Tag Archives: Guns N Roses

WHO WANTS SOME WAH???

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One of my favorite guitar effects is the wah pedal.

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We all know and love the work of the man Jimi Hendrix. His use of the wah pedal set the bar for guitarists to come. So let’s look at some of the standouts:

 

Zakk Wylde on Ozzy’s “Gets Me Through”

Zakk has carried on the torch of melodic playing yet with brutality. His use of the wah in this makes this song stand out as one of Zakk’s best.

 

Jeff Beck on Jeff Beck Group’s  “I Ain’t Superstitious”

Jeff takes a classic blues song and makes it magic. Slow down, put on some headphones and just listen to the magic.

 

Dimebag Darrell on Pantera’s “A New Level”

I couldn’t leave the man off of this list. Listen to the artwork in this track and just smile in its glory.

 

Jimmy Page on Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter”

The haunting music in this track is very well suited for Jimmy’s use of the wah. This one has taken me to far away places in my mind on many occasions.

 

Slash on Guns N Roses’s “Sweet Child O Mine”

Slash is one of my favorite guitarists plain and simple. Listen to the swagger of this song and get it all over you.

 

 

This list is by far incomplete. There are so many more to listen to so help me out!

the Hellion

 

 

MUSIC CAN SAVE YOU

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I have been thinking about a conversation I recently had with a friend about growing old. I recently turned 48 years old and I still find excitement and joy in Rock N’ Roll. I’m not your typical 48 year old, I have long hair, earrings, numerous tattoos, I write a music blog, co-host an internet radio show, and created an internet video music show. I am twice the age of a lot of my friends. And yet, we have meaningful conversations, I give them advice, and we discuss pertinent world issues.

I feel that music knows no age, it is timeless. Through my entire life it has been a constant friend to me, always there, always comforting, never questioning me, never belittling me, always my companion.

My mom always had music on when I was growing up. When my first step-dad wasn’t home it was Rock N’ Roll. Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jackson 5, Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Temptations, The Who, Santana, Sly & the Family Stone, Isley Brothers, David Bowie, MC5 were but a few of the many bands my mom introduced me to. My step-dad however, only listened to country music. Johnny Cash, Jack Greene, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sonny James, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Bill Anderson, Tammy Wynette, Charley Pride, and Conway Twitty were some of his staples. I was five in 1969 and all of this music had me hooked, I was in love with music. I enjoyed the Rock N’ Roll more than the country (As an adult I would later come to respect the country music). Music became my anchor in the storm of my turbulent and dark childhood.

I was ten when my mom married my second step-dad and saved me (or so I thought) from the monster we had lived with. My new step-dad was a more   of a free-spirit. Johnny Mathis,Cher,Terry Jacks,Redbone, Grand Funk Railroad, Elton John, Blue Swede, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Wings, Three Dog Night, The Steve Miller Band, and Steely Dan filled my ears with glorious sounds. However, it soon became apparent that music would become my only friend. My mom and my new step-dad soon had no time for me and my newborn brother. They had lives to live and we were and interruption. Again it was a dark time for me. It was 1974.

1974 -1985 Many many things happened in those years, most I choose to put away and not reflect upon. A lot of music came and went of varying styles and trends. I was lost and wandering, but music was still there. Hard Rock and Heavy Metal became my music of choice ( I made some questionable choices in music during this period as well).

1985 I was reborn. I met my future wife and The Cult, AC/DC, Dio, Dokken, Kiss, Motley Crue, Scorpions, Ratt, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and David Lee Roth were on the scene. My life became worth living and truly became joyful to me.

1990 I became a father and vowed to be there for my new son and treat him as I wish I had been treated as a child. We filled him with love, companionship, and music. Megadeth, Judas Priest, Anthrax, Pantera, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Warrant, Queensryche, Poison, and many others were often heard on radios and cassette players (yes cassette) in our home.

1993 My daughter was born furthering my joy in life. She was full of life and energy and completed my dream family. The music from that time carried on the “Metal Scene” was prevalent in our home in this period.

  

 

Present- I am 48! Oh shit! When did this happen? My kids are now young adults, I am still as much in love with my wife as I have ever been. and music is still a huge part of my life. I now write about, interview, and talk with people about music on a daily basis. I share my experiences, give advice, and share music both new, and old with many others. Music, yeah it can save you, it saved me.

 

the Hellion

http://www.bleachbangs.com/

http://rockunight.com/

https://thehellionrocks.wordpress.com/

 

 

HATE, DISCONTENT, AND JEALOUSY

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There’s been FAR TOO MUCH of those things lately. I know I’ve discussed it before, but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?  I mean the Rock N’ Roll community needs to get behind each other and lift each other up, not tear each other apart. I often times reflect to the day when Rock fans would gather in the parking lots of shows,outside of record stores, at parties, AND HAVE A GOOD TIME! Sure there were discussions about how one thought this band was better than another, and there was the occasional fisticuffs, but for the most part we were there to celebrate Rock N’ Roll  music. I see far too many people these days dragging down someone for their successes and trash talking them instead of congratulating them, and giving them advice or support. I support each and every artist who makes the effort to step up and share their art. Won’t you? Will YOU help to tighten back up the GLOBAL Rock N’ Roll community? Bands: send me your info to  janaya64@msn.com  LET’S DO THIS!!!!

the Hellion

WHAT’S THAT? YOU’RE NOT LISTENING TO THESE 10 BANDS?

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1. TRIPHON

http://www.facebook.com/triphonband

http://www.triphon.com

       Euro-American symphonic metal blending elements of power, thrash, classical and metalcore. Diggin’ the sound of the blending of styles in this band. New to me but definitely staying in my ears and on my radar.

2. BULLET 

http://www.facebook.com/bulletband

http://www.bullet.nu

 Full Pull from Bullet was released on 09/25/12 here in the US. Bringing back the hard charging, balls out, in your face Rock of bands like AC/DC and Maiden . Well worth the listen, and remember, HAVE FUN!

3. HOTEL DIABLO

http://www.facebook.com/hoteldiablo

www.thehoteldiablo.com

I recently did an interview with guitarist Alex Grossi. And found out about this outstanding new band of his. The debut CD The Return To Psycho California just dropped. I’ve heard the tracks and it is KILLER!:

3. BEARD

http://www.facebook.com/beardisbullshit

I’m gonna let Beard’s facebook page say it all : “Carne Asada Fries, Hot Wings, Milwaukee’s Best and Metal! Beard is the heaviest and greatest rock band to ever emerge from New Mexico. This band is bullshit…..Crank it!”

5. ATTIKA7

http://www.facebook.com/attika7

http://www.attika7.com/

I got this CD the day it came out. Raw, aggressive, brutal, angry, all apply here. This CD is deep on so many levels. I will be seeing these guys at the UPROAR show on 09/30/12. Hopefully an interview will come out of it.

6. SKULLDRON

http://www.facebook.com/skulldron

A HEAVY SKULL CRUSHING SOUND THAT COMES FROM 5 GUYS OUT OF THE NEW MEXICO DESERT. INFLUENCED BY BANDS SUCH AS DOWN, SLEEP, BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER, PANTERA, C.O.C. PENTAGRAM, ST. VITUS, AND COUNTLESS OTHERS. PLAYING THEIR AMPS AT MAMMOTH VOLUME, SKULLDRON BRINGS THE RIFF WITH A DESERT GROOVE!!!

7. ADLER

http://www.facebook.com/adlermusic

http://www.adlerrocks.com

Steven is back with a new band, a new release and some great music. Liking the sound and here’s to Rock N’ Roll!

8. The Skull

http://www.facebook.com/troubletheskull

The Skull features original member of Trouble- vocalist Eric Wagner along with longtime bassist Ron Holzner. The Skull is here to do one thing… rock you with the sounds and spirit of Trouble -past-present-future .
Trouble was formed in 1979 by guitarist Rick Wartell and was joined by guitarist Bruce Franklin, vocalist Eric Wagner, bassist Tim Ian Brown, and drummer Jeff Oly Olson. Ian Brown was replaced by Sean McAllister in 1983 and, later, by Ron Holzner in 1987

9. David Shankle Group

https://www.facebook.com/Davidshanklegroup#!/pages/DSGDavid-Shankle-Group/228286120537860?fref=ts

http://www.davidshankle.com

David Shankle the shredding guitarist from Manowar. New stuff in the works from this great, stay tuned right here for info soon!

10. SISTERS DOLL

http://www.facebook.com/sistersdoll

http://www.sistersdoll.com

Paying homage to the glam bands of the past, Sisters Doll is a rising force in the Glam resurgence scene! Check ’em out!:

Ten more! Keep them coming! Know of a band that should be on here? Let me know!

the Hellion

 

MY 100TH POST! ON MY BIRTHDAY, MOVING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE!

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As I sit here pondering my 100th post it comes to me. Why I do what I do. There are some extremely wonderful bands out there that really have no outlet to be heard. Why is this? What can be done? How can they be heard? By us the bloggers and internet radio hosts, the internet video shows. We can can herald their cause. By us telling our peers, sharing their music on our sites, telling our friends, going to their live shows, posting their videos, and taking the time to interview them and hear what THEY have to say. I come to know a lot of these bands and they are hard working, genuine people. They usually are barely scraping by by selling their merch. I try to buy their stuff at every turn. Corporate radio and TV might not support them but WE will.

One other thing I am passionate about is not losing touch with music of the past. As with newer bands, there is really no outlet for a lot of bands from the past. So much great music has been made already. But when their marketability starts to lack they are cast away for the next big thing. By listening to these bands we keep them alive. As with the younger bands we need to support them in the same way and NOT LET THEM GET LOST!

I will leave you with this and go now to enjoy my birthday evening. ROCK N’ ROLL WILL SURVIVE!!!

the Hellion

SHOULD KEYBOARDS BE IN ROCK MUSIC?

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This has been a  long fought debate among rock fans. I think that keyboards are an integral part of rock music. Keyboards have been around from the birth of rock, to its current evolution. Like everything else keyboards can be (in my opinion) misused in rock music. Again everything in this post is just my opinion and is open for (and welcomed) discussion. Let’s get crackin’:

Some early rock songs had a prominent piano sound in them that was integral to the sound. Let’s look at a video from Jerry Lee Lewis for 1957:

Jerry Lee Lewis made this song come alive with the piano. The song was rockin’ for it’s time and it would not be the same without the piano.

The Doors brought forth some great keyboard laden music on the late 60’s. Ray Manzarek took keyboards and made them cooler. The distinct sound of Ray’s playing gave the Doors  their signature sound.

Foreigner in its early incarnation brought some great songs. Who doesn’t recognize the intro by Al Greenwood to “Cold As Ice”? This song was rocking us back in ’77. Although I was personally unhappy with the direction Foreigner took later on, these early songs remain dear to me.

Up until the release of Van Halen’s “1984” keyboards were not a part of the band. “Jump” took me by surprise, it was even a cool keyboard riff. What was happening to my hard rocking band???? But, it was Van Halen so most of us forgave them….maybe.

In the 90’s Guns N’ Roses gave us “November Rain”. Axl Rose and Dizzy Reed provided the keyboard/piano work for this epic song. People liked the song but I felt it was the beginning of the end  for that hard charging five pieve (originally) band. Good song though.

“Du Hast” is one of those songs where the keyboard has no place in my opinion.  Christian “Flake” Lorenz is adept as playing but the “keyboard riff” just confuses me in this song.

Those are but a few of “keyboard” heavy songs that come to mind. Here are some keyboard players worth noting and you should definitely check out their work:

Billy Preston

Mike Garson (David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins)

Jon Lord (Deep Purple)

Keith Emerson (ELP)

Stevie Wonder

Warren Zevon

Joe Jackson

Fats Domino

Paul Carrack

Rufus Wainwright

Donald Fagan (Steely Dan)

Roy Bittan (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band)

Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)

Gary Wright

Jackson Browne

Richard Manuel (The Band)

Bill Payne (Little Feat)

Gregg Allman (The Allman Brothers Band)

Chuck Leavell (Session player, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, The Black Crowes)

I am going to leave you with one of my favorite keyboard heavy songs:

“Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie Mercury’s piano playing on this is a beautiful thing. The song is timeless and is an art form to be cherished forever.

Thanks Freddie you will always live in our hearts and our ears.

the Hellion

(I will be revisiting this topic)

09/03/2012 SHOW!

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How my relationship with BLEACH BANGS RADIO started

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During the process of doing interviews for Music U-Night I was given an interview with Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio. I always like to spend some time before the interview getting to know my subject on a personal level. For me it helps to make the interview process flow easier and seem more natural. In getting to know Charlie it was if we were long lost brothers. We have so many common interests and likes, it was fate.

Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio on Music U-Night:

A little bit later I was asked to be interviewed on Bleach Bangs Radio. The on air chemistry continued and I was able to “meet” Randy Norris, and john Hennis, Charlie’s co-hosts on the show.  It was a great experience.

Bleach Bangs interview

 

A few months later I was invited to be a permanent co-host on Bleach Bangs and the rest is ….in the future!!!!

the Hellion

A message From Charlie Owens of BLEACH BANGS RADIO!

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So… September 23 2009 was the very first time we were on air with BleachBANGS. That date is right around the corner. Crazy. Sitting back listening to some of our very first shows and enjoying. We’ve come along way in 3 years and we’re not done yet. Very happy and proud to have had all these amazing bands on with us over the course of this ride. It’s about you and your music! We’ve had some ups and downs. Tech issues, money issues, idea issues. We’ve overcome all of em. Onward and upward from here. No matter what it is, promoting, housing, feeding, booking, or just talkin it up & playin the tunes on air BleachBANGS is here for you… The bands. Thank you!

We’ll even bang your ugly friends

Cheers,
Charlie Owens.

I have been fortunate to have been asked into the Bleach Bangs family as a co-host, Thanks guys!

the Hellion

Why do we like the music we do?

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Is it the driving beat or guitar hook? Is it the poignant lyrics? Is it the image of the band? A combination of any or all of the above? Personally it is the all of the above that catch my ear. Sometimes I’ll catch a hook of a song that sticks with me and I’ll check the band out and sometimes it turns out well. With others sometimes I’ll read a snippet of a lyric or again It’ll stand out to me. And yet other times I’ll see  a picture or a video that piques my interest. Obviously there is more than those things but those were the three leaders to a band that were thrown at me by readers. I wonder if some people “brainwash” themselves into liking a band because of one or more of those reasons. Let’s take a look at three videos  from one band  that touch on those  three reasons VELVET REVOLVER. 

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The “image”: the video for “She Builds Quick Machines” caught my eye even before my mind had time to process the song. Being a fan of “Spaghetti Westerns” I fell in love with this video and then the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hqe3jMHhvA

The “hook”: “Slither” had my interest from the opening notes of the song. The catchy riff kept it through to the end. Great hook that worms its way into your head and burrows deep: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKz2U4fvA4U

The “lyrics”: “Fall To Pieces” hit me like a hammer. “I keep a journal of memories I’m feeling lonely, I can’t breathe
I fall to pieces, I’m falling Fell to pieces and I’m still falling” just seem to hit home with me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JhsUFuqbCM

There you have it, one band, three songs, and three different reasons for liking those songs. Feelings? Thoughts? Comments? All are welcome!

the Hellion