Tag Archives: Brian May

The top 10 of 2015

by

0

     2015 is over but it brought us some great new music. Here are my top 10 in no particular order, enjoy:

Stryper – Fallen

12032008_10153682331278420_4039836312177946052_n

Stryper’s new release, Fallen, is a supercharged release to say the least. For a band that has been around for 32 years they have continued to impress. This record is full of killer riffs and powerhouse vocals. I am totally impressed by the production quality of this record. I was even surprised to see a Black Sabbath cover on here “After Forever” is done very well by Stryper.  The track that grabs hold and will not let go is “Fallen” :

     Check out Stryper online:

https://www.facebook.com/Stryper/?fref=ts

http://www.stryper.com/

Ugly Kid Joe – Uglier Than They Used Ta Be

I05_R75_K

     Ahhh Ugly Kid Joe, 19 years after Motel California UKJ is back with a full album. These hold a very special place in my heart and always will. This record shows that UKJ has not lost a bit of the attitude that made them so great. This is rock n’ roll pure and undistilled. The stand out here is “Hell Ain’t Hard To Find”:

     Ugly Kid Joe online:

https://www.facebook.com/uglykidjoetheband/?fref=ts

http://www.uglykidjoe.net/

Throw The Temple – No Way But Down

11057404_874309952604954_8008349161134760933_n

     Throw The Temple is a hard working band that takes itself serious without being serious about it. Believe me, every move they make is calculated and planned. After seeing them perform for several years they have finally put out and album to be proud of. Full of deep lyrics and catchy tunes ( I even persuaded them to provide the theme song for the Hellion Rocks) this is an album which should be garnering national attention. Enjoy the video for “We Got It Goin'” right here:

     Throw The Temple online:

https://www.facebook.com/throwthetemple/?fref=ts

http://www.throwthetemple.com/

Devil City Angels – Devil City Angels

11219368_1693802864184760_7883976858454634628_n

     This record was a complete surprise to me. While technically a “supergroup” it sounds nothing like one. I was ina bad mood the first time I played this record, by the end not so much. This is just a feel good record that you can tell was fun to make.  Comprised of the legendary Tracii Guns, Rudy Sarzo, Rikki Rockett, and Brandon Gibbs, this is a DO NOT MISS record. Here’s the video for “Boneyard”:

     Devil City Angels online:

https://www.facebook.com/DevilCityAngels/

Motorhead – Bad Magic

motorhead-bad-magic

     Motörhead has always been a guilty pleasure for me. I have always listened to them and probably always will. I have seen the fairweather fans come and go as the trends change. I was extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of Lemmy and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor. This final album from Motörhead is to savor and enjoy.  Take a listen to “Electricity” and pay your respects:

       Motörhead online:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead/?fref=ts

http://www.imotorhead.com/tablet/index.html

Skulldron – Through The Smoke

11182026_889698811073077_3176393189743896478_n

     Skulldron rocks, plain and simple. I have known these guys for years and years and enjoyed them immensely. Skulldron falls into the Stoner/Doom metal category and they do it so very well. This is a band that NEEDS some worldwide acclaim. This is another record that SHOULD be in your collection. Well crafted and put together Through The Smoke takes you on a trip to a very cool place in your head. Take a peek at G.O.A.T. :

     Skulldron online:

https://www.facebook.com/skulldron/?fref=ts

http://skulldron.com/

Clutch – Psychic Warfare

11800074_10153477089688638_8673850461589184695_n

     Clutch is band that, to me, everyone should be running to the store and buying all of their records. Firing on all cylinders and then some,  Clutch  simply rules. This album continues Clutch’s streak of aggressive, hard charging rock. I have one thing to say about Clutch, if you don’t like them, you haven’t listened  to them. Psychic Warfare is a great record to introduce you to the awesomeness that is Clutch. “X-Ray Visions” will whet your appetite:

     Clutch online:

 https://www.facebook.com/Clutchband/?fref=ts

http://www.pro-rock.com/

Dellacoma – South Of Everything

12106765_886157671476312_7388667164079233289_n

     Dellacoma Rio, vocalist for Dellacoma is one of the hardest working men in rock n’ roll. Hailing from Australia, Del continually works on world domination. Putting together an outstanding band of three world class musicians: Art Struck, Matt Cook, and Rick Reynolds,  Dellacoma wrote and recorded a well crafted piece of art. No frill, no filler, just straight up feel good music. This is my pick for road music of the year. Put this on, roll down the windows,  and hit the road. Let me show you what I mean:

     Dellacoma online:

https://www.facebook.com/dellacoma

http://www.dellacoma.com/

Red Sky Mary – River Child

11010589_654169974615239_7749950913440875572_n

     Red Sky Mary was an accidental find for me. I was completely taken aback by the soul in this young band. It was as if someone jumped into a time machine and collected the DNA from several 70’s bands and somehow fused them into Red Sky Mary. I find so much depth and beauty in this record it amazes me that their are bands still making music that you can truly feel. Here is the latest from Red Sky Mary:

     Red Sky Mary online:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary/

http://www.redskymary.com/

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – Live at the Roxy 9.25.14

1000x1000

     Slash and crew deliver on this live recording from the Roxy. I f you have never had the chance to catch them live this is the next best thing. Relaxed and fun this record showcases Slash’s and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators talent. With songs that span throughout Slash’s career from GNR, Velvet Revolver, through today this one is a winner. My favorite track from this record:

 

Slash and the boys online:

https://www.facebook.com/Slash/

http://www.slashonline.com/

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

     -the Hellion

Tasty licks – Queen “Get Down Make Love”

by

0

375273_10150521102730972_923334663_n

So I broke out News Of The World today and was captured by the licks in “Get Down Make Love”. This song came out in 1977 and the guitar in it translates directly to 2015. As a whole the track kills all around. Heavy drums, brutal bass, nicely done keys, and of course, Freddie’s magical voice. Brian May handles the guitars like the wizard we know him to be. There is a part in the middle where it gets kind of spacey sounding but Brian does it all with his  Red Special and an Electroharmonix Frequency Analyzer pedal, which he would often do live. The studio cut featured an Eventide Harmoniser. Do yourself a favor and put the good headphones on and give this track a revisit, or a first visit and expand your mind. Brian May’s tone and licks get me every time I listen to this track.

Check it out right here:

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s QUEEN!!!

-the Hellion

MOTÖRHEAD ANNOUNCE 2015 US TOUR DATES NEW ALBUM “BAD MAGIC” COMING AUGUST 28TH

by

0

What can I say about Motörhead? Well, having witnessed them live, and meeting the immortal Lemmy, they will remain a favorite of mine eternally.
UDR057D_motorhead_cover_300dpi_1500x1500

June 16th 2015 –  Grammy Award winning iconic rock band Motörhead, who are embarking on a 40th anniversary world tour in support of their upcoming release Bad Magic, have announced a US tour. These North American shows start in mid-August, with Saxon and Anthrax as special guests on select dates, before ending with the now-legendary Motörboat Cruise between Sept 28th – Oct 2nd from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas. The cruise also features Slayer, Anthrax and a bumper line-up of bands including three exciting new acts, Others, Budderside, and No Words.
 
Bad Magic is the band’s 22nd studio album and is slated to be released August 28th via UDR Music / Motörhead Music. The album was recorded at NRG Studios in Los Angeles, CA with long-time producer Cameron Webb. Bad Magic is the follow up to the band’s highly successful album Aftershock which saw Motörhead enjoy their most successful year yet, including a fourth Grammy nomination.
 
 
MOTÖRHEAD NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
 
Wed 19 Aug – Riverside, CA – RHA
Fri 21 Aug – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues
Sat 22 Aug – Los Angeles, CA – Shrine
Mon 24 Aug – San Francisco, CA – Warfield 
Thu 27 Aug – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Fri 28 Aug – Denver, CO – RIOTFEST
Tue 01 Sep – Austin, TX – Cedar Park Center
Wed 02 Sep – San Antonio, TX – Aztec
Fri 04 Sep – Dallas, TX – Bomb Factory
Sat 05 Sep – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
Tue 08 Sep – St Louis, MO – Pageant
Wed 09 Sep – Indianapolis, IN – Murat
Fri 11 Sep – Chicago, IL – RIOTFEST
Sat 12 Sep – Detroit, MI – Fillmore
Tue 15 Sep – Wallingford, CT – Oakdale
Wed 16 Sep – Wantagh, NY – Jones Beach
Sat 19 Sep – Toronto, ONT – RIOTFEST
Tue 22 Sep – Philadelphia, PA – Tower Theatre
Wed 23 Sep – Charlotte, NC – Fillmore
Fri 25 Sep – Orlando, FL – House Of Blues
 
 
 
BAD MAGIC – TRACK LISTING
 
1.     Victory Or Die – 3.09
2.     Thunder & Lightning – 3.06
3.     Fire Storm Hotel – 3.35
4.     Shoot Out all of Your Lights – 3.15
5.     The Devil – 2.54
6.     Electricity – 2.17
7.     Evil Eye – 2.20
8.     Teach Them How To Bleed -3.13
9.     Till The End – 4.05
10.  Tell Me Who To Kill – 2.57
11.   Choking On Your Screams – 3.33
12.  When The Sky Comes Looking For You – 2.58
13.   Sympathy For The Devil* – 5.35
 
*by The Rolling Stones
     it’s LOUD!!! SO LOUD!!! IT’S MOTORHEAD!!!
     -the Hellion
 

My top 10 Rock songs that never get old for me

by

0

rockstar2

There are songs that you have heard a million times and you can’t take them anymore (Post about those songs another time), and those that remain eternally epic. This is my list of those songs I consider most epic.

10. “Tombs Ov Oblivion” – Crowned By Fire

     9. “Back In The Saddle” – Aerosmith

     8. “Breakin’ Down” – Skid Row

     7. “More Than A Feeling” – Boston

     6. “Now I’m Here” – Queen

     5. “Dance The Night Away” – Van Halen

     4. “River Of Deceit” – Mad Season

     3. “No Quarter” – Led Zeppelin

     2. “Love To Love” – UFO

     1. “Spirits In The Night” – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

     These are the ten top songs which I could listen to over and over without them wearing out on me. I guess of I were to make a Hellion Rocks greatest hits CD these would be the ten songs that would make the cut for me. Why these ten songs? They each represent to me musical craft at its best. I can listen to these and be carried away on musical adventures in faraway lands. I encourage your feedback and responses with your own definitive top ten list.

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

     -the Hellion

 

One of my influential records: QUEEN LIVE KILLERS

by

0

Queen_Live_Killers

 

Queen was a band that was always on the cutting edge. I fell in love with their music when I first heard “Now I’m Here” from 1974’s Sheer Heart Attack, I was 10 years old and hooked. I followed and enjoyed their music from then on. 1979 brought the fans a live album that with a good pair of headphones and the proper “mood enhancement”  made you feel like you were at an actual live Queen show.  The talent and showmanship put forth on this record is nothing short of stellar. The combination and chemistry between Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon gave us some of the most iconic music ever made.

1. “We Will Rock you (fast version)”
2. “Let Me Entertain You”
3. “Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To…)”
4. “Killer Queen”
5. “Bicycle Race”
6. “I’m In Love With My Car”
7. “Get Down, Make Love”
8. “You’re My Best Friend”
9. “Now I’m Here”
10. “Dreamer’s Ball”
11. “Love Of My Life”
12. “39”
13. “Keep Yourself Alive”
14. “Don’t Stop Me Now”
15. “Spread Your Wings”
16. “Brighton Rock”
17. “Bohemian Rhapsody”
18. “Tie Your Mother Down”
19. “Sheer Heart Attack”
20. “We Will Rock You”
21. “We Are The Champions”
22. “God Save The Queen”

     These are the tracks that make up this jewel of an album. This is an album I will always cherish. If, after all of these years, you are new to Queen this is the album for you to get your feet wet. Check out the live version of  “Don’t Stop Me Know” and feel the power of Queen.

     We lost Freddie Mercury in 1991 and the world got a little dimmer and sadder. You will always live on in my heart and ears Freddie, thank you for all you have given us.

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

the Hellion

WHEN A BAND CHANGES DIRECTION (OR DOESN’T)

by

0

How many times have you heard “This band sold out” or “That band went mainstream”? I have heard this about several bands throughout the years. Let;s take a look at several bands that have “changed direction” , or have stayed the same and if that has worked for them.

     QUEEN 1971 – 1991 the Freddie Mercury years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen remains one of my favorite bands of all times. The band was constantly evolving and changing throughout their career. They explored many styles of music during their recording career. They were never afraid to branch out and explore their creativity. Here are two songs that show their diversity. The world lost a beautiful soul when Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, we will forever miss and love you Freddie, thank you for your music. Queen pulled off, to great success, changing directions.

“Keep Yourself Alive” from QUEEN – 1973

“These Are The Days Of Our Lives” from INNUENDO – 1991

MEGADETH 1983 to present

Megadeth is a band who has stayed true to their original vision. Their style of speed/thrash metal has pretty much been a constant throughout their career. While some will say it has hurt their career, their fans remain loyal, and their record sales constant. I say cheers to Dave and crew (though they have changed over the years) keep it going! Staying true to their direction has worked for Megadeth.

“Peace Sells” from Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying? – 1986

“Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)” from Th1rt3en – 2011

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 1983 to present

This band has always been in a special place in my heart. Never afraid to be who they are, always giving their all to their fans. Their members and styles have changed throughout the years but they have always managed to pull it off. Playing what they want to and disregarding the critics their music reflects the colorful personalities that infuse this band. Many people have tried to pigeonhole this band to a certain genre, to no avail. I call them a Rock N’ Roll band PERIOD. Thank you RHCP, you have given my soul much joy. Keep growing and evolving and stay true to your passions.

“True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” from The Red Hot Chili Peppers – 1984

“The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie” – from I’m With You – 2011

METALLICA – 1981 to present

Ahhh Metallica, the source of great contention amongst metal heads. Some say they sold out with the “Black” album, some say they didn’t. I think they have made some questionable choices in the past years, but they remain strong as one of the driving forces in metal music. As part of being human we are constantly changing and growing (well, some of us do) as the events surrounding us dictate. The guys in Metallica are not immune. Growing older, gaining families, becoming financially stable HAS to affect them, and their music. I, for one, appreciate that fact and despite their making some music that does not always appeal to me I stand by this band and remain a fan. R.I.P. Cliff Burton, miss you!

“No Remorse” from Kill ‘Em All – 1983

“All Nightmare Long” from Death Magnetic – 2008

GUNS N’ ROSES 1985 to present???

GNR WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!? They were poised to take over the world and instead they burned it down. The energy of the the five original members was the perfect combination. Then the backup singers, the keyboard players, the horn section, etc… etc… sigh. I know this band has been the topic of great controversy, and probably will remain so for a long, long time. I will always remain in love with early GNR and the music they made and I am grateful for that, post original five, not so much. I personally believe the direction that the band took killed them (this is my humble opinion). Oh well we have our memories…. if we could only find our way back to the jungle.

“Welcome To The Jungle” from Appetite For Destruction – 1987

“This I Love” from Chinese Democracy – 2008

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY 1998 to present

Ahhh BLS, now here’s a band that I totally get. Members have come and gone and yet this band gets stronger and stronger. Great music year after year, record after record and a loyal fan base that unifies together as one big BLS family. Zakk Wylde never shies away from playing whatever he wants, piano based ballads, acoustic songs, full out electric, it matters not to Zakk. With BLS it never grows stagnant and you will never be bored! GI/FD!!!

“Born To Lose” from Sonic Brew – 1999

“Overlord” from Order Of The Black – 2010

These are just my opinions on bands that have (or have not) changed direction, please feel free to comment or message me with your ideas or thoughts and I will post them here.

the Hellion