My All Time Fave Albums #26

There are always those albums that you discover a few years after their release, and you wonder why you missed it the first time around.  Those records sometimes become some of the most important music in your life. This is one such album. Marillion - Misplaced Childhood

I discovered Marillion in High School with their live EP, Real to Reel. It was a more progressive approach to the music I was listening to at the time, but the lyrics and guitar work had me returning to it often. Misplaced Childhood was released in the summer of 1985, and was getting a bit of press in mags like Kerrang.  For whatever reason, I did not pick this album up until probably a dozen years later when I found the two disc set for a good price.  I would say this record is a desert island for me, with it's great concept, Fish's outstanding and touching poetry, Steve Rothery's tasteful playing, and it's fresh take on bands like Genesis and Floyd without ripping them off.  I've introduced a few friends to it, and nobody is ever disappointed.

Misplaced Childhood is a concept album, where all of the tracks run together seamlessly. The lyrics touch on loneliness, sadness, lost love, and losing the innocence of childhood.  Sounds a little depressing, doesn't it? It's done in a very moving way and the album ends on a positive and triumphant note with White Feather.  When an album is this good,it's hard to pick fave tracks.  From the brilliant prog pop of single Kayleigh, through the stellar Bitter Suite/Heart of Lothian and masterpiece Blind Curve, this is a record for people who love good music, and good music is ALWAYS a great discovery.

Although Marillion has forged on all these years (minus Fish) and still making quality music, nothing has caught lightning in a bottle like they did in 1985.  Here is the video for Kayleigh. Enjoy!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013!! The Top 3!

Hey, two weeks into January and I'm just finishing up my list.  Better late than never!  Here we go, my Top 3 for 2013.

3. Satan - Life Sentence 

Finally the band that brought us 1983's legendary album Court In The Act, have finally returned with it's true follow up albeit 30 years later.  Funny thing is, not much has changed other than the band members have gotten older, and they have possibly recorded an album that is better than their incredible debut. Razor sharp guitars blast over top of Brian Ross' vocals, Satan show they have truly caught lightning in a bottle.  Opening duo of Time To Die and Twenty Twenty Five blow anything away off the debut, with their duel guitars in full force and melody everywhere. The thrashy, Maiden-esque Testimony, also shows that there might be more life left with this band.  A great return to form.  If you love NWOBHM, go get this now.

2. James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance

I'm a huge fan of James' main band, Dream Theater, but his solo stuff just keeps getting better than ever.  I played this one far more than his main gigs new album, and it's a beauty.  Again, he has assembled an amazing group of musicians, including drummer Peter Wildoer and keyboardist Matt Guillory, and has made an album full of hard rock, melodic death and pop. Every tune is a winner from the hard rocking, Agony, to the poppish I Got You to the ballad, Say You're Still Mine.  I've always been a fan of James' vocals, but the songwriting on this proves he could be doing more in Dream Theater.  A great record that will continue to get plays and praise from me.

1. Audrey Horne - Youngblood

 I've been a fan of Audrey Horne for a few years, but I didn't see this coming at all.  They've dropped the alt-rock leanings and come up with an absolute barnstormer of a hard rock record.  Every song from top to bottom has killer choruses, beautiful vocals, and twin guitar melodies.  The album carries a bit of a classic 70's rock vibe, hints of KISS and Lizzy, but not really sounding like anyone.  The title track is a standout, and The Open Sea is a stunner. I'm hoping the band has finally hit their stide and discovered that playing to their influences has produced the best music of their career.  I'm looking forward to your next album guys, and how about a Canadian tour?  Two vids for you to enjoy below.  Amazing.

I also want to mention a quick note about two more records from 2013 that I didn't really get until the end of the year, but should be on this list as well...Motorhead's Aftershock, and David Bowie's return in The Next Day.  I'll be posting again soon, and hopefully a bit more often than I did in 2013.  More classics from my past, fave albums,  Top 5 and 10 lists, etc.  Thanks for reading my Blog, and enjoying the rambling.  MUYA!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #4 And #5!

So now I'm down to my Top 5 albums of the past year.  There was ALOT of good music that came out over the past 12 months, it's getting hard to keep up with it all...most of the albums are from bands that I follow, and then there are those that come from out of nowhere to hit me on the head.  Here's one of each!

5. W.E.T. - Rise Up 

Unusual name, fantastic album. Featuring members of melodic rock bands, Work Of Art, Eclipse and Talisman, Rise Up is one of the best melodic rock albums I have ever heard. This is an example of where every track could be a single.  Amazing vocals (as always) from the legendary Jeff Scott Soto, and stunning guitar work from Robert Sall. An album that harkens back to the classic AOR of Journey, Foreigner and Survivor, but with more bite. All the tracks are great, but faves would be Walk Away, What You Want and Learn To Live Again.  An album with clean production and direction that never falters. A must for fans of melodic hard rock.

4. Stryper - No More Hell To Pay

I've been a fan of Stryper from literally the beginning, with the release of their Yellow and Black Attack in 1984. There were a few ups and downs, and now they have released possibly the best record of their career.  No More Hell To Pay is classic Stryper from top to bottom, but heavier, with ALL the original members.  Not a ballad to be seen, just great song after song that show there's lots of gas left in the tank. Seriously, there are not many men in their 50's that deliver vocals like Michael Sweet. Amazing. His brother Robert, continues to be an influence on the kit. Tracks like Sympathy, Legacy and the title track I would recommend to all who like their metal guitar driven and classic.  Well done boys, and thanks for all the great music!

My top 3 of the year are to come, and then it's back to more posts about my fave albums and lost classics! Maybe some Top 5 lists this year too! See you all very soon! Crank it!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #6 And #7!

I'm never on time with these things, and the holidays didn't help...better late than never.  My Top 15 of 2013 continues with two of my fave bands over the past few years, and both from Sweden! Crashdiet and Enforcer.

7. Enforcer - Death By Fire

Enforcer returns with album #3 this year, Death By Fire.  I've been a big fan since the debut, and they have yet to disappoint.  Firmly rooted in days of Metal gone by, Enforcer rock out fast and heavy, and keep thing fresh and interesting.  Best comparison would be Kill 'em All era Metallica meets classic Maiden, with NWOBHM touches everywhere. Death Rides This Night kicks things off in fine fashion, and the tunes just get better.  Mesmerized By Fire sounds like a thrashy Maiden (check out the vid below), and Take Me Out of This Nightmare has a great singalong chorus.  Growing up with style of music, I'm happy the younger bands are still keeping it true, and delivering some great Heavy Metal.  This one is a perfect example for past meets future. Great!

6. Crashdiet - The Savage Playground

Probably my fave band from the past 10 years, Crashdiet show that sometimes the grasshopper can usurp the master. They don't deny their love for 80's Metal ala Crue, Skid Row, et al, but they do it heavier, catchier, and now have 4 albums under their belt that all kick ass. New vocalist Simon Cruz joins the founding members, and adds a bit more violent punk attitude to the surroundings.  I seriously cannot pick one fave track, as they are all fantastic. Start with tunes like Cocaine Cowboys, Damaged Kid or Excited to give yourself a taste of the Swedes.  They finally did some dates in the US this year, so they are finally making some headway in North America.  Brilliant, fun and rocking, Crashdiet are the leaders of the new wave of Glam Rock.

There will be another blog this weekend, to continue my list.  I hope everyone had a great New Years and all the best to you in 2014! See ya soon!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #8 And #9!

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas day and were able to spend it with your friends and family.  I'm back with another couple of my faves from this past year, and like my last post two albums that don't have much in common except they both ROCK! Some straight up Rock n' Roll, and some Metal Punk (!)...is that a genre? Anyway...

#9 - Joan Jett - Unvarnished

A true rocker to her core, Joan is back with her 10th studio album, Unvarnished.  This record is full of classic hard rock, and showcases as always, her brilliant songwriting skills.  For any fan of her work, you know Joan wears her influences on her sleeve, so there are lots of nice 60's moments combined with 70's Punk and Hard Rock.  Dave Grohl and Joan wrote and perform the lead off track, Any Weather, and it is a reminder of her influence on other musicians.  An amazing track.  TMI is classic Jett, and Soulmates To Strangers (my fave) is one the best songs in her catalog.  A true return to form, from a musician who sticks to her guns, and lets the music do the talking.  If you ever liked Joan Jett, (and I still have a crush) you will not be disappointed!  A must!

# 8 - Toxic Holocaust - Chemistry Of Consciousness

...and now for something completely different.  Joel Grind and Co. come storming out of the gates again with Chemistry Of Consciousness.  A nice blend of classic Venom and Celtic Frost, with a hint of The Exploited, would be a good starting point.  Even with these influences, the album sounds unique and fresh.  Loads of heavy and fuzzy guitars riffs with cool tempo changes that really hit you on the head. Out of the Fire, Acid Fuzz, and a killer cover of L7's Wargasm keep it simple and to the point.  It's all over in about 28 minutes, and you just want to put it back on and go for the ride again.  A nice thrashy, retro record that goes well with the boys and some beer.  I delved into the past few records and they are cool as well.  A band I'll be keeping an eye on. Great!

More to come! Wishing everyone a great Holiday Season!  Now go use those gift cards and buy some great new music!  Until next time!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #10 and #11!

Continuing on with this years list, here we have a couple of records that don't have much in common musically, but are both great listens and I played the crap out of them this year. Amon Amarth and Michael Monroe.

#11. Amon Amarth - Deceiver Of The Gods

Sweden's favorite Death Metal sons have returned with another slab of inspired viking legend.  This album is chock full of the furious melodic riffing and crushing vocals that Amon Amarth are know for. These guys have been on my radar, but this is the first time I really delved into their music.  I'm glad I did. This is melodic death at it's finest, with shades of classic In Flames and Arch Enemy.  Fave tracks are the title track, full of speed and melody, along with Father Of The Wolf and We Shall Destroy. Amon Amarth let the guitar attack lead the way, while vocalist Johan Hegg growls take it up a level.  After discovering this gem, I've gone back and I am discovering their back catalog.  If you like your Metal catchy and heavy, check it out.

#10. Michael Monroe - Horns and Halos

The brilliant follow up to last years Sensory Overdrive, proves it was no fluke.  Michael Monroe returns with a record chock full of punk attitude, 70's hard rock, and a bit of real Glam. Although Ginger has moved on, the main band members are all present and have put together an album of great tracks. Songs like TNT Diet and Eighteen Angels show Michael channeling his inner Iggy, and a tune like Stained Glass Heart should be all over the radio. At 51, Michael Monroe has stayed true to his roots and along with Sensory Overdrive, Horns and Halos is the best music he has done in his career.  New artists could take a tip on songwriting from this guy.  Great album, and looking forward to the next one!

There's two more in the books for my list this year.  Stay tuned for the rest over the coming weeks!

Breezy's Top 15 of 2013! #12 and #13!

Snow Day! Brutal weather is keeping me home from work today, so a perfect time to continue with my Top 15 of 2013.  The two today are both from veteran bands who continue to release solid material. Today it's Pretty Maids and Saxon.

#13. Pretty Maids - Motherland

Pretty Maids made a bit of headway in the mid to late 80's with their brilliant Future World album.  I haven't paid to much attention in the years that followed, but they are back big time with Motherland.  They still continue with the more aggressive rockers, with tons of melodies. The albums opener, Mother Of All Lies is instantly memorable, and shows the band still know how to write a GREAT song.  Pure perfection.  A tune like Sad To See You Suffer should be all over the radio, with it's powerful chorus and Ronnie Atkins soulful vocal delivery.
For fans of commercial hard rock, in the vein of Def Leppard (but better), you will do no wrong in picking this one up.  And while you're at it look into their back catalog to see what you've been missing.

#12. Saxon - Sacrifice

NWOBHM gods Saxon just keep putting out the Metal year after year. For a band this deep in their career, it is really something to be releasing music that easily stands along their classic material.  Like contemporaries Motorhead, Saxon have improved with age, and if anything gotten quite a bit heavier over the years.  Sacrifice contains some killer moments as in Warriors Of The Road, which could have been on '83's Power And The Glory, and the full on Metal of Stand Up and Fight. I've always been a big Saxon fan, and they continue to impress with each new release. Biff has never sounded better. There's a reason I still listen to the older bands...they still kick ass.  If you like classic metal, make a point of getting this one.

So there's a couple more releases from the past year that grabbed my attention. There was a ton of great music this year, and I'll be reviewing more over the next few weeks . Keep the faith!