Saturday, July 30, 2011

Vinyl Madness!



A recent purchase of mine that was necessary to add to my collection. As I own all of Metallica's music (up to the Black album, music snob?) in a digital format. The record itself is amazing, but the record I bought doesn't play well. It skips, pops, and hisses...Bah!! The joys of buying used records. This album shows Metallica at the peak of their game and it was the last with Cliff Burton. Awesome eight song ride.

Reissued: July 15, 2008 Label: WEA/Reprise

Standout tracks - Whole Album 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Beer Me!

Have you ever had a sip of molten lovely?

 The stats of this beer are quite impressive. It's ABV is a hammering 18.2%!  For being such a strong beer it is pleasantly sweet, but there is no denying it is powerful. It is also expensive, so if you have money to burn give it a shot. I paid about $14 for one beer. If your city/town doesn't sell it, and your state or country allow you, order it here - BEER . If you read the reviews on the bottom of there web page people love this stuff! Cool company and great products.

Brew maker: Brew Dog
Beer: Tokyo

Intergalactic Fantastic!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Vinyl Madness!


Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. This album brings back memories of being a kid. My mother would play this most weekends, whether we were having breakfast or a doing yard work.  As I grew up I realized how great this record was. Flashbacks aside, this album takes you away on a trip, a ride, and it is wonderful. It is soothing, exciting, bittersweet, and sprinkled with a bit of melancholy. A record for many feelings. Take the trip.

Wonderful on vinyl and the price is right for a listening copy.

Issued: October 10, 1973 Label: MCA

Standout tracks - Sweet Painted Lady, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, All The Girls Love Alice, Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, Harmony, Roy Rodgers, Candle In The Wind

Music! Mayhem! Madness!


Misfits - Sream! The Misfits with singer Michale Graves brought some magic back into the group. Danzig had left, but Graves was a great replacement. If you love B horror movies this video is right up your alley.



Opening with demented laughter(Thanks to Am I Going Insane), wah-wah bass and then busting in to a nice *Amazing* groove. Ozzy is giving his all on this track and he kicks ass . I find the mellow/breakdown at the end of the song to be refreshing and catch Ozzy being reflective in his lyrics. Perfection.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Music! Mayhem! Madness!





Hanoi Rocks - Tragedy. So the legend says that Guns and Roses ripped off Hanoi Rocks, is it true? Well, the introduction to the song sounds quite familiar, but other then that they are two complete monsters. Great band, but with more polish they would of been huge. Thanks to Vince Neil the band was never the same. RIP Razzle.



NOFX - Lori Meyers. Fun. Topic = Not so fun.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Crash Course: Eddie Cochran


Eddie Cochran is a classic example of early Rock N’ Roll. Eddie had the look and he had the sound. If you’ve never listened to early rock this would be a great start. I always found Eddie’s voice to be relaxing and his guitar playing exceptional.  

Recommended Songs: Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young (Cover), Twenty Flight Rock, Lonely, My Way, Something Else, C’mon Everybody

Eddie Cochran died in a car accident on April 17, 1960 at the age of 21.



Sunday, July 24, 2011

Vinyl Sadness.


I as every other person has heard about the passing of Amy Winehouse. But beside all of the speculation of how she died, and what she died from, the truth being; Amy  was a fantastic singer, and her production abilities on this album are superb. I have listened to "Rehab" many, many times, but honestly it is my least favorite song. It is (in my opinion) the weakest song on the album. This is worth owning as it gives hope for the future of  music, and it a fitting swan song for a great artist. R.I.P Amy.

(I purchased this on vinyl about 2 months ago at a nice price, but I assume that will change.)

Issued: June 19, 2007 Label: Republic

Standout Tracks - Complete Album

Guilty Pleasure!

Glen Campbell - It's Only Make Believe

One Tequila, Two Tequila

 Well...I'm a sucker for a catchy tune and Glen Campbell's cover version is enjoyable. If I could get over the embarrassment of buying this single track then maybe I will burn  it onto a CD. Nah. 

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Vinyl Madness!


Ronnie James Dio inclusion into Black Sabbath seemed to bring new life into band.  In a way it doesn't even sound like Sabbath, but the change is amazing. This album is mesmerizing from start to finish, it's a theatrical masterpiece! I thought Tony Iommi was a good guitar player, but man he kills it on this album. Dedicate a few beers to Heaven and Hell!

Reissued: March 17, 2009 Label: Rhino Records

Standout tracks - Heaven and Hell, Neon Knights, Lonely Is the Word, Children of the Sea, Die Young

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Mellow Musical Madness!




Johnny Thunders - You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory. Johnny's voice wasn't a typical great voice, but he had one thing that many artists do not, and that was passion. He sings with so much passion it makes you feel what he feels and damn that is special. Duff from Guns and Roses does a valiant job, but it is nothing comparable to the original.






Roy Orbison - Blue Angel.  When I think of a beautiful voice Roy Orbison is usually at the top. Here is a song that shows off his talents. Let Ol' Roy (Not the dog food...) tug at your heart strings.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Vinyl Madness!



Ear bleeding, brain destroying, heart stopping sounds from the always angry band Black Flag. The album attacks you from the start with "My War" and damn it holds you for the whole record. Although I prefer their faster sounding tracks; the Sabbath inspired sludge songs are good, but not great. This nugget should be added to any music collection.

Reissued: October 17, 1990 Label: SST Records

Standout tracks - Forever Time,  My War, I Love You, Can't Decide, The Swinging Man

Monday, July 18, 2011

Music! Mayhem! Madness!




 " I don't need to sell my soul, he's already in me. I wanna be adored." Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored.  Could you think of better lyrics for your "Rock" song? I would have my doubts. Lyrics aside, this is a mellow number that takes you for a 4:51 minute ride. Great song, great album! Listen for the train and jump on!




Del Shannon - I Go to Pieces. Del Shannon was popular in the early sixties with the song "Runaway" and "Hats Off to Larry." Del's singing style was very much his own, and that is what makes this song so lovely. He  sings with so much conviction...This is a real tear jerker. RIP DEL

Vinyl Madness!


This album destroys! Many fans have said this was a half-hearted attempt, but I disagree. Granted their sound is more straight forward, and you have less of the "groove" sound that they are well known for, but man they are heavy! Phil's vocals  are top notch with all of the grunting and screaming. Dimebag Darrell solo's much less in the album, but his rhythm work is still great. Vinny and Rex keep the pace hammering. 

This was hard to find, but I found it for a reasonable price!

Issued: April 4, 2000 Label: Elektra

Standout tracks - Hell Bound, Goddamn Electric, Yesterday Don't Mean Shit, Death Rattle,
I'll Cast a Shadow, Up Lift, We'll Grind That Ax for a Long Time

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Record commando II!


My weekend search ended without finding a copy of Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath. The yard sales I went to turned out to be dud's. I attempted a used record store as well, but to no avail. Oh well, I just ordered the album online. It is a reissued copy and will be a good listen.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Record Commando!

Jump magic?

I'm on the hunt this weekend to find a copy of Heaven & Hell (vinyl) by Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio on vocals. If I felt compelled I could order it online, but that would ruin the fun of going to yard sales. Here's to success!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Vinyl Madness!


People have said this was Judas Priest's most commercialized album. Regardless of the popularity this album is a must for HEAVY METAL fans. British Steel is a fun album, but the only sour spot is Red, White & Blue which seems oddly placed and does not fit with the mood of the album. If you are looking for a introduction to a Judas Priest album, I would start here. The sound quality on vinly is A++

Reissued: September 16, 2008 Label: Sony Legacy

Standout tracks - Grinder, Rapid Fire, Breaking the Law, Metal Gods, Loving After Midnight, Steeler

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Guilty Pleasure!

Lionel Richie - Hello

I like Chipmunks.

Have you ever listened to a song where you are completely violated, but you keep coming back for more? I always try making an excuse as to why I like this song, but I never find one. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a great voice, soft guitar, and  piano? Nope, because the music isn't even that great. Thanks Lionel. 


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Mellow Musical Madness.


Thin Lizzy is so underrated it's almost criminal. This song showcases the bands talent. Phil Lynott sings this song with such passion it stays with you, it haunts you. Go ahead and take a listen, you won't regret it.


Gram Parsons - Hot Burrito #1

The name is silly, the music is not. Excellent song!  


Vinyl Madness!

This is an interesting collection of artists covering  Buddy Holly. Upon first seeing the bands playing on the disc, I was less then thrilled. I assumed these would be generic, pretentious covers.  However, I was completly wrong. The artists give the songs their style all while giving tribute to the legend that was Buddy Holly. I'm disappointed with the price as it seems pricey at $28 to $33. I would recommend waiting for a price drop or pick it up used.

Issued: June 28, 2011 Label: Fantasy

Standout tracks - Dearest, Oh Boy, True Love Ways, Everyday, Heartbeat, Raining in my Heart,

Monday, July 11, 2011

Music! Mayhem! Madness!


Marc Bolan's The Perfumed Garden of Gulliver Smith. 
Marc Bolan had a tendency to write interesting lyrics and music. This is a great example of his quirkiness.
In no way, shape, or form is this song radio friendly. The video is extremely boring, but thanks to the person for uploading the song.


The Lemonheads covering a Misfits song is a great combination. Evan Dando does justice to the song, and maybe on certain levels, he surpassed the original. As with any Misfits songs the lyrics are demented so if you sleep with a night- light on, I would skip this track.




Sunday, July 10, 2011

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

1: Whitesnake - Here I Go Again


Mr. Pouty Lips
Whitesnake summarizes the Eighties over the top (or stupid) look. The band sounded generic, and didn't bring anything new to the "hard" rock genre. Yet I listened to the album and recently purchased the song on Itunes. Thank you David Coverdale for turning me into a complete blowhard.

Ready to get your hair blown back and finger nails painted? The official music video:



                                             

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Vinyl Madness!


Since I'm new to buying and listening to vinyl, my record collection is small. When I saw my brother recently he gave me a handful of records, and one of them being The Beatles Second Album. The album cover has a lot of wear, but the record itself is in amazing condition. I played the album about 5 times  last night, and remembered why I enjoy The Beatles so much. Good times, great oldies.

Issued: April 10, 1964 Label: Capitol

Standout tracks - Whole album (It's about 27 minutes)

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

2: Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory




The process of admitting to songs I like and do listen to is turning into a bit of a confession. It now gets more uncomfortable since my 2nd to last choice  is none other then Lady Gaga, and to mention it is a relatively new single. Lady Gaga doesn't have a bad voice, I think she has a great voice, but the whole "Pop music" scene is a little too much for me. Is there a distant planet that needs a new occupant...?

Friday, July 8, 2011

Vinyl Madness!


I picked this 7" single up recently after hearing it late one night listening to Last.FM. Included on the record are two songs "The Russians are Coming"  and a Buck Owen's cover of "Truck Drivin Man." Gram Parsons brings a bit of his style to the songs." Truck Drivin Man" doesn't stray too far from the original, but his version is more rock infused. "The Russians are Coming" is not inspiring me. Overall I'm pleased with my purchase. Check it out.

Reissued: May 3, 2011 Label: Sundazed Music inc.

Standout - Truck Drivin Man

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

3: Freddie Mercury: Living On My Own


Oh man Freddie, what happened? Freddie had a voice that most everyone loved, and with Queen it was just a beautiful marriage. Fast forward to the middle of the Eighties, and this is what you get; a synth-heavy album with little direction. I may sound critical, but I do listen too and enjoy the song/album...Alone.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Music! Mayhem! Madness!



The Song: Devils Island
The Album: Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?
Soul Destroying Factor: 10 out of 10





This is the song/album that brought "Priest" back into the fold. It is a catchy love song. You'll be humming it all day!

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

4: Harry Nilsson - Without You



"No I can't forget tomorrow when I think of all my sorrow. When I had you there, but then I let you go..."


A part of me feels sad that I would chose Harry Nilsson as a guilty pleasure since I always liked his singing. Truly this is a beautiful song, but it is a little dramatic. The reason "Without You" made it on my list is that imagine playing this at your next cook out? Try drinking your beer and making eye contact with your bro/bra...Weird right?


*Calling anyone a bro or bra is weird anyway. Don't do it.*

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Vinyl Madness!


This was the first Misfits album I had ever heard. It is my still my favorite with good reason. The melody of the songs  wraps you in so you'll  be singing  bizarre shit without even realizing it. The Misfits sound is raw and not for everyone. If you are expecting a super produced album, you're in the wrong place. It's cheap on vinyl and worth at least checking out. Shitty Elvis all the way!

Reissued: October 17, 1990 or 1989 (conflicting dates.) Label: Plan 9, Caroline Records

Standout tracks - Hybrid Moments (My favorite!), Angel Fuck,  Some Kinda Hate, Where Eagles Dare, Halloween, She, American Nightmare

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

5: Katy Perry - Teenage Dream


I'm not  sure if I like this or if I have heard it too many times. I do hum along when I hear it. Either way, I'm guilty of supporting modern Pop Music. Shameful.

Dorothy let's follow the Yellow Brick Road!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Vinyl Madness!

I always thought The Cars wrote simple, but great songs. Their futuristic sound was fun and cool.  Since Benjamin Orr had passed in 2000, I had my doubts that they would be able to pull off a great album. I was wrong. This album is the best album I have heard all year! This is The Cars of 78' - 84.  The slow songs are exceptional. 

Released: May 10, 2011   Label: Hear Music  

Standout tracks - Too Late, Soon, Blue Tip, Sad Song, Take Another Look, 



10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

6: Giorgio Moroder - The Never Ending Story Soundtrack - Swamp of Sadness

Swamp of Sadness is a complete lesson in melancholy. This is one of those songs you put on a cd, and only listen to when tragedy strikes your life.

Here is the spiritualistic moment in the movie when the song is playing along with the powerful scene it represents.


 (The first three minutes are the song.)


"Fight against the sadness, your're letting the sadness of the swaps get to you. You have to try. You have to care...For me, your're my friend, I love you."  Happy days!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Vinyl Madness!




Tight pants: Check
Fake blood: Check
Shitty make-up: Check
Boy reading in the background? Check

This album has the worst art I have ever seen, but as they say; it is what's inside that counts. This isn't my favorite Ozzy album (that would be Blizzard of Ozz), but it is still a beast in it's own right. It is great to hear Randy Rhoades ignite the fret board. He is the biggest reason this record is taken to a new level.

Reissued: May 31, 2011  Label: Sony Legacy

Standout tracks: Diary of a Madman, You Can't Kill Rock N Roll,  Tonight, Over the Mountain,

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

7: Neil Diamond - Kentucky Woman

                                    
Damn, I have never been to Kentucky, but it sure sounds fun. Neil paints a fine picture here, but too bad this song has absolutely no balls. Telling people you like this song is like telling people you're out of the closet, their is no going back.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

8: David Bowie - Labyrinth Soundtrack - As the World Falls Down


Hello, I'm Jareth the Goblin King. 


This song smacks you right from the start. The ever present tingly keyboard, and a stroking bass line that gives new meaning to friction burns; this is a great way to attract the listener. I also find the dynamic lyrics appealing:

Falling
As the world falls down.
Falling
As the world falls down.
Falling.
Falling.
Falling.
Falling in love
As the world falls down.
Falling.
Falling.
Falling.
Falling.
Falling in love

It feels so good, but it is oh so bad!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

9: Rod Stewart - Forever Young




From the man that brought us "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" Rod Stewart has claimed that he "subconsciously plagiarized" this song from Robert Zimmerman. Maybe, maybe not. I enjoy the thumping bass line, and the reverb loaded guitar. I appreciate the uplifting lyrics, but it is still Eighties cheese. Shut the windows and crank it, but don't get caught!


For your viewing pleasure:



Friday, July 1, 2011

10 Guilty Pleasures in 10 days

Over the next 10 days I'm going to list 10 songs that I hate to love. Bring on the guilty pleasures!

10: Steve Winwood - Valerie



Now this song isn't bad, it is just dated; synthesizers stabbing throughout the song, electronic drum sounds, typical Eighties. I enjoyed Steve Winwood as the singer in Blind Faith/Traffic, and his singing is still fantastic , but I would only sing this while in the shower.




Holy shit, this has to be the most boring video I have ever seen. Nice wind blown hair.