Tag Archives: Music

What do you mean Rock N’ Roll isn’t relevant any more?

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I was talking to someone yesterday when the subject of music came up. For some reason music ALWAYS seems to come up in my conversations. The conversation went to why Rock music takes a back seat to other styles.  Someone said that Rock wasn’t a money maker anymore. Yet everywhere you turn it’s “Rockstar” this or “Rockstar” that. If  “Rockstar” is the baseline then to me that says something. Why isn’t there the “American Rock Awards”? The Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame? uhhh no. Where is my ROCK video music channel? HMMM??? Nobody cares a bout rock music? I don’t think so. That got me thinking about the presence of Rock and how sets in record sales and tour attendance. I ‘m gonna take look and share some info with ya.

40 million copies or more:

There are 11 albums that have achieved this status. Out of those 11, 5 yes 5 fall in to the Rock category

AC/DC – BACK IN BLACK : 50 MILLION SOLD, YES 50 MILLION

PINK FLOYD – DARK SIDE OF THE MOON:  50 MILLION AS WELL!

MEATLOAF – BAT OUT OF HELL: 43 MILLION

EAGLES – THEIR GREATEST HITS (1971 – 1975): 42 MILLION

FLEETWOOD MAC – RUMOURS: 40 MILLION

30–39 million copies

Out of the 17 albums that fall in this category  10 are Rock

LED ZEPPELIN – IV: 37 MILLION

ALANIS MORISETTE – JAGGED LITTLE PILL: 33 MILLION

THE BEATLES – SGT. PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND: 32 MILLION

THE BEATLES – 1: 31 MILLION

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – BORN IN THE U.S.A.: 30 MILLION

DIRE STRAITS – BROTHERS IN ARMS: 30 MILLION

IRON BUTTERFLY- IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA: 30 MILLION

PINK FLOYD – THE WALL: 30 MILLION

METALLICA – METALLICA: 30 MILLION

NIRVANA – NEVERMIND: 30 MILLION

WOW! it seems like Rock dominates record sales. Now let’s look at the top grossing music tours:

Out of the top 20 grossing tours 16 are Rock N’ Roll tours:

U2 – $736,421,586 :  360º Tour

The Rolling Stones – $558,255,524: A Bigger Bang Tour

AC/DC-  $441,121,000 : Black Ice World Tour

U2- $389,047,636: Vertigo Tour

THE POLICE –$358,825,665 : The Police Reunion Tour

ROGER WATERS- $349,240,698 : The Wall

THE ROLLING STONES –$336,017,048 : Bridges To Babylon Tour / No Security Tour

THE ROLLING STONES- $316,365,576 : Voodoo Lounge Tour

THE ROLLING STONES  –$299,520,230 : Licks Tour

THE EAGLES –$251,112,882 : Long Road Out Of Eden Tour

PINK FLOYD- $250,000,000 : The Division Bell Tour

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – $235,000,000 : Magic Tour

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – $221,500,000 : The Rising Tour

METALLICA – $217,245,629 : World Magnetic Tour

BON JOVI – $210,650,974 : Lost Highway Tour

BON JOVI – $201,000,000 : The Circle Tour

Seems like Rock N’ Roll music is alive and well to me.  There is nothing wrong with other genres of music, any thing that fire up the soul is ok in my book. Just don’t count Rock N’ Roll out. Love your music? SHOUT IT OUT TO THE WORLD!  ANY QUESTIONS? I’m gonna leave you with my new theme song!!!:

 

the Hellion

10 bands that should be in the ears of the WORLD. The radio won’t play them, but I’ll spread the word.

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There are some really great bands out there. Unfortunately corporate radio will not play them. I’m gonna give you ten of them right here. In no order and the first of many Blogs like this, I will be bringing you new bands that I feel should be heard around the world. Let’s get it on!:

1. Scattered Hamlet

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http://www.scatteredhamlet.com/

http://www.facebook.com/ScatteredHamlet

A good old fashioned Rock band, when you see ’em live it’s just like a gatherin’.

“Hillbilly Harmony” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdq1dUf11ws

2. Crowned By Fire

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http://crownedbyfire.com/

http://www.facebook.com/CrownedByFire

The evil spawn of Lemmy and Sabbath with a nod from Zakk Wylde himself and you’ve CBF listen if you dare! :

“I Spit On Your Curse”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiOIKvLrDXg

3. Voice Of December

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http://www.voiceofdecember.com/index.htm

http://www.facebook.com/vodband

Stark imagery, eclectic lyrics, brilliant musicianship give this band credibility.  A VOD show will not leave your mind readily. When you’re in, you’re in for good.

be their “Guest” right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rykom1HP6nQ

4. Sunset Riot

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http://www.sunsetriot.com/Sunset_Riot/Home.html

http://www.facebook.com/sunsetriot?ref=ts

A FUN band that likes to give a great show as much as they love to give great music. Give a listen and get bit!

“Rattlesnake” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMQGRhrA9W8

5. Die Hard Til Death

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http://www.diehardtilldeath.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DieHardTillDeath

This band is proud to be Metal! Make no mistake some ass kicking will go down right here!

Do you have “The Will”? : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30BVfGJVEw&feature=fvwrel

6. Fear Death Xperience

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/FEAR-DEATH-XPERIENCE/25562763683

A new band from the UK that burned its way into my ears and now is running around freely in my madhouse of a mind. some Classic sound mixed with new. I love it.

“Shallow The Grave”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkltZ4I3jfM&feature=related

7. Rusty Tramp

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http://polyrammusic.com/rusty-tramp/

http://www.facebook.com/RustyTramp

Yeah! Let’s get back to the Feel good party band times! Rusty Tramp brings it in a BIG way. Shoot for the stars boys!

“Liar Liar” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaOZq8sxnkU

8. The Hard Ponys

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http://www.thehardponys.com/

http://www.facebook.com/thehardponys

The Hard Ponys hearken back to the LA sleaze days and that make me very happy. Now if I only had a Hard Ponys T-Shirt……Give a listen!

“Psychodoll” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wRrbXQY898

9. Mindset Evolution

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http://mindsetevolution.com/wp/

http://www.facebook.com/mindsetevolution

I had the pleasure of interviewing these guys recently. Fun guys, great band glad to see they are chasing the dream! These guys remain in touch with reality!

“Relevant” :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tM4emrS61A

10. Texas Hippie Coalition

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thcoutlaw.­com

http://www.facebook.com/texashippiecoalition

When you throw THC in the CD player you automatically get a little more baddass. I feel like somebody poured a bottle of Jack out on the Texas ground and these guys sprouted out of it.

“Troublesome Times” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy33nprcFxU

Just the first ten bands I want to bring to the attention of the WORLD!!! Many more to come. I am not afraid to spread the word about bands I love. They’ll get played right here!

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

 

 

 

 

Revolving Vocalists- How does changing a front man affect a band?

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In the world of Rock N’ Roll sometimes band members come and go. It’s in the nature of the business. Drugs, money, egos, and sometimes death can alter a band. We all know bands that have changed members so let’s look at a few and see the results.

AC/DC: BON SCOTT to BRIAN JOHNSON

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BON SCOTT 1974-1980

BRIAN JOHNSON 1980-

AC/DC was on the rise of US success with the August 3rd, 1979 release of HIGHWAY TO HELL when tragedy struck. Bon Scott and AC/DC were in the process of developing the album which would become BACK IN BLACK when the unthinkable happened. On 19 February 1980, Scott, 33 at the time, passed out after a night of heavy drinking in a London club called the Music Machine (currently known as the KOKO). He was left to sleep in a Renault 5 owned by an acquaintance named Alistair Kinnear, at 67 Overhill Road in East Dulwich, South London. The following afternoon, Kinnear found Scott lifeless, and alerted the authorities. Scott was rushed to King’s College Hospital in Camberwell, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Pulmonary aspiration of vomit was the cause of Scott’s death, and the official cause was listed as “acute alcohol poisoning” and “death by misadventure”. The band thought about hanging it up for a while but, after a visit with the parents of Bon Scott, decided to carry in his honor. Angus Young later recalled, “I remember the first time I had ever heard Brian’s (Johnson) name was from Bon. Bon had mentioned that he had been in England once touring with a band and he had mentioned that Brian had been in a band called Geordie and Bon had said ‘Brian Johnson, he was a great rock and roll singer in the style of Little Richard.’ And that was Bon’s big idol, Little Richard. I think when he saw Brian at that time, to Bon it was ‘Well he’s a guy that knows what rock and roll is all about.’ He mentioned that to us in Australia. I suppose when we decided to continue, Brian was the first name that Malcolm and myself came up with, so we said we should see if we can find him.” The rest, as the world knows, is history as AC/DC has carried on to become icons on the world of Rock. In my own opinion they are two different bands (I take this opinion of several other bands as well). I like them both but I feel they were a harder, darker, and more dangerous band with Bon. With Brian they are more of a friends band at a keg party type of band, just my opinion. AC/DC continues to this day.  Let’s compare Bon and Brian:

“Highway to Hell” – Bon Scott: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5kv8QeBBc&feature=fvst

“Highway to Hell” – Brian Johnson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7svqfVu468&feature=related

VAN HALEN: DAVID LEE ROTH/ SAMMY HAGAR/ GARY CHERONE

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DAVID LEE ROTH  1972-1985

Van Halen came on the scene like gangbusters and were moving up and up riding the wave of success and then Dave was gone. Egos, drug use, and too much too fast were the apparent reasons for David and Van Halen splitting up. David went on to record several successful solo records and Van Halen moved on.

SAMMY HAGAR 1985-1996

Eddie invited Patty Smyth of Scandal to replace Roth but she refused. Eddie was then introduced by way of a mutual auto mechanic to Sammy Hagar, formerly of 1970s band Montrose. This was the shot in the arm Van Halen was looking for. Van Halen went on  to stellar success with Sammy writing some fantastic music along the way. But all was not perfect with this line up either. Fired or quit, Sammy was out of the band in 1996.

GARY CHERONE 1996-1999

Gary Cherone known for being the singer of the band Extreme was tapped to be the next VH vocalist. Van Halen III was recorded and sad to say didn’t take off. Let’s give a listen to the three vocalist of Van Halen:

“Unchained” – David Lee Roth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Qatc4K85A

“Unchained” – Sammy Hagar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=185roOKaUuQ

“Unchained: – Gary Cherone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oygJouHFnsk

Van Halen continues on today welcoming back David Lee Roth back to the fold. Sadly original bassist Michael Anthony has been replaced. New record, new bassist (Wolfgang Van Halen) new world tour, let’s see where it takes them. My opinion is with each vocalist we got a new band, same name, but new band.

BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE TO DIO

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I know there were other members of Sabbath but we are just going to look at the Ozzy/Dio versions.

OZZY OSBOURNE 1969 TO 1979

Ozzy and company rose to stardom with their dark and doom laden music. Like so many others before them success also got to them. The reckless lifestyle Ozzy  was living led to his dismissal in 1979.

RONNIE JAMES DIO 1979 TO 1982

Ironically Sharon Arden (later Sharon Osbourne), daughter of Black Sabbath manager Don Arden, suggested former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio to replace Ozzy Osbourne in 1979. Dio officially joined in June, and the band began writing their next album. With a notably different vocal style from Osbourne’s, Dio’s addition to the band marked a change in Black Sabbath’s sound.

Let’s look at some differences:

“War Pigs” – Ozzy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3K0PvO2Dr4

“War Pigs” – Dio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG1lEiOUclc

I am going to stop at three bands. I know there are several more to discuss, maybe a part 2 blog. I also plan to discuss replacing musicians within a band as well. Some of the singers discussed here have left us may they Rest In Peace:

Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott (9 July 1946 – 19 February 1980)

Ronald James “DIO” Padavona (July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010)

While others, OZZY, David Lee Roth, have rejoined to band mates. What is your take on replacing singers? I feel like they become a “different” band. Let me know!

Thanks to my best friend, my love, and my partner in crime, my wife Dani for this idea!

the Hellion

My top 5 albums of all time – the Hellion

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I was recently asked online by my friend Mark (SDMF_Philly) to blog about my to 5 albums of all time. So here we go. These are in no kind of order they are just the five albums that I can listen to over and over (there are many more but these five just out at me right away). Let’s get started:

THE BEATLES – REVOLVER

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released on 5 August 1966

1. “Taxman”
2. “Eleanor Rigby”
3. “I’m Only Sleeping”
4. “Love You To”
5. “Here, There and Everywhere”
6. “Yellow Submarine”
7. “She Said She Said”
SIDE 2
1. “Good Day Sunshine”
2. “And Your Bird Can Sing”
3. “For No One”
4. “Doctor Robert”
5. “I Want to Tell You”
6. “Got to Get You into My Life”
7. “Tomorrow Never Knows”

I grew up listening to these songs and have over the years (no comments) have grown to appreciate them on so many levels. The Beatles have always remained an influence on my musical growth. I will be blogging about the influence of the Beatles on music soon. My favorite track off of this album is “Love You To” I just love the vibe of this song. Check it out here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF90rX43VpE

LYNYRD SKYNYRD – (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)

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released on August 13th 1973

1. “I Ain’t the One”
2. “Tuesday’s Gone”
3. “Gimme Three Steps”
4. “Simple Man”

5. “Things Goin’ On”
6. “Mississippi Kid”
7. “Poison Whiskey”
8. “Free Bird”

My mom (may she Rest In Peace) used to sing “Simple Man” to me when I was younger. My step dad was a country fan but he allowed this record to be played in the house. I loved the feel of these now classic songs. I could put this record on the turntable and just go to a different place. This is a timeless record to me and still gets plenty of play. Here is a link to “Simple Man” I hope I’ve done you proud mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paUGhVQfBpw

VAN HALEN – VAN HALEN II

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released on March 23, 1979

Van Halen changed the game. Style, great vocals, KILLER riffs, feel good music in a feel good time. II is my favorite VH record for all of those reasons. I actually picked this record up the day it came out and ran all of the way home to hear it. I must have played it twenty times that day. It still sounds as fresh to me in this day as it did back then. My favorite track is “Women in Love” the intro to the closing notes are still amazing. Check out the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-HTBen7_CE

GUNS N ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION

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released on July 21, 1987

1. “Welcome to the Jungle”
2. “It’s So Easy”
3. “Nightrain”
4. “Out ta Get Me”
5. “Mr. Brownstone”
6. “Paradise City”
7. “My Michelle”
8. “Think About You”
9. “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
10. “You’re Crazy”
11. “Anything Goes”
12. “Rocket Queen”

Another game changer. The sheer aggression on  this record quickly grabbed my attention. The power, bravado and devil-may-care ways gave the music world a shot in the arm. Another record that you put on and listen to open to close. GNR did their homework on looks and hooks and manged to keep the F@%K you attitude. “It’s So Easy” stands out the most to me on this record “See me hit you, you fall down” love that lyric. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNE2Oqut238&feature=related

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – CALIFORNICATION

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released June 8. 1999

1. “Around the World”
2. “Parallel Universe”
3. “Scar Tissue”
4. “Otherside”
5. “Get on Top”
6. “Californication”
7. “Easily”
8. “Porcelain”
9. “Emit Remmus”
10. “I Like Dirt”
11. “This Velvet Glove”
12. “Savior”
13. “Purple Stain”
14. “Right on Time”
15. “Road Trippin'”

The thing I like best about Red Hot Chili Peppers is their “We play what we want to” style. You never know what you are going to get from a new RHCP record. This one marked the return of guitarist/songwriter John Frusciante to the band. The tracks are soulful and plain beautiful. the layered vocals, and lyrics make this a magical record for me. My stand out track is “This Velvet Glove”  the lyrics”  “Sailin’ for the sun cause there is one Knows where I’m from I care for you I really do, I really do” just hit me.  here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiqSl0bfWro

There you have it 5 albums that mean the world to me. Thanks

the Hellion

Australia ROCKS! Sunset Riot, RAGDOLL, My Dynamite, Sisters Doll, BABYJANE

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AC/DC, INXS, Little River Band, Men At Work…Australia has given us some great music. Through my recent involvement as a co-host on the internet radio show Bleach Bangs http://www.bleachbangs.com/ I have found a new crop of bands that are carrying the torch. The 80’s have come and gone here in the US but the influence is still being felt in Australia. Let’s talk about a few of the stand out bands:

SUNSET RIOT

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http://www.sunsetriot.com/Sunset_Riot/Home.html

I have actually had the pleasure of hanging out with and seeing Sunset Riot perform several times.

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The music Sunset Riot brings is addicting and worms its way into your head and you find yourself singing them without even realizing it. The guys themselves are extremely friendly and warm. They treat every one with kindness and respect and make their fans feel special. Del- vocals, JP – guitars, Ziggy- guitars, Resh – drums, and newly added Simo- bass have found the right equation for feel good Rock N Roll. do yourself a favor and check out this band. Here is a link to their video for Save Me From L.A.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxgyaEiaZn4

RAGDOLL

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http://www.ragdollrock.com/

Ragdoll brings forth some powerful music that pays homage to some of the hard rock acts we all know and love. I have not had the privilege of seeing them live but my co-hosts have and I can appreciate them through their experience. I find this band easy to listen to and am glad they are writing songs in the style of 80’s feel good rock! Their appearance at Rocklahoma was good and I am glad to see they are able to come here to the US and share with us. Ragdoll is: Ry Dash – VOCALS/BASS,  Le’on Todd – GUITARS/BACKGROUND VOCALS, and  Cam Barrett – DRUMS/BACKGROUND VOCALS Here is a video link to my favorite song “Foot to the Floor” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_151047&feature=iv&src_vid=tyzxA2o7b10&v=YZqgru0QCIw

MY DYNAMITE

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http://mydynamite.net/home.cfm

Love bluesy rock? My Dynamite will satisfy that love. The Black Crowes have been one of my favorite bands for years. My Dynamite carries the torch and gives us new music in that style. Who would have thought you could find good old fashioned American blues in Australia? We were fortunate to have had an interview with them and found they are planning a European tour and hopefully we can get them to the US as well. My Dynamite is: Patrick Carmody – Lead Vocals, Jorge Balas – Guitar, Travis Fraser – Bass, Simon Aarons – Drums, and Benny Wolf – Guitar. Here is a link to a song I really enjoy “Fork In Your Tongue” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXvAw6v-V3o&feature=plcp

SISTERS DOLL

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http://www.sistersdoll.com/

Remember the Glam of the 80’s how much fun it was to dress up and just have a GOOD TIME? Sisters Doll are trying to bring that back and having fun in doing it. Ranging in age from 14 to 17 these brothers (Brennan Mileto – Lead Guitar/Lead Vocals, Bryce Mileto – Drums/Back Up Vocals, and Austin Mileto – Bass Guitar/Back Up Vocals) yes they are brothers, are bringing the SPECTACLE of Rock N Roll back. I look forward to seeing more from these guys. Here is a link to their video for “Dollhouse” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik2yCc8PfAY

BABYJANE

http://www.babyjane.com.au

BABYJANE cites the following as their influences:

Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, Skid Row, Sex Pistols, Vains Of Jenna, Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, The Cult, Faith No More, Megadeth, Pantera. Wow! How you NOT want to give these guys a listen? I checked them out prior to doing an interview with them and was duly impressed. Solid song composition, catchy hooks, and raw sound give these guys an edge that cut you to the quick! DO NOT MISS BABYJANE!! Here’s a link to their EPK I’ll let it speak for itself : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeVUE98g11w

Been missing the 80’s? I found them…in Australia of all places. Can anyone say ROADTRIP???

Zakk Wylde/ Black Label Society

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SDMF = Strength Determination Merciless Forever

the calling card of The Black Label Society. It means a lot to me that’s why it’s inked on my arm. I first became aware of Zakk Wylde like most of the rest of us, through Ozzy. I quickly came to love his playing style and naturally when Pride & Glory happened it gave us chance to hear Zakk on a new level. When it progressed into Black Label Society I was a already a fan. As the albums rolled out and the internet grew and grew I met many others who felt the bonding power of the BLS Family. Our Family genuinely cares for one another to the point of meeting and hanging out at shows, and other events. BLS items are readily shared between Family on a regular basis. At times it seems as if the music takes a backseat and the love of Family takes over. SDMF? You bet until the day I die. I Bleed Black and wear my colors every day.Image

The music of BLS carries me daily and there is rarely a day where a BLS song is not heard blaring from my speakers. If you have never heard BLS do yourself a favor and check out some songs, I promise you will find something you will like. Zakk and BLS  continue to evolve and amaze me. Check out this video for “Stillborn” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZGt4JVX860 BLS will ALWAYS be a part of my life and I will ALWAYS be here to spread the positive message and help to lead others in a positive way. Don’t HATE, APPRECIATE!  Thank you Zakk Wylde, thanks from the bottom of my heart. http://www.zakkwylde.com/ http://www.blacklabelsociety.com/news.html http://www.facebook.com/zakkwylde?ref=ts https://twitter.com/ZakkWyldeBLS

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Classic CD review – KISS: Rock and Roll Over

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There are CDs that you always go back to. There are CDs that you can listen from start to finish. There are CDs that can transport you in time and space to a different world. This CD is all of that for me. KISS is one of the many bands who had an impact on my life. So much so that I have the cover art inked on my arm. Rock and Roll Over  takes me back to a time when life was fun and rock and roll was about having a good time. This was a time when KISS was still shrouded in mystery. When you went to a RECORD STORE (look it up if you are confused, LOL) and grabbed the vinyl copy and ran home to your room and cranked it up!.  The guitars, druming, bass, and vocals on this devil may care record never cease to amaze me. My standout tracks are “Calling Doctor Love”  “Mr. Speed” and “Take Me”. If you’ve never heard KISS or think you don’t like KISS give this selection a try, you might change your mind.

1. “I Want You” Paul Stanley Stanley 3:04
2. “Take Me” Stanley, Sean Delaney Stanley 2:56
3. “Calling Dr. Love“ Gene Simmons Simmons 3:44
4. “Ladies Room” Simmons Simmons 3:27
5. “Baby Driver” Peter Criss, Stan Penridge Criss 3:40
6. “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em” Simmons Simmons 3:47
7. “Mr. Speed” Stanley, Delaney Stanley 3:18
8. “See You in Your Dreams” Simmons Simmons 2:34
9. “Hard Luck Woman“ Stanley Criss 3:34
10. “Makin’ Love” Stanley, Delaney Stanley 3:14

Motley Crue / Kiss The TOUR – The REVIEW!

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It was a cloudy night at the Hard Rock Pavilion in Albuquerque NM. The sky threatened rain, thunder rumbled in the distance. Despite the looming storm the masses were gathering for this EPIC show. Kiss AND Motley Crue in ONE show!!! The crowd was a mix a many diverse peoples. Old to very young, long hair, short hair, male, female, obvious rockers to regular joes, they were all there. There was a mix of Kiss and Crue shirts from all eras of said bands. There were even the diehard fans in full makeup and costume while some had just the facepaint. The show was opened by a fresh young band from the UK called The Treatment.  Check ’em out at http://www.facebook.com/TheTreatmentOfficial These young lads brought some good hard rockin’ party music. They received a decent reaction from the crowd. I personally enjoyed their sound and hard charging energy. It was great to see a new band get this opportunity to open for two music icons. The Treatment will definitely stay on my radar. I hope to make contact with them and try to do an interview on our radio show Bleach Bangs Radio http://www.bleachbangs.com/

MOTLEY CRUE:

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A light wind kicked up and brought a sprinkle of rain with it. One of these gusts blew the curtain aside enough to see Tommy Lee’s rollercoaster drum kit. We were in for an experience with this show. As usual Motley Crue took the stage like madmen. People on stilts, strange costumed individuals, flag bearers all heralded the arrival of THE CRUE!  The stage set up was extraordinary, giant fans, lights, pyro, rollercoasters oh my! The band sounded tight as ever launching into Crue classics that we all know and love. Two songs in however, the house lights came up and the show was paused to announce a severe lightning storm in the area. As if on cue the rain got heavier and lightning indeed began striking near the place. The crowd stood their ground and waited it out. 20 minutes later it was on again. Motley took us through their set with old as well as newer songs. Tommy Lee’s drum solo/roller coaster ride was nothing short of amazing. He even brought a fan up to ride (congrats to Garrett). Nikki Sixx at one point had a flamethrower bass that spouted out a 10 foot flame. Nikki also brought up a young kid who had an Ace Frehley costume and makeup, that was very cool. Mick Mars still had the killer hooks and riffs he is known for. Vince Neil was on solid form leading this wild and crazy show as the ringmaster. Not a disappointing moment in the set. The funniest moment of the night was during “Girls Girls Girls”. They were running pictures of various women throughout history when lo and behold, a JUSTIN BIEBER pic was in the mix! Kudos to MOTLEY CRUE!

KISS

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Like deities from above the force that is KISS descended to the main stage from a platform high above. They hit the stage running and never stopped. The rain was continuous but the fans and KISS didn’t care. This was my first time seeing KISS with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer in makeup. I was at first was skeptical  about the choice of allowing them to take on the iconic personas of Ace and Peter but by shows end I was impressed. As with The Crue KISS played classic as well as contemporary songs (including “Hell or Hallelujah” from the upcoming MONSTER release. Gene Simmons did his classic moves of breathing fire and blood spitting and it was still as entertaining as when I first saw them done in 1978. Paul Stanley goaded the crowd into screaming his name to encourage him to “fly” out to a small stage in the middle of the venue. Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer put on a spectacular pyro performance which ended with Eric firing off a LAW rocket. Note for note the songs were perfect for the crowd to experience the spectacle of KISS. They closed the house down with their encore of “Rock and Roll All Nite” and literally covered the place in confetti.

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As the final notes of the song echoed away I saw the joy and rapture of satisfied fans. Kiss asked if they could take a picture of them with us the NM KISS ARMY

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It was a very satisfying night of Rock N Roll!!!!

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We love you too KISS!!!

HELLYEAH -Band Of Brothers CD review

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December 08 2004 is a day that is burned in my memory forever. I  remember hearing of the loss of Dime and sitting in disbelief. I cannot even begin to imagine the feelings Vinnie had. If we would’ve never heard from him again it would have been understandable. Yet he soldiered on and gave us Hellyeah. On July 17th 2012 we were treated to the third release Band Of Brothers. Produced by Vinnie and Hellyeah the CD kicks your ass from start to finish. Bringing the brutality one comes to expect from Hellyeah. The standout track for me is “Bigger God” The lyrics  “If I’m taken for granted, I won’t be treated like a fucking dog. Now that I’ve had enough of all of you, I’m going to build a bigger god” just reach me on so many levels. Glad to see Vinnie has chosen to carry on and give us music that is real. Do yourself a favor and grab this CD, see them on tour, and spread the word. HELLYEAH!!! Check out the video for “Band of Brothers” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2tcYuSwc88 http://www.hellyeahband.com/ http://www.facebook.com/hellyeahband

1. “War In Me” 3:35
2. “Band Of Brothers” 4:45
3. “Rage/Burn” 4:41
4. “Drink Drank Drunk” 3:56
5. “Bigger God” 4:39
6. “Between You And Nowhere” 4:16
7. “Call It Like I See It” 4:00
8. “Why Does It Always” 3:20
9. “WM Free” 5:02
10. “Dig Myself A Hole” 3:15
11. “What It Takes To Be Me” 3:31