard Rock and Horror… in my Metal opinion.

* The producer for this Alice Cooper 45 rpm and the Lace And Whiskey album was the legendary Bob Ezrin.

* Alice Cooper performed You And Me on a 1978 episode of The Muppet Show.

Here is the A Side – You And Me:

Here is the B Side – It’s Hot Tonight:

Here is what the album cover looks like for Lace And Whisky:

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

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KISS – FIGURINES BOX SET I ADDED TO MY KISS COLLECTION!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KISS – It was a cold, dark and dank night this past Winter, when the family and I realized we had a very low supply of food and necessities to keep us alive. So, when a family of four knows they need  the essentials to keep the cupboards and fridge stocked… a grocery store trip soon follows. Hello, Super Walmart. We took our sweet time inspecting and deliberating our vast grocery choices that Winter’s night. And why not? Once in awhile in life, a family of four has to stop to smell the groceries… you know?

Our grocery shopping experience was drawing to a close as we positioned ourselves and shopping cart into a check-out line, when all of a sudden, I hear my two daughters exclaim… KISS! Well, that word is Metal Music to my ears. Knowing that Walmart had some KISS merchandise hidden about the Super Store only made me all the more Metal giddy. My head turned to my daughters, then I saw my wonderful wife holding the most gorgeous KISS surprise! Check out the pics below… this is what the KISS figurine box set that I own looks like, both front and back!

Front:

The front of this box shows graphics that are slightly different from other retail store chains that carried this KISS “Super Stars” box set. This KISS box set was released in late 2009, when the KISS album Sonic Boom hit the shelves at Walmart. (I still have to take the price sticker off, located at the top right corner on box front).

Back:

(Photo’s and cropping of these KISS images were done by my graphic design guru wife and I thank her with a million Metal hugs!)

Apparently, when I had my head turned, my wife went into the trading card aisle of this Super Walmart… that is where this unreal cool KISS figurine box set was hiding. The price you might ponder? $20 (U.S.) is what it cost for a terrific piece of KISSTORY. If anyone thinks that is too pricey for this KISS gem, just think about the billions of dollars that BP is throwing away each day in the Gulf Coast. An alarming Metal perspective it is… a real Metal reality check I might add too.

Well, enough with BP… on with my KISS figurine story. I had a smile on my face like the Chesire Cat as I gazed at this KISS memorabilia. Guiding it from my wife’s hands onto the check-out conveyor was crucial… this was one item that could not be plopped down on top of the frozen foods. As this KISS box set made it’s way down the conveyor, I made certain no other item banged into it. Now, the next crucial step was getting it past the cashier’s hands without there being a mishap. The cashier that Winter’s evening was courteous and diligent in her handling of my KISS bounty. She deftly placed this KISS box set into it’s very own Walmart shopping bag too. Score!

With our shopping cart very much filled, (again, we really needed a major grocery order), I made certain that the bag containing my KISS booty was delicately placed on top of all the other bags. As we made our way out of this Super Walmart, concern quickly came over me… is it snowing? Could there be, (gasp), freezing rain? The last thing I needed was inclement weather descending upon my KISS box set, regardless if a paper-thin, plastic shopping bag was covering it. As we approached the exit doors, I noticed there was some very minor precipitation falling from the Winter sky… a very light snow. It was not enough however, to cause any Metal alarm or damage to my new found KISS item.

Placement of the bag, that contained this KISS box set, within the car’s trunk was critical. I could not afford another shopping bag the opportunity to fall or even lean against the KISS box set. No Metal way. My Metal mission was accomplished… the drive home proved a success with no bags moving about in the car’s trunk! Getting my new piece of KISSTORY into the house was now a piece of Metal cake. All of my corn dog worrying about transporting this KISS item from my beautiful wife’s hands at Super Walmart to our house was over. Phew. I have this KISS figurine box set on display now… in my Rock ‘N’ Roll room of course.

I truly thank my wife and daughters for scoping out KISS memorabilia at Super Walmart that Winter’s night… they are the heart, soul and light of my life.

LONG LIVE KISS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

10 Comments »

GARY MOORE “AFTER THE WAR” – A HARD ROCKIN’ & HEAVY HITTING GEM FROM 1989

Posted in hard rock albums, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 6, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

GARY MOORE – With twenty studio albums and five live albums to his legendary music credit, Gary Moore has played it all. From Rock to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal to Blues, Gary Moore’s name is synonymous with guitar icon. One of my favorite Gary Moore albums is After The War, which was released back on January 25, 1989 on Virgin Records. After The War is a Hard Rock album and can be easily considered Heavy Metal, due to Gary Moore’s guitar style that he so effortlessly displays. I have always been enamored by Gary Moore’s guitar and his vocals, both are showcased in a grand way on After The War.

Anytime I listen to After The War, it is like turning the key on the ignition and letting these songs take me for a terrific Hard Rockin’ ride. Never does Gary Moore ever lose me while he plays guitar. He is just one of those elite musicians that can make his guitar sing with emotion. In my Metal opinion, Gary Moore has that unique, unintended ability to have me listen more to his guitar playing than his vocals. That is not an insult, it is a significant reality that occurs to my ears and Gary Moore can sing with the best of them.

* As I continue on reviewing After The War, please bear in mind it is the cassette release from 1989 that I am referring to. This is the only version I have owned all of these years. Any regular visitor to Metal Odyssey knows of my never fading fondness for the cassette. I’ve taken care of my cassettes over the years and they have taken care of me. Metal be thy name.

The song opener After The War, is melodic filled, with strong vocals, backing vocals and guitar licks aplenty from Gary Moore. Keyboards play an important atmospheric role throughout this song and entire album, courtesy of Andy Richards and Don Airey. Speak For Yourself is a Heavy Metal song that is standout. Gary Moore makes it all the more Heavy with a mid-song solo that scorches. A fast tempo and loaded with attitude from Gary Moore’s vocals, Speak For Yourself just has that extra crunch I like to hear.

Livin’ On Dreams is yet another standout song, and there are quite a few like this on After The War. Very harmonious backing vocals that compliment Gary Moore’s more spirited vocals are what makes Livin’ On Dreams come across as inspiring. A melodic, Hard Rock listen that is an Old School treat, due to it’s sing-a-long vibe. The Messiah Will Come Again is an instrumental that proves why Gary Moore plays from his heart and Rock ‘N’ Roll soul. The tonal emotion that spills over from his guitar playing, has me staring into space in sheer Metal wonderment, each and every time I listen to this song over the years. With Gary Moore’s touch and feel for the Blues, The Messiah Will Come Again needs to be heard by any and every guitar aficionado the world over.

The accompaniment of musicians that surround Gary Moore on After The War is top tier talent. Step in, Ozzy Osbourne please. On Led Clones, Ozzy is the lead vocalist and he sounds vintage and great. Led Clones is saturated with keyboards, written in such a manner where these keyboards are an audible necessity. The programming of strings and utilizing them in Led Clones really accentuates this song’s subjectivity. This song is about the many bands back in the 1980’s that tried to “copycat” the sound and brilliance of the legendary Led Zeppelin.

Running From The Storm is an excellent song, with it’s pent up heaviness and deliriously melodic sound. It’s as if each musician assembled here brought their A game to this song. Gary Moore just embellishes Running From The Storm with his trademark leads and a potent solo for good measure. Ready For Love is the commercial/mainstream Hard Rocker that makes me feel F’n damn good from head to F’n toe. If Gary Moore’s vocals and guitar doesn’t grab you on this flavorful song, then something is dreadfully wrong. The rhythm section is tight and grooves, keeping the  tempo consistently upbeat and steady. Ready For Love is very relevant to what 2010 Hard Rock and mainstream Heavy Metal is about. What am I saying… this entire After The War album is extremely relevant to the now.

* Check out the music video below – Ready For Love, from 1989! Crank it up LOUD!!

The Musicians On After The War:

Gary Moore – lead vocals & guitar

Andy Richards – keyboards/Fairlight Programming

Don Airey – keyboards

Simon Phillips – drums

Charlie Morgan – drums

Steve Piggot – sequencer bass

Laurence Cottle – Wal Bass

Andrew Eldritch, Chris Thompson, Sam Brown, Miriam Stockley – backing vocals

* Ozzy Osbourne contributes backing vocals on Speak For Yourself.

* Metal Odyssey note: the track listing below is for the cassette release from 1989.

Track Listing For After The War:

Side One:

After The War

Speak For Yourself

Livin’ On Dreams

Led Clones

The Messiah Will Come Again

Side Two:

Running From The Storm

This Thing Called Love

Ready For Love

Blood Of Emeralds

Dunluce

LONG LIVE GARY MOORE & HIS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

11 Comments »

ALICE COOPER “LIVE AT TORONTO” – INDIE LABEL CD FOR DIEHARD FANS ONLY

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

Here is an offbeat Alice Cooper CD I found while moseying around a flea market in Quakertown, Pennsylvania recently – Live At Toronto. The exact year this Toronto concert was recorded is a Metal mystery to me, the info just does not exist within the liner notes… for there are no liner notes with this CD! The back of this CD does show the track listing, the usual record company info and a photo credit. Classic Sound, Inc. is the record company/distributor and the front cover photo of Alice Cooper is dated – 1993. I’ve seen this same CD available at Amazon.com, with sellers listing the starting price as low as 2 cents! (Must be Ebay sellers). As you shall read further, this Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD is for diehard fans only… for those fans who absolutely, must have every album/CD title out there, of this ultra Rock legend.

With no real liner notes, it is not definite as to who the musicians are backing up Alice Cooper. I would not want to make any guesses without having credible information regarding who exactly played on stage, with Alice Cooper for this recording. My Metal research has turned up nothing, in regards to this CD, other than the “basic” info that I am mentioning in this post. The overall sound quality of Live At Toronto is not going to blow anyone away… it does not impress me at all. The song selection does not contain Alice Cooper’s standout hits, nor even any standout deep album cuts from the Alice Cooper catalog. Listening to Live At Toronto gives my ears the impression that this was a concert in a smaller venue, not an Arena.

It’s really a shame, this live CD could be quite a vintage and Rock solid listen, if only some qualified sound engineer did some tweaking where necessary. There are many moments throughout, where I swear I’m listening to a 45 rpm being played as a 33 1/3 rpm… no kidding. Classic Rock should never be recorded to sound so old. I’ll say this many times though… this is NOT the great Alice Cooper’s fault. Alice Cooper cannot be held accountable for some indie label messing up with one of his concert recording’s and trying to cash in on his legendary and  Classic Rock.

There is a silent break between each song, so the continuity of the “live” concert experience is non-existent. Alice Cooper is not caught live talking it up to the crowd, nor are there any memorable moments that would make me want to recommend this CD to new fans of Alice Cooper. My best Metal advice is stick to the main titles of Alice Cooper, on the major labels. Sometimes these offbeat and indie labels that release live CD’s are not privy to quality standards in live recordings. My disappointment after listening to Live At Toronto is again, not any fault of Alice Cooper, it is obviously a failure on the part of the people behind mastering this live recording.

Track Listing For Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto:

Ain’t That Just Like A Woman

Painting A Picture

Medley: A.C. Instrumental – I’ve Written Home To Mother

Freak Out Song

Goin’ To The River

Nobody Like Me

Science Fiction

I’ll be keeping my Alice Cooper – Live At Toronto CD… and I will most likely listen to it again. My Metal admiration and liking Alice Cooper for so long, makes me one of those fans who finds it very cool, to seek out, find and keep his albums and CD’s within my collection. Even if the CD is a sub-par, indie-label, live recording. Part of being a Metalhead, is having that “gotta have it” Metal mentality… especially when an album or CD is priced dirt cheap.

LONG LIVE ALICE COOPER!

Stone.

11 Comments »

NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” REISSUE – BEING RELEASED JUNE 15, 2010!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

NAZARETH – From Dunfermline, Scotland, came the now ever legendary Rock & Hard Rock Band – Nazareth. Back in January of 1979, Nazareth released No Mean City, which has been a lifetime favorite album of mine. This ever memorable album of richly crafted Rock and Hard Rock songs will have it’s reissue on June 15, 2010, on the record label called – Salvo. For nearly forty years, Nazareth has been Rockin’ around the globe, bringing their Rockin’ bluesy boogie and Hard Rockin’ blue collar thunder to the masses. Forty years… that is an ultra impressive tenure for a Rock Band, simply amazing. No Mean City deserves it’s recognition and deserves to be heard by a younger generation of Rock, Hard Rock and yes… Heavy Metal fans too. A sub-caption on this No Mean City album cover should read: Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Roots.

It was first brought to my Metal attention about this reissue of No Mean City by Metal buddy Rob Rockitt over at Hard Rock Hideout. Upon Rob informing me of this terrific news, I thought to myself, it’s about time! There are those certain Rock albums of yesteryear that explode with well written songs and incredible musicianship, No Mean City is just one of those albums… in my Metal opinion. Plus, the most current No Mean City CD that is available around the internet record sites, that was released back in 2002 on Eagle Music Europe, sells in the $68.00 range in U.S. funds!! Whoa. Whoa again. This insanely expensive 2002 import/remastered version of No Mean City can soon hit the Metal road… a more competent price point of around $17.00, (U.S. funds), will be the version of choice by fans who know the value of a dollar.

I have excitedly praised this Rock historic band Nazareth over my lifetime, especially this No Mean City album, to just about anyone who cares to lend an ear. Rob Rockitt has been no exception… he is without a Metal doubt, looking forward to giving this No Mean City album a thorough listen. I can’t wait to hear/read about what he has to say, about this all time favorite Rock album of mine.

If you are already a fan of Nazareth and this No Mean City album from 1979, you definitely know what I am talking about with all of my adulation for this Rock album gem. In the Metal event you are “new” to Nazareth and never heard of No Mean City… do the right thing and buy this reissue, thou shall not be disappointed if you are a fan of quality Rock/Hard Rock and/or Classic Rock Music that never dies. Metal be thy name.

For now, you can read the review I wrote/posted on No Mean City… this post was launched on Metal Odyssey on October 9, 2009. Just click the cool header link below for my review:

NAZARETH “NO MEAN CITY” – 1979 HARD ROCK ALBUM IS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Track listing for the 2010 reissue of Nazareth – No Mean City:

Just To Get Into It

May The Sunshine

Simple Solution (Parts 1&2)

Star

Claim To Fame

Whatever You Want Babe

What’s In It For Me

No Mean City (Parts 1&2)

Bonus Tracks:

May The Sunshine (Single Mix)

Snaefell (previously unreleased instrumental)

* This reissue of No Mean City will be packaged in a wallet-style digipak.

Nazareth, as they appear on No Mean City:

Dan McCafferty – lead vocals

Pete Agnew – bass guitar, backing vocals

Manny Charlton – guitars

Zal Cleminson – guitars

Darrell Sweet – drums

Back Cover of the 2010 No Mean City reissue:

LONG LIVE NAZARETH AND THEIR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Stone.

3 Comments »

KROKUS – 1986 FLASHBACK: “BURNING UP THE NIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO AND TOUR POSTER!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

KROKUS – Back in 1986, Krokus released their really cool, Hard Rockin’ and infectiously melodic album – Change Of Address. One hot single off of this album was Burning Up The Night. A feel-good late ’80’s Hard Rock song that makes me want to check in my nonsensical stress at the Metal door! Each time I listen to this classic Krokus song… I do just that, throw away the negativity and let the Rock be the Rule! Check out the music video below… crank it up LOUD and be glad you did.

Take a Metal look at this vintage concert/tour poster from around 1986! Judas Priest was out supporting their Turbo album, (released in 1986 on Columbia Records), and Krokus supporting, of course, their Change Of Address album released the same year on Arista Records. I’m almost certain Metal buddy Kinger over at Demolish Fanzine – 1980’s Heavy Metal Revival plucked this piece of Metal history out of his Heavy Metal archives and sent it my way… this is the vintage and cool Heavy Metal history you can find over at Demolish, it’s worth the Metal visit to peruse over there.

KROKUS – Change Of Address (1986)

JUDAS PRIEST – Turbo (1986)

Here are some recent posts Metal Odyssey has featured, relating to both Krokus – Change Of Address and Judas Priest – Turbo… click on the header links below if you like and enrich your Metal mind or maybe get semi-annoyed. Either way, feel free to comment on your Metal thoughts regarding these two bands, their albums and incredible accomplishments in Heavy Metal history.

KROKUS “HEADHUNTER BLITZ” – AN ESSENTIAL GREATEST HITS FROM 2002!

JUDAS PRIEST “TURBO” – 1986 ALBUM IN MY METAL RETROSPECT

Oh, yes, Metal Odyssey has one more comment regarding KROKUS:

COME TO AMERICA FOR SOME CONCERT DATES LATER IN 2010! YOUR FANS ARE HERE… WE NEVER LEFT!! THERE IS DEMAND FOR YOUR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IN AMERICA!

Stone.

6 Comments »

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.

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ELO’S ORIGINAL AND VELVET REVOLVER’S COVER – “CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD”

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, classic rock bands, classic rock music, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, hard rock songs, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive rock music, rock & roll, rock 'n' roll, rock and roll, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 19, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

What does the Electric Light Orchestra and Velvet Revolver have in common? The song – Can’t Get It Out Of My Head.

Here is the cover version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by Velvet Revolver:

Here is the original album version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head by the Electric Light Orchestra:

Which version of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head do you like better? For me, it’s ELO’s original. Listening to ELO’s original just takes me back to when I first really became interested in music. The exploration and journey into the vast world of music, of Rock and Roll, was a profoundly exhilarating and personal experience for me as a kid. Just hearing the orchestration and the arrangements, makes me marvel at how this song was put together. There is emotion that seeps from both ELO’s original and Velvet Revolver’s cover version, only the ELO original really packs in the higher emotion, due to the string arrangements, in my Metal opinion.

Velvet Revolver substitutes an electric guitar courtesy of the ultra great Slash, in exchange for the piano and synthesizer that ELO used, making for a more harder and edgier sound. Velvet Revolver makes Can’t Get It Out Of My Head really Rock, for certain… while still not losing sight of the song’s original outpouring of emotion, that it is so well known for. My personal feeling, is that this is one of Scott Weiland’s finest moments as a vocalist in his entire career… Stone Temple Pilots, his solo album and Velvet Revolver combined. I do embrace this cover version from Velvet Revolver, no question about it, making for one of my more favorite Velvet Revolver songs from their two albums.

This is the cover for the ELO single Can’t Get It Out Of My Head, released in 1974.

* Electric Light Orchestra released Eldorado, their fourth studio album, back in 1974.

* Velvet Revolver released Libertad, their second studio album, back in July of 2007.

At the end of my Metal day, I can easily recommend both versions of Can’t Get It Out Of My Head to anyone. Yet ELO’s original can never be topped.

Stone.

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