Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #3

It's been fun putting this list together.  The tough thing as I've mentioned is that there was a lot to pick from this year, a few albums were missed that I've been spinning alot so at the end I'll do a quick extra 5 or so as honourable mentions...LOL  Next up at #3, Bullet - Highway Pirates.

Bullet is a band from Sweden that have been playing for a few years and have 4 albums.  This of course is their latest, and a new discovery for me.  These dudes are retro all the way in their sound, with great playing and production.  Only comparisions I could make would be a blend of AC/DC, Krokus and Accept, with some Lizzy-esque twin leads in for good measure.  Vocalist Hell Hofer (awesome name!) kicks this up a notch for me with his Udo inspired pipes.  This is the soundtrack to a night with the boys where the beer is cold and the music is loud.  The songs are reasonably simple structures, with great choruses and catchy riffs.  As with some of my other new discoveries over the past few years, I'm a fan of the retro sounds and bands that still carry the torch of hard rock and metal. 

For me there is no filler on this record. Every tune carries a catchy chorus with a great beat that will keep your head bangin'.  If I'm gonna pick a few, my fave track is Fire and Dynamite, along with the fantastic City Lights and Back On The Road.  Another band I'm already waiting for the next album!

I've found out that quite a few of my friends are reading my blog (thanks guys!!), and most of them are old schoolers like myself, so this pick is for them.  We all grew up with the bands I mentioned earlier in this post ,so here is a taste of the new breed.  Enjoy the official video for the album and stay wild!

Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #4

Getting down to the my final 4 picks for the year, been realizing that I've missed a few...of well, I'll maybe do an honourable mention list at the end ;)  Next up, new Canadian metal gods...#4 - Cauldron - Burning Fortune.

Cauldron is a Canadian three piece formed out of the ashes of Goat Horn.  They have released an EP, and this is their 2nd full-length. They are considered one of the front runners in the New Wave Of Tradition Metal, and are one of my faves.  Cauldron's sound is based in traditional metal stylings, and a classic NWOBHM vibe.  The one thing that really makes me dig these guys, is that there is a sense of honesty in the tunes.  They are not trying to be something they are not, or ride a wave of popularity, but staying true to what their roots are...a love of classic and obscure heavy metal. 

Burning Fortune is a collection of 9 tracks (incl a cover) that rock hard, but all carry great melodies and catchy choruses.

Lead off track All Or Nothing is a speedy little ditty that has some brilliant guitar work from Ian Chains.  Tunes like Miss You To Death and Tears Have Come carry great choruses that would sound great in a filled arena.  One truly original aspect of the band is Bassist/Vocalist Jason Decays vocals.  They are just unique enough to set them apart.  I'm probably a little more pumped about Cauldron being that they are fellow Canadians and I want to see them succeed.  Hopefully, they will back in the studio soon for album #3.  Just a suggestion...how about an Anvil, Exciter or Raven cover next time? Or maybe some early Rush? It would sound pretty good!  For those of you unfamiliar with the future of Canadian Hard Rock and Metal, here's a video of All or Nothing.  Until next time!

Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #5

This years list had a few comeback albums from some of the more established bands.  This one (along with my #2) were the suprises of the year for me. #5 Night Ranger - Somewhere In California.

Back in the day, I was a fan of Night Ranger's perfect blend of AOR and Hard Rock.  The first two albums Dawn Patrol and Midnight Madness both got a lot of play in my teenage years. They have kind of fallen of of my radar over the years, even though I knew they were still around.  I heard some reviews for this record stating a return to the classic sound, so I thought I'd pick up a copy.  It truly is a return to the classic sound, and Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Brad Gillis have never sounded better.  This is a straight up classic rock record with big choruses and great guitar, something that has gone missing in todays musical climate.  Maybe it's a bit of nostaligia, but good music is good music. 

The title track (and video) lead off the album in fine form with a great vibe that sets the tone for the rest of the record.  The album is full of the classic NR sound with rockers like Lay It On Me and No Time To Lose Ya blending perfectly with ballads like Time Of Our Lives.  A great album to pop in and just enjoy.  If you are a fan of full on metal, this may not be your thing, but give it a try.  I find it interesting that alot of bands try to tinker with their sound to be more creative, and then end up losing what they had in the first place.  Night Ranger decided to go back to their classic sound, and have released one of the best albums of their career.  Here is the video for the title track, perfect viewing for a cold winter day.  Horns Up!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #6

This record is one I've been waiting for a long time to hear.  Finally, they are back. #6 Anthrax - Worship Music.

It's been 8 years since the last Anthrax album We've Come For You All.  Alot has happened in the meantime with singers Bellandonna and Bush in and out, but here we have what I have been waiting for, a new record with the (almost) classic lineup.  It's fresh and heavy, and true to their roots.  Of all the Big 4's last few releases, Anthrax is the one that is keeping it true, but modern, and sticking to their guns.  There has been a lot of hype around this record, and for good reason.

The opening trio of tracks, Earth On Hell, The Devil You Know, and Fight 'em Til You Can't set the pace for the album, and show that Anthrax is back in a big way. Great melodies, crushing guitars,and as always, the mighty Benante kicking the crap out of the kit. Fave tracks are the ones mentioned above, along with the brilliant In The End, possibly one of the best tracks they have ever recorded.  Check out a little more modern sounds in the track Crawl, a nod to the Bush years in terms of sound.  I'm glad the boys are back, I've always been a fan and have been waiting for this record.  Welcome back, I'm already looking forward to the next one.  This is a clip of the track In The End, a tribute to the late RJD and Dimebag Darrell. Cheers!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #7

I'm back with another great record from 2011.  This album was released in Europe in 2010, but not released here until this year, so it counts for me!  #7 Ghost - Opus Eponymous.

This is the debut (suprise!) from this 6 piece Swedish band. As I've mentioned in other blogs, I have always been a sucker for a band with an image,so picture a band with 5 cloaked figures and a lead singer who wears cardinal robes and skeleton facepaint.  Normally, alot of you might go running, but you need to hear the tunes first!  If you blended classic Sabbath, with Blue Oyster Cult, and Electric Light Orchestra, you'd still be off, but getting closer.  BTW, these attributes are what make this an incredible, original album.  Did I mention the lyrics have a satanic theme?

Opus Eponymous is full of great riffs, melodic vocals, and a 70's vibe.  Heck, they are being endorsed by members of Down and Metallica, so they must be good right?  The Ritual is the standout track for me.  Elizabeth, Satan's Prayer, and Stand By Him are all soon to be classics as well. Also be sure to check out more traditional metal in Con Clavi Con Dio.  I really hope this bands 2nd album will stay true to their sound, because they are on to something fresh and original!  No vids were done for the album, but I've found a great live performance of The Ritual for you all to check out.  Until next time, keep the faith!

Remember, Support The Bands You Like And Buy Their Albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #8

This is a band that never disappoints.  #8 Motorhead - The World Is Yours

I've been a huge fan of Motorhead for many years.  I've seen them live a couple of times as well, and they still are one of the best bands on the planet.  For anyone that has been following their career, you'll know that time has been kind to Lemmy and Co.  Since 1995's Sacrifice, through to 2002's Hammered (and all in between), and to the current record, they have continued to put out fantastic hard rock, and are one of the bands latter day output that stands with or above their classic albums.  Motorhead is a band you either love or hate.  Like their contemporaries, AC/DC, they don't stray too far from the classic sound, and keep it meat and potatoes.  Having said that, the current lineup breaks the mould a bit here and there strictly due to the great musicianship.  If you've never heard Phil Campbell or Mikkey Dee play, you are missing out...big time.

The only thing I can really say about The World Is Yours is that they have done it again.  Brilliant performances, edgy production and recording, and more of Lemmy's philosophical outlook on life. Hard hitting tracks like Born To Lose, Waiting For the Snake, and my fave, Brotherhood Of Man are reminders why Motorhead are legends and have become one of the most respected bands in hard rock.  Keep it up Lemmy! Thanks for the music!

Here is a vid for the first single, Get Back In Line. Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #9

This year seemed to have alot of releases in the traditional vein, so there were lots to pick from.  At #9, from California, White Wizzard - Flying Tigers.


I picked up on these guys a few years back with their High Speed GTO EP.  While not sounding exactly like Priest or Maiden, you can hear their influence. 


Flying Tigers carries on from where the debut and their 2nd album, Over The Top, left off.  However this time around they have sacrificed a bit of the speed and heaviness, and added another layer that really kicks off in the 2nd half of the record. The last 6 tracks are taken more as one larger progressive piece (called Starmans Son) with different tempos and moods.  Not to say it doesn't rock ,because it sure as hell does, but it was something I wasn't expecting from this act.  This is exactly where the charm lies in this recording. Great choruses, traditional riffage and brilliant vocals from Wyatt Anderson.

Tunes like Starchild, Night Stalker, and Night Train To Tokyo carry the NWOBHM flag high, while later tracks like the amazing Demons and Diamonds show a different and more ambitious side of the band.  Another record this year that was a bit of a grower for me, and still love listening to it.  I don't know all the details, but this band has had quite a few member changes (this album was recorded with three members), so I can only hope they get a solid lineup and contnue putting out some top notch metal.  No official vid from the album, but here is the previously mentioned Starchild.  Enjoy!

Please support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #10

This years list has quite a few bands that are new, or are new to me. This band is both. Next up is from a Canadian act, and their first full length. #10 - Skull Fist - Head Of The Pack.

Formed in 2006, in Toronto, Skull Fist are part of the New Wave Of Tradtional Metal, that seems to be producing some great music from Canada.  Along with Cauldron, Striker, and a few others, there are some great traditional sounds coming from our home country.

Judging from some of the song titles on the album, and the band name, there may be some collective groaning, but these guys are the real deal, and their album proves their love of all things heavy metal.  Frontman/Vocalist/Guitarist Jackie Slaughter is a brilliant player along with his partner Jonny Nesta (guitarists take note), and should carry this band to higher levels of greatness.  Plus, ANY band that does a Tokyo Blade cover...well enough said!

Their Facebook page carries the description "Seriously Serious Heavy Metal Dudes Fighting the World for the Greater Good of Rock!"  Sounds like a band I can get into!  

I can't really pin who Skull Fist sound like (which is a good thing), but think early 80's metal, NWOBHM, and a dash of Kill 'em All era Metallica, and you get the idea.  I don't know what it is with great Canadian vocalists, and the high register (Geddy Lee, Rik Emmett, Russ Dwarf ,Sebastian Bach), but add Jackie Slaughter to that list as well.  Great voice.

I don't think I have a fave tune on the record,  but the title track, Commanding The Night, and the mid paced  Commit To Rock are standouts.  I've said it before, I'm really happy that their are newer ,younger bands who did not grow up in the glory days of Metal, but continue to carry the flag high and respect it.  Not to mention doing a kick ass job themselves!  The Gods are proud. Here's to the new breed.

Remember To Support The Bands You Like And Buy Their Albums!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2011! #11

My next pick for the year is a band I have only followed the past couple releases, and the new one is a killer.  #11 - Symphony X - Iconoclast. 

Symphony X is a progressive metal act from New Jersey.  Although I'm familiar with them over their career, I have not paid much attention until the past couple of albums.  This one is their 8th, and is probably the heaviest one they have ever done.  The guitars are crunchier, the drums are faster, and Russell Allen still proves he is one of the best vocalists on the planet.  This record is technical, heavy and catchy.  Guitarist Michael Romeo plays like his hands are on fire...just awesome.  This album is available in a 2 disc version, and a single disc version.  Most of the tunes hover around the 6 minute mark and really show the bands technical and creative ability.

The album is a nice blend of crushers like Heretic and Dehumanized, as well as catchier tunes like Children Of A Faceless God and The End Of Innocence.

This record took a couple of spins to sink in (like all the best albums do), and I find I'm spinning it quite often.  The boys are on tour this winter through Canada, and will be worth checking out for sure.

I'll sign off with a video clip from this album. Enjoy!

Support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Of 2011! #12

Back with the next one in my best of 2011.  Another new band, this time from the UK.  #12 The Treatment - This Might Hurt.

The past few years have spawned some fantastic new young bands that are not afraid to take and show their influences from the best classic hard rock bands.  I don't know how old these guys are, but they were not around during the heyday of AC/DC, UFO, or even later bands like Tesla or Skid Row, but mix those up and you're getting a view of The Treatment.  I'm an avid reader and subscriber to the best music mag out right now, Classic Rock, and an article about them introduced me to the band.  

The Treatment is a five piece from Cambridge.  As their bio states, they are classic sounds filtered through young hearts and minds.  

The record kicks off in killer fashion with the opener, Departed, and my fave track, The Doctor.  Think high energy AC/DC and classic Aerosmith...Vocalist Matt Jones really shines on the slower Just Tell Me Why, and proves he's a genuine talent.  They have a potential hit single in the power ballad Nothing To Lose.  Honestly, there isn't a bad track on the album, and probably could have rated higher on my list this year.  A perfect summer album to crank up (being that is winter now, crank it up anyway).  They did a tour in the UK with Alice Cooper this year, so I hope they gain some momentum and eventually take over the world.  Looking forward to album #2.  Great!

This is the first single, a little ditty entitled, Drink, F**k Fight.

As always, Support The Bands You Like And Buy Their Albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Of 2011! #13

Hello again! I'm back with my next pick for the year.  About half the bands on my best of list this year are new discoveries for me. The is band has been around for a few years, and have about 4 full lengths under their belt.  This is their latest, #13 Widow - Life's Blood.

These three guys are from Raleigh, NC., and have been around since 2000.  I stumbled across this while buying CD's online, and thought I'd take a chance...I'm glad that I did.  

Definitely influenced by the glory days of Metal (Priest, Maiden, Malmsteen) and classic NWOBHM, Life's Blood is a stormer from start to finish.  Great vocals, guitars, and melodies.  If you are a fan of more traditional metal, you need to check this album out (I know I will be researching their back catalog).  They would have been a big deal back in the mid 80's for sure (and I mean that as a compliment).  I'm glad there are bands that still hold the traditional flag high.  Going to sign off with a clip of my fave tune from the record, it's one of the faster tracks and will give you a good idea of where Widow is coming from.  Until next time...

Remember, support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Albums Of 2011! #14

With the amount that I blog (sorry guys), I figured I better get to it or I'll never get these 15 albums done!  I am a real old schooler, but I do always keep my out for newer acts.  This band has been around for a few years, but they are new to me. #14 - In Solitude - The World, The Flesh, The Devil.

These Swedish upstarts have been compared to the mighty Mercyful Fate (what is it with all the new bands dropping MF as an influence?) and that is the main reason I wanted to check them out.  I don't hear alot of MF in these guys, but they do have a classic NWOBHM sound, and an obvious love for all things Black Sabbath.  A little doomy, cool vocals from Hornper, and not as extreme as the cover and title might suggest. 

I enjoy a band that mix things up a bit.  Most of the tracks hover around the six minute mark, and vary in tempo and atmosphere. The musicianship and energy will have you bobbing your head in no time.  My fave tracks are the more off the top off the album: the title track, and the brilliant Serpents Are Rising and Demons.  If you like your Metal with tasty hooks, twin guitars and a hint of Sabbath, then check this out.  Here is a clip, enjoy!  Back soon with #13!
Remember, support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Breezy's Top 15 Albums of 2011! #15

There is a music board I have posted on for years that has a Best Of list every December.  I thought it would be fun to post my picks here on the Quarry, and share my picks with all my friends.  I'll have them all up by Christmas Day, and hopefully have some fun doing it.  Don't expect long reviews and in depth thoughts on each record (even thought I love each record), I'll just give a quick synopsis and why I dig them.

My taste in music is actually quite broad, but it's generally gotta rock hard, with passion, and creativity.  I love great vocals, and melodies, and always a taste of old school. ;)  So to start things off: #15...Journey - Eclipse.

Although I'm generally a hard rock and metal guy, I have always been a fan of Journey.  Since around the time of their classic live album, Captured, and their classic Escape, I have listened to their albums and kept up with their career.  2008's Revelation was their true return to form with new vocalist Arnel Pineda. This is the follow up.

The first thing I really noticed about this album is that guitarist Neal Schon is back in a big way.  I'm not sure if he has played as many brilliant leads as he does on this record.  Pineda is proving he is not a Steve Perry clone, and his vocals soar. Overall a great record and I'm already looking forward to the next one. There is really something to be said for the older acts who can release a new record and have it sit proudly beside their classic material.  The last two Journey records do just that.  Standout tracks are City Of Hope, Edge Of The Moment, and Chain Of Love.  For all fans of Journey and AOR...get this album.  Here's a clip of a tune off of Eclipse.  Remember, support the bands you like and buy their albums!

Watch for my list to continue! #14 is coming up.

                                                                                   

A Forgotten Classic #1

Back again, after a month!  Going to shake things up this time around and talk about some records that are well known if you are a die hard Metal fan, but something a little left of center for the casual fan.  I've been spinning alot of classic music lately, and Mercyful Fate's 1983 album, Melissa, has been getting alot of play.  This album was the followup to the brilliant Mercyful Fate EP, that was not released in North America.  That EP I have since discovered, and it is worthy of a blog on its own!

My intro to MF was through a comp called Metal For Breakfast. It was a Canadian album taht had alot of the popular Metal bands from the day.  It contained the tune Black Funeral.  At the time I thought the music was cool, but wasn't too sure about the vocal.  It sounded like Judas Priest, but the singer kept going into this falsetto register I wasn't used to.  Years later I got it, and began to understand the majesty of King Diamond and the mighty Mercyful Fate.  Did I mention they are from Denmark?

This was a band ahead of it's time.  Judas Priest was the obvious stepping stone, but the evil lyrics and atmosphere put it to another level.  I have always been a huge fan of a band with an image...and that sealed it for me! LOL Huge guitars, interesting arrangements, a true Metal classic.  This album, and it's classic follow up Don't Break The Oath were responsible for the sound of many big bands...Metallica...Megadeth...Slayer.

The record kicks off with one of the greatest Metal tunes ever in the song Evil. It continues from there. Curse Of The Pharaohs, Into The Coven...more metal glory...then wrapping up with the epic Satan's Fall and the classic title track.

For some, this record could be an aquired taste, but once you get it, you get it.  The band split for a short time in the 80's, and King Diamond resurrected the name MF with different players, as well as continuing with his solo project.  For me, and many others, it is about the EP, and the first two LP's that we hold dear.  Here is a clip of Evil performed live in 1983! I'll be back soon with another lost classic.  Until then, Keep The Faith!

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My All Time Fave Albums Pt.14

Hello friends! Time for another classic album from the past. This one is an album that means alot to me, it was released in rock's heyday, and is one of the best albums to emerge from the L.A. scene ever.  I'm talking about Ratt's 1984 slab, Out Of The Cellar.

If you were a teenager at the time, I'm pretty sure you would have had a copy of this record.  Along with bands like Motley Crue, Dokken, W.A.S.P. and Great White, Ratt was young hungry and ready to take on the world...and that they did. 

This album was my intro to the band (I didn't pick up their 1983 EP until later...which also rules btw).  I read a small review in a magazine and found a copy on my next trip to the mall.  I am a fan until this day.

This is one of those records where there is not a bad tune in the bunch, and the deep tracks are even better than the hits (which is usually the case anyway).  Opening up with the storming Wanted Man, through hit Round And Round, and brilliant tracks The Morning After and the closer Scene Of The Crime, OOTC is a fine example of melodic hard rock.  Vocalist Stephen Peacy is a combination of Steven Tyler and Paul Stanley, and guitarist Warren DeMartini worshiped at the altar of Rhoads and Van Halen.  For a bands major label debut, you couldn't get much better.

Ratt continued to put out a string of classic hard rock albums before splitting in the early 90's.  They were all a great blend of catchy hooks, cool vocals and killer guitar work.  Being a drummer myself, I also have to say that young players should check out Bobby Blotzers work on any of the early Ratt records, amazing.  Guitarist Robbin Crosby passed away in 2002 from complications from AIDS, and a heroin overdose.  He is truly missed by Ratt fans everywhere.

For those of you who haven't heard Ratt in awhile, their most recent album, Infestation, is an incredible return to form, and a return to the classic Ratt sound.  Check it out.

Here is a clip live clip from '84.  Enjoy, and see you all next time!

MUYA!!

My All Time Fave Albums Pt.13

Hi again! It's been awhile, been busy and not overly motivated to blog...but here I go again!  This time around I'm going with Black Sabbath, and I'm going with two albums instead of one because both eras with Ozzy and Dio are pretty damn good.  Both eras and vocalists are legendary, and I like both, so today's faves are 1972's Volume 4, and 1980's Heaven and Hell. 

My first real introduction to Sabbath was through their classic comp, We Sold Our Souls For Rock And Roll.  I got it in the mail one day through Columbia House (remember them?) by accident, and decided to keep it.  I'm glad that I did.  Black Sabbath really opened the doors of Metal for me, and to this day I still believe every great Metal riff has been stolen from one of Sabbath's first 6 albums, and from Priest as well, but that is another story.

I was just spinning Vol 4 the other day, and am still blown away that this album was recorded 40 years ago.  It is still as fresh, exciting and as relevant as it was then.  The early Sabbath stuff is great for sure ,but I have always leaned towards the holy trinity of Vol 4, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Sabotage.  They really started to take some chances and try some unique ideas.

The songs that really set me on fire from on Vol 4 are: the first single, Tomorow's Dream (a classic), Changes (probably the best ballad ever written), Supernaut (that riff!), Cornucopia (the template for every stoner/doom band since) and Snowblind (it's not about winter).

As we all know, after Ozzy left the band they continued on with the mighty Ronnie James Dio.  What we were not expecting was the absolute tour de force they would release in Heaven and Hell.  The big improvement here is that RJD is probably the greatest Metal vocalist of all time (along with Rob Halford), and he shines all over this album.  Heaven and Hell is the perfect blend of Rising and Master Of Reality.

I remember actually being a bit afraid of this album, just with the spooky imagery, and the original videos.  But once I got it, I got it.  Side 1 of this album may be the best side of music Sabbath ever did.  Neon Knights, Children Of The Sea, Lady Evil and the classic title track. Die Young and Lonley Is The Word from Side 2 are two of the bands best tunes as well.

Again like Vol 4, this album hasn't aged.  It is still is a brilliant listen to this day.  It is so heavy, yet there is a bit of something else that makes it a bit more special than some of the Ozzy records.  Could be that I was really getting into Metal when this record came out.

So for any younger fans of Hard Rock and Metal ,I suggest you look these two up.  Totally different in sound and scope, but both are essential listening.  I'm going to listen to them both now.  Until next time!  Here is a clip of Sabbath performing Snowblind.

My All Time Fave Albums Pt. 12

When is comes to the music that really grabs me, especially when I was younger, it was always the bands that had a great image to along with the tunes.  Stuff like KISS, Bowie, Queen...then later stuff like Motley Crue, W.A.S.P. and Twisted Sister. All very talented acts who knew how to put on a show and deliver kick ass songs.  But the Granddaddy of them all is this band...great image, incredible tunes, and a stage show that brought theatrics into rock, in which we have never seen since.  Ladies and Gents, one of the greats, the legendary Alice Cooper, and his 1973 masterpiece Billion Dollar Babies.

I have always loved Alice Cooper.  Like alot of my fave bands, I may not listen to them all the time, but when I do, it's usually the entire catalog!  So I have been on an Alice kick lately (again!), and driving my girlfriend and family crazy...I enjoy almost all of his stuff, from the mid to late 70's solo career, to his experimental early 80's, even his comback in the late 80's hard rock scene.  As well, his past few records have been pretty solid, and a little more "Alice".  However, the string of albums in the early 70's from Love It To Death to Muscle Of Love is my fave era, and is some of the most groundbreaking and creative music in all of rock music history.  Hard rock, jazz, glitter, vaudeville, it's everywhere on those early records.

To pick a best of those is a pretty tricky task for me, because Killer and School's Out are up there too, but I am trying to stick with some of the records that had an effect on me I haven't forgotten.  The photo to the right is on the insert of the original LP, and that is my earliest Alice memory.  A friend of mine in Grade 4 was showing me his olders brother's albums, and when we found the Alice records it was all over.  It was like KISS, but somehow creepier, and we had to check it out.  When the first notes of Hello, Hooray came out of the speakers, I was a fan.  It was hard rock, but different.  That photo to the side is still a reminder of that afternoon, and still as cool as ever.

There was a reason B$B was the Alice Cooper Group's biggest seller in America....it has incredible tunes.  It went to Number 1 ,and had 3 Top 40 singles (No More Mr. Nice Guy, Elected, and Hello, Hooray). It also contains other gem that would always be his trademark. The theatrical Unfinished Suite, the twisted and creepy I Love The Dead and Sick Things, and the straight ahead rock of Generation Landslide and Raped and Freezin'.  All of them done with Alice's sense of humour.  He has taken alot of crap over the years for some of his material and stage show, but if you don't get the humor and showmanship, you are missing out.  Trust me, flip on CNN and tell me what's more frightening.

So this week I will continue my Alice Cooper marathon, and you will probably see another one of his albums pop up on the blog.  A true American rock hero, who has seen and done it all, and who continues to remind us that rock n' roll should be fun, entertaining and ROCK!  Here is a clip from the tour, the pinnacle of the original bands theatrics.  Enjoy!

My All Time Fave Albums Pt. 11

I've been a little lazy with the blog, trying to get some time to write something...I'll do my best to throw up some more classics this week. I will eventually get to some newer stuff, but I am for the most part the blog is about the old stuff, and we all know that is better than anything new ;)

I've been wanting to do this one for awhile, it has always been a fave...Balls To The Wall from Accept.

This was their 5th full length, and along with Restless And Wild (another fave), was their introduction to North America.  Accept for me was a perfect blend of heavy and melodic, great production and great guitar work.  A lot of people think the album title has some sort of sexual connotation, but really it is about being oppressed, essentially a take on having your back to the wall...at least that's what I get out of it!  Mind you, the album art although brilliant, may give some folks the wrong idea.

Back in the day, and even now this album gets a lot of play from me.  I love the twin guitars (the opening riff to Turn Me On still gives goosebumps.)  I love the heaviness and power of the title track. I love the speed and vocals in Fight It Back.  I love the commercial side in a track like Losing More Than You've Ever Had.  This is a perfect metal album. It also has a Euro flavor that only bands like Accept can deliver, as well as lyrics that aren't your standard party anthems.  Wolf Hoffman is one of the most underrated guitarists and songwriters for his time.  So many cool riffs...

I have never had the opportunity to see them live, but they are one of those bands I would go see in a minute.  Accept should be mentioned in the same breath as bands like Priest and Maiden, but they have always been a little under the radar.  The original lineup minus Udo returned last year with Blood Of The Nations, which was a pleasant return to form for these veteran musicians.  Welcome back!

Will be back soon with some more classics! Enjoy the vid for the title track, sure to induce major headbanging.

My All Time Fave Albums Pt. 10

Everytime I try to think of the next album to bring to the blog, I realize that there are ALOT of albums that are faves of mine.  I am not doing them in any particular order, just ones that come to the top of my head that particular day.  There are obvious ones for me for sure, and then then there are the ones that maybe I haven't spun in awhile. I always will be sticking with ones that have meant the most to me over the years.  Today pick is Ozzy's Diary Of A Madman from 1981.

This album was actually a gift from my Mom when she went on a trip in the Spring of 1982.  She knew what music I liked and asked the dude at the record store what was new that her son might like.  He gave her a copy of this.  I wasn't overly familiar with the first album, and knew some old Black Sabbath, so this one was really my true introduction to Ozzy.  

I'm gonna say it now, the first two Ozzy albums stand up against any of the classic Sabbath stuff. Period.  This is not the Oz we know now, this was a younger, hungrier Ozzy who had something to prove...and that he did.

It goes without saying that Randy Rhoads is the secret weapon here, but the performances and songwriting from the entire band are excellent on this album.  So many great songs to pick from, but my two faves are Over The Mountain, Believer, and the massive title track (possibly Ozzy's best). I have often wondered what the follow up to this would have been like if Randy had not died. Bark At The Moon was a solid follow up, but one can only imagine the heights that would have been reached with another record from RR.

 
Among hard rock fans this is an absolute classic.  For the casual fan, they may only know Flying High Again, but this is a record that brought more depth and class to an already budding solo career for Ozzy.  Check out Rudy Sarzo's excellent book Off The Rails for some true insight into the original Blizzard Of Oz.  For now, here is a classic clip of Ozzy from the era. I'll see you all soon! Enjoy!

My Fave Albums Of All Time Pt. 9

I figured that since I haven't done a KISS record yet, it probably time.  For anyone who knows me, I have always been a huge KISS fan.  Through the good and the bad, makeup or not, I've stood by them since I was about 7 or 8 years old.  The Originals was my introduction to the band in 1976, they were pretty much my introduction into real rock n' roll.  I have followed them throughout their career, collected the stuff, got the tattoo...maybe I have some issues...At any rate, nostalgia is a powerful thing, and today we go back in time to when KISS began their climb to fame, 1975's Alive!  

You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the land...KISS!!  That intro still gives me goosebumps. Like so many of my fave artists, there are a bunch of albums I could rave about, but this one is something special.  Not only was it a watermark moment in their career, not only is it probably their best album, it is possibly the greatest live record ever.  So what if there were studio touch ups and overdubs...does it sound great?  Is it full of energy? Is it powerful and raw?  Hell yeah!  If you are familiar with KISS's show at the time, this is pretty representative of that. And what live albums aren't doctored anyway??  Plus NO ONE put on show like KISS, Cooper was close...but not close enough.

I love old KISS and this is a prime example of how fantastic, heavy and hungry they were in 1975.  Stuff like Parasite, Got To Choose, Watching You and 100,00 Years have never been performed better.

Not only when you purchased this album did you get a double gatefold cover and 2 discs of incredible music, it also came with a book of live photos.  When I was 8 years old, that was it for me. I still have my original LP, as well as a newer one in mint for the collection, a cassette ,and of course CD.  At this point, I think Gene owes ME money LOL.  If anyone wanted to get a taste of KISS, I would not give them a greatest hits collection, I'd give them this record.

This record along with a few others was what got me into hard rock and metal.  I never tire of this album.  While KISS has had their ups and downs with me, their classic material always holds up.  I'm sure you'll be reading more about KISS in upcoming posts.  Here you go, some live KISS from 1975.

My All Time Fave Albums Pt. 8

I have always liked different types of Hard Rock and Metal.  I like Slayer, I like Stryper, I like Venom, I like White Lion...it's always been that way for me.  Good music is good music, and if it makes you feel good ,then crank it!  I am a big fan of what has become known in the past 10 years as "Hair Metal".  That term doesn't sit well with me because if you were there at the time it was just called Heavy Metal or Hard Rock.  If you're going to lump all those bands together, then every band that had big hair would be included...and that would be ALL OF THEM. When that term is used I understand what it is being used for...the hard rock acts that came out post '86/'87.  When the the bands started wearing "costumes", had a power ballad on every album, and had a blond lead singer.  I just find the term a little patronizing, and really there was a ton of great stuff that came out from '86 to '92 before the big Grunge wave came along and changed everything.  On a side note, where is Grunge now??? It essentially was to the 90's what disco was to the 70's.  A fad. And both sound dated now.  Anyway, that is a rant for another day (so there is no haters, I do like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and AIC, hell, I even like some disco lol)

On that note, and hearing the sad news of Jani Lane passing away, I would like to pay tribute to one of the best albums of that era.  Dirty Rotten Filty Stinking Rich by LA's own Warrant.

This album really captured a moment in hard rock music.  It sounds like 1989.  And that is a good thing.  I bought this right when it came out, and my old copy has a different version of the classic Heaven than the later releases.  This is a classic album for the time, great tunes, great vocals, and great choruses.  Not a stinker on the album.  I listened to this album alot back in the day, and it always brings back a ton of great memories.

Best tunes on the album for me are (and always have been) the opener; 32 Pennies, Down Boys, Big Talk, and the above mentioned Heaven. Actually, I like them all... What set these guys apart from alot of the other bands of the time was that they could write really good songs.  Anything off the first three Warrant records is a great example of how to write a catchy rock tune.  DRFSR did not go on to sell over 3 million copies on their good looks alone.  Jani Lane knew how to write a tune.

I saw Warrant on tour in support of this album, and thought they were great.  Lots of energy and a total party atmosphere (which is greatly lacking from todays acts).  I caught them a couple other times, and they  always put on a great show. 

So there is another one of my fave albums, the memories are grey but they're really comin' back...

Here's vid from '87 before they signed a major record deal.

Rest In Peace, Mr. Lane.  Thank you for the great music.

My All Time Fave Albums Pt. 7

I consider myself an old school metalhead.  Not even ashamed to say it.  The best music for hard rock and metal came out between 1975 and 1985. Period.  That is not to say there wasn't brilliant music put out before or after this decade, but the music in this 10 year period shaped pretty much everything I listen to, and was so influential to everyone who loves this kind of music.  Today I'm gonna do some quick thoughts on some of the best music ever made...Thrash.  What follows are my...I don't know...Top 5 Thrash Albums Of All Time. Early Venom and Motorhead are big faves of mine, but I'm gonna stick with some later stuff.

1. Metallica - Ride The Lightning

 Although Metallica's first 4 albums are all absolute classics, this is the one that really hit home for me.  This record has is all speed (Fight FireWith Fire), power (For Whom The Bell Tolls), grace (Fade To Black), and my fave tune by them; Creeping Death.

I still have my copy of this album released on an independent Canadian label (Banzai) before they signed with a major label.  They had not conquered the world yet, they were hungry, pissed off and full of energy.  This one, and it's follow up Master Of Puppets, are two of the greatest metal records of all time.  Well written songs, and incredible arrangements (they seem to have forgotten now).  This record has sold in the millions, but in 1984, there were only the handful of metal die hards who knew.

2. Megadeth - Peace Sells...But Who's Buying

Another record from the glory days...I would say that

Rust In Peace is my fave record from these guys, but this is a close 2nd and is in the decade of music I was raving about earlier.  This album is a little different from your general thrash record, the musicianship is a little "jazzier", and has a Nancy Sinatra (!) cover in These Boots.  Mustaine has always lived in the shadow of Metallica, but really, the music Megadeth was making at the time was as good or better.  Brilliant tracks like Wake Up Dead, The Conjuring, and the title track make this a true classic.  I remember buying the tape of this in High School and listening to it again and again.  The debut was good, but this was the beginning of Megadeth's real sound and legacy.  Classic.

3. Slayer - Reign In Blood

 I know the albums I'm picking are fairly obvious if you're a fan, but these are classics for a reason.  Slayer was one of the heavier bands at the time, and most of my friends didn't (and still don't) get it.  The first two albums are absolute classics in their own right, but this record is what really got me into Slayer.  Fast, heavy, scary...it's all here.  29 minutes of pure fury unleashed.  Their signature track, Angel Of Death kicks the album off...the drums...oh those drums...I also always dug it when they slowed it up a bit on tracks like Criminally Insane, Epidemic and Postmortem.  Now, Slayer has a bunch of classic albums as well, but this was really the beginning for me (along with the Haunting The Chapel EP), and is a quintessential metal record.  Maybe don't play it for your girlfriend...;)

4. Anthrax - Spreading The Disease

This and Among The Living are two desert island albums for me.  Spreading leads by a hair due to A.I.R. and Medusa...This is a band that never really got the credit they deserve.  The rest of the Big 4 gets all the acclaim, but Anthrax stands with them in my eyes.  Not a bad track on the album, riff upon riff, and Benante's drumming make them one of the best thrash bands of all time.  Joey Belladonna is one of the only thrash vocalists who actually sings, rather than screams (niether is a bad thing), and gives them a unique edge over many of their contemporaries. Released in 1985, one of the albums in their catalog that gets repeated play from me. With different bands touring and playing albums in their entirety, this is my pick for Anthrax to play live.  Front to back their best record.

5. Exodus - Bonded By Blood

I have some vivid memories of seeing this one on the shelf at our local record store.  I didn't get it until a few years later, and was pissed I missed out the first time around.  If you are into some fast tunes with killer guitar work, you have found mosh heaven.  I think Exodus missed out a bit because this album wasn't released until 1985 ,when by then the other bands I have mentioned were starting to break.  Exodus still continues to tour and make records ,but nothing touches this one.  This record sits alongside other classics of the genre.  I have always compared it to Metallica's debut in terms of style and vibe.  The title track, Piranha, and my personal  fave, A Lesson In Violence are great examples of how thrash should sound.  Fast, great vocals with some melody and time changes to keep you guessing.  

That's it for today, I'll be back with some other classic albums and memories soon!  Thanks to everyone for the comments and for reading the blog. MUYA!