Category Archives: Classic Metal

Having a conversation with Red Sky Mary

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Hot on the heels of my review of the upcoming Red Sky Mary release River Child, I was able to score a conversation with Sam and Tom from the band.

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We had a great time talking and I would like to share it with you right here:

     Thanks again to Red Sky Mary and Carved Records! Check them out online at:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary

http://www.redskymary.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorWo1Wb0EtFkwy9tODdF6Q

http://www.carvedrecords.com/artists/red-sky-mary/

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s RED SKY MARY!!!

     -the Hellion

Red Sky Mary – There is hope for new Rock N’ Roll

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I don’t know how I came across Red Sky Mary, but I am glad that I did. The minute I listened to their music it was if a defibrillator shocked me back to life. REAL bluesy Rock N’ Roll music from a new band. The music that I found on you tube took me back to the time when it was all about the music and not the paycheck.  I used my internet detective skills and hunted down their contact info and was rewarded by a quick response from their label Carved Records. In the process of locking down an interview with Red Sky Mary I was given an advance listen to their upcoming release River Child which drops on May 12. River Child is everything I expected and then some! Soulful vocals that reach right in to you and tickles your inner self, LOUD guitar riffs that get the job done with being over pretentious, a rhythm section worthy of the power bands of old, and old school haunting harmonies. Hailing from Portsmouth, NH Red Sky Mary is made up of: Sam Vlasich (Vocals), Tom Boisse (Guitar), Gary Boisse (Bass), Barrett Goeman (Drums).

River Child is a 10 song shot in the arm to straight up Rock N’ Roll. The tracks are:

1. “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose”
2. “Payback”
3. “Gone”
4. “Run Ragged”
5. “South OF The City”
6. “Howl”
7. “Pride”
8. “I Will Wait For You”
9. “Too Much”
10. “River Child”

     Stand out tracks for me are “I will Wait For You” which reminds me of the Black Crowes in their heyday. Blues based and soulful it drags all kinds of emotions out of you with it haunting melodies and vocals. The Album opener “All Hell’s Breaking Loose” is just that hell does break loose on this raucous track. A feel good rocker that will make you want to gather you best buds and ride around with the windows down and the music cranked. An infectious chorus with have you singing along with your fists in the air. The title track “River Child” carries you along with a cool groove. Again, the vocals and harmonies are top notch and rival many of the great bands from the past. “Howl” which is the lead off single will have you doing just that. Your blood will begin pumping and you will fell the magic of pure Rock N’ Roll course through your body.

     Red Sky Mary has a definite throwback sound to them and yet their sound remains fresh as well. I get the feeling this is band making music for the sake of making music. I would give the new Red Sky Mary release a 15 out of 10 stars in my book. This record has a definite spot in my top 10 of 2015 and is a contender for number 1.

     Some say Rock N’ Roll is dead, I laugh in their faces because bands like Red Sky Mary prove them wrong. Keep Rockin’ fellas because it’s working. Be sure to check them out online at:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary

http://www.redskymary.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorWo1Wb0EtFkwy9tODdF6Q

http://www.carvedrecords.com/artists/red-sky-mary/

     It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Red Sky Mary!!!

     -the Hellion

Skid Row or Skid No?

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     I find myself again in the position of commenting on a band who has made multiple vocalist changes. The first time I heard Skid Row was when I heard “Youth Gone Wild” from their self titled release in 1989. I, like so many others,  was blown away by the powerhouse vocals of Sebastian Bach. Upon further listening I came to realize the talent that the entire band held as song writers and musicians. The three studio releases with Sebastian: Skid Row, Slave To The Grind, and Subhuman Race were all fantastic and still get their fair share of play from me.

     It saddened me when I heard Skid Row had parted ways with Sebastian in 1996. There was a brief stint where Sean McCabe (Shawn Mars) picked vocal duties before they settled on Johnny Solinger.

     Johnny and Skid row released Thickskin, Revolutions Per Minute, United World Rebellion: Chapter One, and Rise of the Damnation Army – United World Rebellion: Chapter Two. I had managed to catch them a couple of times with Johnny and felt he did a bang up job and was a good fit with the band. I even managed to squeeze in an interview with guitarist Dave “the Snake” Sabo with my cohort Charlie Owens. Things were good within the Skid Row camp, or so we thought.

     On April 6th the news was released that Skid Row had parted ways with Johnny Solinger and had picked up Tony Harnell as their new vocalist.

     I am very familiar with the vocal stylings of Tony Harnell and TNT. I have always liked Tony and his voice is powerful and great for Rock N’ Roll music. Would he fit the mighty Skid Row? We would see….

     April 13th 2015- I was forwarded a newly recorded version of “18 And Life” with new vocalist Tony and……was not blown away. While the elements for this formula were all stellar, something about it just fell flat for me. I haven’t counted them out yet as I will wait to see what their NEW work will sound like. I just don’t understand why they had to revisit that classic song.

     So far Skid Row has had five, yes five vocalists:

     Matt Fallon (1986-1987)

     Sebastian Bach (1987 – 1996)

     Sean McCabe (Shawn Mars) (1997–1998)

     Johnny Solinger (1999 – 2015)

     Tony Harnell (2015 –

     Only time will tell if Skid Row has made the right decision with this move. I will always remain hopeful of a Sebastian Bach reunion although I think it will only remain on my wish list.

     Skid Row, or Skid No, what is your take on the matter?

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

     -the Hellion

Talkin’ with UFO bassist Rob De Luca

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Having been a long time UFO fan, I jumped at the chance to sit down with bassist Rob De Luca. I have had Rob on my radar for a few years now and was excited to learn of his addition to the UFO lineup. We had a great conversation and are sharing it with you here:

     Thanks to Rob, UFO, and Jon Freeman for making this happen. Be sure to check out the new UFO release “A Conspiracy Of Stars”.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

     -the Hellion

Bar Bands, Bar Bands, Bar Bands…2

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First off I want to thank you all for the overwhelming response to last nights Bar Bands post. I was however, reminded of a few more things regarding bar bands and I am addressing them now.

Promoters, you need to do just that. I have seen an unfortunate trend as of late with putting up an event page on social media sites, dusting off your hands and calling it a day. I am sorry that is not good enough, period. I cannot tell you how many times at the last minute I get a message “hey you coming to the show tonight?” and because of the lack of show promotion this is the first time I hear of the show. Shame on you, shame. You are doing the band a complete disservice to say the least. EVERYONE should know about a show you put together.

Club owners, pay the bands a decent rate!!!!! These guys are traveling on their own usually on limited means throughout the country. Club owners wake up because you know they are talking to each other about clubs to play in and which to avoid. Imagine if you treat a band decently and they spread the word and you have bands knocking your door down to play your venue. Word gets around, locals will see the bands are dying to play your venue and will be beating your door down to attend.

Promoters and Club owners, ADVERTISE!!!!!! There are usually on most towns several means of advertising the show.  If people don’t know, they wont go!!! If you work with the advertising outlets I am sure a bond can be made and some kind of deal can be made.

Lastly, remember these bands are providing us a service and we should be thanking them.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

-the Hellion

Bar Bands, Bar Bands, Bar Bands…

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Recently a couple of people have made disparaging comments about bar bands. One person in particular  made it known that bar bands were beneath him and a waste of time. Well I am here to tell you that most bands you have heard of and listen to today got their starts in a bar somewhere. Ok, ok there are those few anomalies out there I’m sure who jumped immediately into arena gigs.

The Doors, Motley Crue, the Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, the list goes on and on. These bands played to small crowds at first and honed themselves into arena machines.

Now, in today’s world, arena bands are mostly extinct so the return of the bar/club band is more important than ever. There are several bar/club bands that live in my heart these days. They are there because I have insight as to the blood,sweat, and tears they exude. Their craft is important to them and they are willing to go that extra mile to give their all to their fans. I wish to personally thank the following bands/performers in no particular order: Dellacoma, Nomada, Skulldron, Throw The Temple, Scattered Hamlet, Darken The day, Wulf, Beard, Ragdoll, Crowned By Fire, Mike Araiza,  and many, many more. I salute you all for being the warriors you are and for flying the Rock N’ Roll flag high. All you other local bands, STEP UP!!! And to you naysayers out there, I’ll debate you on camera anytime, you know how to reach me.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

-the Hellion

 

 

Van Halen….again

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1978- Who doesn’t remember when you first heard “Eruption”? Myself and my local group of ne’er do wells were stopped dead in our tracks when we did. It was a sonic assault unlike any we had heard before. How could this be a guitar? Who could be behind this? And when it lead into “You Really Got Me” (being a Kinks fan I knew the track very well.) their rendition blew me away. I finally got my hands on a copy of this tasty piece of vinyl and proceeded to wear it the hell out. The raw power and swagger of this band was unbelievable. I found my self lost in the music and fancied myself a DLR clone. I mustered up as much swagger as I could and failed miserably, there was only one David Lee Roth.

Throughout the years I caught them every chance I could (Van Halen today remains the band I have seen live the most) and was never disappointed. The albums changed and the music evolved as did the members of Van Halen.

Things started going south for me with the 1982 release of Diver Down. Some of the tracks were incredibly awesome, and others left me scratching my head in bewilderment. What was going on here? I sucked it up however, and remained a loyal fan.

1984- WTF?!?!? What happened to my band of badasses? “Jump” really? As much as I tried to like this record it never really happened for me. And then, the king of swagger was gone David Lee Roth was no longer a part of the mighty Van Halen.

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I had been a fan of Sammy Hagar for quite a while when I heard the news of his replacing DLR. I thought to myself “this should be interesting with Sammy being quite an accomplished songwriter and guitarist. I waited in anticipation for the results.

When 5150 hit the stores I snapped it up eager to see what direction they were taking. While not the dangerous “you’re gonna go to jail if you hang out with those guys” band they used to be, it was good. Different but good. Van Halen had become a more mainstream act and it seemed stronger song writers. I found myself at that point in my life more mature as well, and I enjoyed the music. The four studio albums with Sammy gave some great songs and the memories that went a long with them .

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And then, like a bad dream, Sammy was out and Gary Cherone (really guys, I thought to myself) from Extreme was in. it was 1998 and was a 34 year old family man now but still a loyal rocker. I put aside my misgivings and entered Van Halen III with an open mind. I actually found this record quite good, a departure from the VH sound but good. And then, again, Gary was out and so was Michael Anthony.

Van Halen then kind of faded away in the eyes and ears of most people. They remained ever present in the rotation of music that I played, never far from my ears. Rumors and stories abounded but never came to fruition.

A couple of Reunions with Hagar and Roth came and went and rumors of new album with Roth began. In 2012 we finally got A Different Kind Of Truth and learned that Wolfgang Van Halen was now the bassist for Van Halen. It was through this record I realized my precious Van Halen was no more.

I had been there though it all: Van Halen, Van Hagar, Extreme Van Halen, and now Van Halen3 plus Dave.

In the past few days Van Halen has been asplash on the internet with their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. I watched with baited breath hoping to catch a glimpse of my heroes of old. Alas, I was disappointed and a little embarrassed for them. While Eddie as usual had killer tone and chops, and Alex still brought the thunder, Young Wolfgang was no Michael Anthony, and David Lee Roth, well, let’s just say sometimes it’s better to leave on a high note. I will not speak of the current Sammy project because this was about me and Van Halen and I want to keep it that way.

I will always love and respect the music Van Halen has given me throughout the years and yes I will buy any and everything they release, I just feel that it’s time to move on for them….

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Van Halen I love you guys (all of you) now and forever

-the Hellion

 

 

UDR Music Announces TOMMY BOLIN “TEASER” 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – Out May 19, 2015 in North America‏

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UDR Music Announces TOMMY BOLIN “TEASER” 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – Out May 19, 2015 in North America

 

TOMMY BOLIN (The James Gang, Deep Purple) – The Legend Lives On

 

Pre-Order Details Coming Soon

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UDR Music celebrates the 40th anniversary of guitar god TOMMY BOLIN’s classic solo album Teaser with a deluxe triple-vinyl set – the TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set!

 

TOMMY BOLIN – recognized for his work with groups such as Zephyr, The James Gang, and Deep Purple – was a bright, young American guitar god who created a whirlwind with his loud, stylish, free-form fusion performances before his untimely death at the age of 25 in 1976. Released in 1975 during his time with Deep Purple, Teaser was the solo masterpiece and eventual cult-classic that Bolin never got the chance to properly promote.

Now, 40 years after the album was originally released and unfortunately buried with time, Teaser is finally getting its time to shine.

On May 19, 2015, UDR Music will release the official TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set, a three-album deluxe vinyl box-set supplemented with two live CDs, celebrating the 40th anniversary of this legendary release. Featuring long-lost outtakes and alternative mixes from the original Teaser studio sessions, plus two live CDs comprising performances from Ebbets Field, The Northern Lights, My Father’s Place and Albany, the TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set is set to satiate the appetites of Bolin fans worldwide.

Track list LP’s:

LP 1 – side A:

1.      Teaser

2.      Flying Fingers

LP 1 – side B:

3.      Wild Dogs

4.      Cookoo

LP 2 – side C:

5.      Chameleon

6.      Lotus

LP 2 – side D:

7.      The Grind

8.      Crazed Fandango

LP 3 – side F:

9.      People People

10.   Smooth Fandango

11.   Marching Powder

LP 3 – side E:

12.   Homeward Strut

13.   Dreamer

14.   Savanah Woman

15.   Oriental Sky

Track List Live CD’s:

CD 1:

1.     Teaser – My Father’s Place

2.     People People – My Father’s Place

3.     The Grind – My Father’s Place

4.     Wild Dogs – Live at The Northern Lights

5.     You Told Me That You Loved Me – Live in Albany

6.     Stratus – Live at Ebbets Field

7.     Post Toastee – Line in Albany

8.     Hoka-Hay – Energy KBPI Broadcast

9.     Homeward Strut – Live at Ebbets Field

CD 2:

10.  Shake The Devil – Live at The Northern Lights

11.  Marching Powder – My Father’s Place

12.  Lotus – My Father’s Place

13.  Homeward Strut – Live at The Northern Lights

14.  You Know, You Know – Live at Ebbets Field

15.  Crazed Fandango – Live at Ebbets Field

16.  Post Toastee – Live at The Northern Lights

17. Walk In My Shadow – Live at Ebbets Field

 

TOMMY BOLIN was a shooting star, a fiercely bright, ferociously driven and a guitarist whose soul spoke through his fingers and fretboard. Bolin was an American axeman of the caliber rarely seen or heard before (or since) his untimely death at the age of 25 on December 4th 1976. Bolin allowed the power of funk and the fury of rock to find such finite expression through his inspiration. His expression never sounded more fluent than on his 1975 solo album debut Teaser. The album embraced a tour de force of styles from jazz to hard rock to Latin music, all of which were expressed in a glorious musical stew.

At the age of 17, Bolin formed Zephyr, whose blues rock was coated in psychedelic tendencies. Despite opening for the likes of Led Zeppelinand growing a strong fan-base, Bolin left the group in 1971 to form Energy (a jazz-rock project) before Joe Walsh recommended him to The James Gang, where he recorded the Bang! and Miami albums in 1973 and ’74 respectively. Bolin also appeared on legendary drummer Billy Cobham’s Spectrum solo album, and his ability to enjoy (and make the grade with!) such improvisational jamming style sounds left Bolin as that rare bird. A man who could be a rock star or a man who could be a musician’s musician at cafes across America.

Bolin moved to LA seeking confirmation of the stardom his enormous talents promised, and the foundations for the legendary Teaser album were laid. Featuring session musicians such as Glenn Hughes, David Sanborn, Jan Hammer, Stanley Sheldon and Phil Collins, Teaser represents the fulcrum point of Tommy’s solo-artist work. As he completed work on it, Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore quit the band, and Bolin was invited to join Purple by singer David Coverdale. Come Taste The Band came out towards the end of 1975, before Purple disbanded and left Bolin free to do his second album Private Eyes. Opening for Peter Frampton and Jeff Beck, Bolin was just starting to enjoy the sort of attention and recognition that would surly have seen him rise to the next level of revered guitar God. Sadly, Bolin’s addiction issues would not allow it, and in 1976, he died at the tragically young age of 25.

Bolin’s legacy is superbly reflected in TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – get your copy while they last!

Learn more about TOMMY BOLIN via http://www.tbolin.com.

 

This is a great album, one that should be in your collection.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!

the Hellion Rocks

Covers! Covers! Covers!

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Ahhh the old cover issue again. I have been asked to revisit covers so here it is. I have stated in the pas that there are good, and there are bad, very bad. As I am writing this I am reminded of classic rock songs that are ruined by rap/hip hop artists. I am of the opinion that some artists cannot come up with something of their own so they cover an already successful song and others choose to pay homage to the artists which inspired them.

There are songs out there that achieved little or no attention by the original artists for example:

“I Love Rock ‘N Roll” which was written and recorded in 1975 by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker of Arrows.

     And then there is the Joan Jett cover from 1982 which the world knows and loves.

  

     I am probably one of the few people who actually prefers the original but Joan stayed true to the original vibe of the song.

     “New York Groove” was written by Russ Ballard and first recorded by Hello in 1975.

     Then the world famous version by Ace Frehley of KISS in 1978.

     Ace stayed true to the original as well and, in this case, I prefer the Ace version.

     “Space Truckin'” by Deep Purple is one of my favorite songs in the world and was written in 1972.

     Tesla decided to take  on this hard charging track on their ambitious Real To Reel release in 2007.

     Tesla crushed this cover and kept to the original Deep purple vibe, but I still prefer the original.

     Now to the covers which leave me less enthusiastic. I have heard some people talking about these songs as if the covers were the original tracks which makes me nuts.

     Let’s go back to 1934 where Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster recorded an old folk song called “House Of The Rising Sun”

  

     This song was made popular by the Animals in 1964 and is probably the best known version of the track.

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     which has led to the version Five Finger Death Punch recorded in 2013.

     While I happen to dig the vibe of the earlier versions I think the FFDP version is an abomination and shows no respect to the original song. I am embarrassed for the band and their version of it.

     “Good Times Bad Times” by Led Zeppelin was recorded in 1968 and was a blast to the ears and mind.

https://youtu.be/gAVB25yjY5I

     While I was an early Godsmack fan their 2007 version was a miss for me.

     

     I think it’s obvious that the Led Zeppelin version wins out for me.

     Ok, so all of this is just a matter of opinion for me and I mean no disrespect to anyone. Please share your opinions with me and the readers as we would love to hear them.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

     -the Hellion

Dellacoma is back with South Of Everything

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WAKE UP!!! There’s no sleeping when you fire up the new release from Dellacoma. This is a hard charging album straight from the gate!

Loud guitars, punchy bass, powerful drums, and vocals reminiscent of Rock Stars past, it’s all here.

Following the amicable dissolution of the Australian based Sunset Riot Dellacoma Rio found himself at a crossroad.Thankfully for us he chose to continue his musical journey.

Like a superhero,  Del summoned forth a new band of musical warriors to assault the world anew. Gathering fellow Australian Rick Reynolds on bass, and from Dallas Texas: Matt Cook on drums and Art Stuck on guitars, Dellacoma was complete.

They then went to ground and began recording the record that was to become South Of Everything. If you have ever felt music in the past and can remember how it made you feel you will welcome this album.

One can hear the many influences this band pays homage to and yet it remains distinctly unique. I find myself thinking of the swagger of Aerosmith and early Def Leppard to Buckcherry even.

The standout tracks for are “Under My Skin” which opens with drums that remind me of a Saxon tune and then quickly transitions into a sleazy rockin’ tune that is near and dear to me. “FJH (Get Me Out)” has a kind of Motley Crue vibe yet retains the Dellacoma swagger we all know and love. “Fame-Slaves-Gold” will take you back to when Aerosmith was still cool, powerful and bluesy I have hit repeat on this track several times.

Those are a few of the standout tracks for me on the record but believe me there is no filler here. This is the kind of record you want to put on in your car, roll the windows down, drive fast and share with the world.

I am proud to say that I have become close to Dellacoma Rio over the years and have seen the behind the scenes struggle this man has endured to get the music that burns so brightly within him out to the world. Now Del, Rick, Art, and Matt are proud to unveil their recipe for good rock n’ roll to the world.

As a bonus for me I was asked by Del to provide him with a photograph for inclusion in the cover art and I am proud to sat it was used for the back cover and CD face. Thank you for that Del and the gang.

Setting my friendship with Del and the guys aside and basing solely on the music I would give this record a solid 10 out of 10 stars. I say this because of this records ability to transport me to a different time and place, a feat that is hard to come by in this day and age of fast food music.

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Thank you Del, Rick, Art, and Matt for a kick ass rock n’ roll journey!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s DELLACOMA!!!

-the Hellion