Monthly Archives: September 2009
VAN HALEN – Fair Warning
Van Halen – Fair Warning [Remastered] (2000, Warner Bros. Records)
Original Release: 1981, Warner Bros. Records
1. “Mean Street” … 4:55
2. “Dirty Movies” … 4:06
3. “Sinner’s Swing” … 3:08
4. “Hear About It Later” … 4:33
5. “Unchained” … 3:27
6. “Push Comes to Shove” … 3:48
7. “So This Is Love?” … 3:05
8. “Sunday Afternoon In The Park” … 2:00
9. “One Foot Out The Door” … 1:56
Band:
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Michael Anthony – Bass, Backing Vocals
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Producer: Ted Templeman
The group’s fourth album shows off a darker, meaner and heavier Van Halen, but this album is still a classic nonetheless. You can’t go wrong with any album from Roth’s first run in the band. Eddie wanted a more “serious” sound (Roth wanted more of a pop direction) for the band and has admitted in later years that he was heavily into cocaine & alcohol during the making of this album, so I guess that accounts for the darkness this album wallows in.
If you need any confirmation that this isn’t your typical “all smiles” Van Halen, just check out the obligatory Eddie instrumental “Sunday Afternoon In The Park”. Quite a departure from “Eruption” and “Spanish Fly”!
As with the case of many classics, there’s not a whole lot for me to say that hasn’t already been said (and said better). Every Roth-VH album is essential listening for any and all rock fans.
This is the least successful album of all the Roth/Hagar years as it “only” has gone double platinum and failed to spawn a big hit song at the time (though I’ve heard “Unchained” quite a lot on radio over the years).
The edition I have of this album is the remaster from 2000. The 2000 Van Halen remasters was one of those annoying remasters sereies where no thought was given to throwing a few bonus tracks on for the fans. You mean to tell me there’s no demos, b-sides, alternate takes or live tracks laying around? Give me a break.
Highlights: “Mean Street”, “Dirty Movies”, “Sinner’s Swing”, “Hear About It Later”, “Unchained”, “So This Is Love?”
IRON MAIDEN – Brave New World
Iron Maiden – Brave New World (2000, Columbia Records/Portrait Records)
1. “The Wicker Man” … 4:38
2. “Ghost of the Navigator” … 6:50
3. “Brave New World” … 6:19
4. “Blood Brothers” … 7:14
5. “The Mercenary” … 4:42
6. “Dream of Mirrors” … 9:21
7. “The Fallen Angel” … 4:01
8. “The Nomad” … 9:06
9. “Out of the Silent Planet”… 6:26
10. “The Line Between Love & Hate” … 8:27
Band:
Bruce Dickinson – Lead Vocals
Dave Murray – Guitar
Adrian Smith – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Janick Gers – Guitar
Steve Harris – Bass, Backing Vocals, Keyboards
Nicko McBrain – Drums
Producer: Steve Harris & Kevin Shirley
This was my very first Iron Maiden album and over time it has become one of my favorites as well. Initially, I wasn’t much of a fan the album. I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting, but it just seemed boring to me. Another issue for me was/is that I’ve always had a hard time getting into the themes that Iron Maiden uses. Fantasy stuff is cool, but I generally favor songs and bands that write about things I can relate to. Still, it’s a minor quibble because I’m quite proud and happy that Iron Maiden has continued to successfully wave the banner of heavy metal high in the 2000s.
Anyway, this was the comeback album for Maiden. After the abysmal sales and harsh reviews for 1998′s Virtual XI, singer Blaze Bayley was out by early ’99 and Bruce Dickinson was back in after leaving the group in ’93 to go solo. Also rejoining the group was guitarist Adrian Smith (who left sometime in 1990). So, for the first time, we had not two but THREE guitarists in Iron Maiden as Janick Gers, Smith’s replacement, stayed on. The band ran through a successful reunion tour, release another greatest hits album and then set about to record Brave New World.
Needless to say, the album was a major success as Iron Maiden was one of the few acts signed to famed A&R man John Kalodner’s revived Portrait Records label and this album would eventually go gold, also proving Maiden to be the only successful act for the label’s short-lived return.
Listening to the album now, I think I see why I didn’t care for it at the time. It’s a very melodic, epic slow album. Not that there aren’t a few rockers, but most of these songs are slow-tempo and make use of keyboards a lot. So at that time, I was wanting balls-to-the-wall heavy metal. Perhaps an album full of “Run to the Hills”, “Can I Play With Madness?”, “2 Minutes to Midnight” or “The Trooper” was what I was looking for it. Nothing here matches the urgency and punch of those songs, but the album comes pretty close with “The Wicker Man” and “Brave New World”.
The numbers have a slower pace and are less metallic, but this is still a must have Maiden album, IMO.
According to Adrian Smith, “The Nomad”, “Dream of Mirrors” and “The Mercenary” were songs originally written to Virtual XI.
Highlights: “The Wicker Man”, “Ghost of the Navigator”, “Blood Brothers”, “Brave New World”, “The Mercenary”, “The Nomad”, “Out of the Silent Planet”
EXTREME – Extreme
Extreme – Extreme (1989, A&M Records)
1. “Little Girls” … 3:45
2. “Wind Me Up” … 3:35
3. “Kid Ego” … 4:02
4. “Watching, Waiting” … 4:54
5. “Mutha (Don’t Wanna Go To School Today)” … 4:49
6. “Teacher’s Pet” … 3:01
7. “Big Boys Don’t Cry” … 3:34
8. “Smoke Signals” … 4:13
9. “Flesh ‘N’ Blood” … 3:30
10. “Rock A Bye Bye” … 5:56
11. “Play With Me” … 3:38
Band:
Gary Cherone – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Nuno Bettencourt – Lead Guitar, Synthesizer, Piano, Backing Vocals, Percussion
Pat Badger – Bass, Backing Vocals
Paul Geary – Drums, Percussion
Producer: Mack
Great debut that finds the band sounding a little bit like Van Halen sometimes (Nuno on “Teacher’s Pet” and “Play With Me”), though songs like “Mutha (Don’t Wanna Go To School Today)” and “Rock A Bye Bye” are pure Extreme classics.
The album cover is pretty striking, because if you didn’t know who Extreme was, you’d think they were just another hair metal band — but they’re actually far from that.
The album has two truly outstanding tracks for me – “Rock A Bye Bye”, which is the usual beautiful Extreme ballad and then “Play With Me” which I think it one of the greatest hard rock songs to come out of the ’80s and it immediately put Nuno Bettencourt on the map as a guitar hero (in fact, the song has been included in the Guitar Hero video game series!).
Besides Nuno’s guitar work, Gary Cherone is another bright spot. He’s always brought loads of personality to Extreme and it all started here (and of course, the backing vocals in general are great as well).
This one can be found new ‘n’ cheap and it’s definitely worth the investment.
Highlights: “Little Girls”, “Kid Ego”, “Mutha (Don’t Wanna Go To School Today”, “Teacher’s Pet”, “Rock A Bye Bye”, “Play With Me”
LIZZY BORDEN – Terror Rising/Give ‘Em the Axe
Lizzy Borden – Terror Rising/Give ‘Em the Axe (1995, Metal Blade Records)
Original Release (Give ‘Em the Axe): 1984, Metal Blade Records
Original Release (Terror Rising): 1987, Metal Blade Records
1. “White Rabbit” … 3:38
2. “Don’t Touch Me There” … 3:36
3. “Catch Your Death” … 4:21
4. “Terror Rising” … 2:26
5. “Give ‘Em The Axe” … 2:55
6. “Kiss of Death” … 2:24
7. “No Time To Lose” … 2:38
8. “Long Live Rock ‘n Roll” … 5:59
Well, I’ve finally found another Lizzy Borden release that I really like (Master of Disguise so far had been the only true winner I’d heard). You could actually say I’ve found TWO releases because this is a compilation of the band’s Give ‘Em the Axe and Terror Rising EPs.
Though the band has always been steeped in shock rock, this release as a whole comes closer to epic Master of Disguise than anything else they’ve done, I think. Kinda funny, because these albums were released quite a few years and albums before that one.
I’m not too thrilled with the cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” because I’ve never cared for the original, but it’s an appropriate enough song given that I’ve always thought it was creepy sounding.
“Don’t Touch Me There” is another cover (The Tubes) and I’ve always loved this song, having heard it a few years ago online. It’s got that over-the-top charm that Master of Disguise has and sounds like something that belongs on a Meatloaf album or in Rocky Horror Picture Show. Lizzy (the singer) and Betsy from the band Bitch go all in on this one and really have some fun with it.
“Catch Your Death” is a good rocker and the Terror Rising portion of the album ends with “Terror Rising”, which is mostly a strange and creepy spoken-word piece.
The Give ‘Em the Axe portion is much more heavy and metallic with the band’s signature mix of glam metal, shock metal and Maiden-influenced sounds. The album closes with yet another cover, this time Rainbow’s “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll”. It’s a suitable cover, but despite Lizzy’s great voice, his shrill sounds can’t match the power of Ronnie James Dio.
Overall, this is an essential Lizzy Borden release. You get to hear the band’s beginnings and then get to hear the even more theatrical turn the band was starting to take heading into Master of Disguise.
ACE FREHLEY – Anomaly
Ace Frehley – Anomaly (2009, Bronx Born Records)
1. “Foxy & Free” … 3:43
2. “Outer Space” … 3:48
3. “Pain In The Neck” … 4:18
4. “Fox on the Run” … 3:34
5. “Genghis Khan” … 6:08
6. “Too Many Faces” … 4:22
7. “Change the World” … 4:11
8. “Space Bear” … 5:24
9. “A Little Below The Angels” … 4:17
10. “Sister” … 4:48
11. “It’s a Great Life” … 4:00
12. “Fractured Quantum” … 6:19
Musicians:
Ace Frehley – Vocals, Lead Guitar, Bass
Derrek Hawkins – Rhythm Guitar
Anthony Esposito – Bass
Anton Fig – Drums, Percussion
Scot Coogan – Drums, Percussion
Marti Frederiksen – Keyboards, Bass, Rhythm Guitar
Producer: Ace Frehley, Marti Frederiksen (“Fox on the Run”)
Great release! I wasn’t sure if Ace was up to the task of delivering anything resembling a solid hard rock release, but he did it. Ace has always been a bit out there beyond the stars, so while I was looking forward to this one, I figured it was either going to be really good or really bad, no in-between.
Luckily, it’s really good. I own Ace’s first two albums, and this basically sounds like his self-titled debut and a bit of Frehley’s Comet. Some of these songs would’ve fit in perfectly on either album.
It’s one thing for me to listen to a song and say “yeah, that’s good”, but when the song is stuck in my head– that’s an entirely different story. “Outer Space” is incredibly catchy, heavy but catchy. “Sister” (which apparently is a reworking of a mid-90s demo Ace had) and “Pain In The Neck” are the same way.
There’s a number of instrumentals here as well. I already knew about “Fractured Quantum” (the fourth and final in the “Fractured” series according to Ace), but when I heard “Space Bear” and “Genghis Khan” (are those classic Ace titles or what?) were instrumentals as well, I was slightly disappointed. I wanted full blown songs and felt the new “Fractured” should receive the only instrument spotlight. Again, I lucked out because the other two instrumentals are very well done and I actually prefer “Space Bear” and “Genghis Khan” over “Fractured Quantum”.
Basically, every track is enjoyable except for one. And that one song would be “A Little Below the Angels”. I find myself skipping that one, it’s just too corny and strange for me.
I had some trouble finding this album. I figured for sure Best Buy would have it, but they didn’t. Neither did FYE (which I wasn’t surprised by). Walmart didn’t have it either. I’ve heard that some Best Buy and Walmart stores do have the album in though. Either way, let’s just stay distribution wasn’t all that great for this one, but here’s the cool thing — the album still managed to land at #27 on the Billboard 200 for its first week. I definitely didn’t see that one coming.
One question for ya Ace: Why did it take TWENTY YEARS to give us this new solo album ?! C’mon, Ace — give us another one by 2011!
Highlights: “Foxy & Free”, “Outer Space”, “Pain In The Neck”, “Genghis Khan”, “Space Bear”, “Sister”, “Fractured Quantum”
Concert Review: KISS w/ Buckcherry – 9/25/09
KISS
with Buckcherry
9/25/09
Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan
FINALLY! Nine years after trying to see KISS on their “farewell tour” (I couldn’t find anyone who would go with me!) and five years after purchasing tickets to see them on their Rock the Nation tour (my show got canceled), I can now say that I have experienced KISS alive and in person! They’ve been the Holy Grail of concerts for me and it was everything I expected.
Supposedly, tickets were selling so well on the first day for this show that they added a show for 9/26 as well. I’m pretty sure the second date was already set in stone, but I’m also confident the show last night as a sellout, I didn’t see an empty seat in the 12,000+ capacity arena by the time KISS stormed the stage.
The show was scheduled to start at 7:30PM and my fiancee and I (the only rock show partner I have) left Lansing about 5:15 or so. I’ve never been into Detroit before, so I was a little bit anxious, hoping we could be sticking the highway and that’s exactly what we did as the highway feeds right into Cobo. After waiting for about 30-40 minutes in very slow moving line to park in Cobo’s parking complex (which they ripped me off another $10 for), we got to our seats a few minutes past 7:30.
Buckcherry setlist
Tired Of You
Next to You
Lit Up
Out of Line
Talk To Me
Rescue Me
Highway Star
Everything
Sorry
Crazy Bitch
Unfortunately, Buckcherry had already started their set as we were still outside the doors trying to get our seats, but I could hear “Lit Up” playing, so thankfully, we didn’t miss to you. I would’ve love to have heard “Tired of You”, it’s a great live song and one of my favorites from the band. I was able to find out they played “Tired of You” and “Next to You” thanks to a fan from Buckcherry’s message board.
One thing I thought was funny was that sing Josh Todd mentioned he was told not to cuss while talking onstage (that didn’t really stop him, but he did hold back a bit compared to the previous shows I’ve seen them on)… Yet, almost every song Buckcherry played features cussing!
It was cool to hear them play Deep Purple’s “Highway Star”, the band covered it recently as a theme song for NASCAR and it has been placed on the re-issue of 2008′s Black Butterfly.
The band did another great expanded edition of “Crazy Bitch”, taking a brief trip into Billy Squier’s “The Stroke” (as they usually do) and also “Fire”, which I’m guessing is the title. It was a popular funk song, but I can’t remember who sang it originally.
All told, Buckcherry in the studio or live is one of the great rock bands from the last ten years. This was my third time seeing them play and it’s always a great show. As good as they were though, my mind was on KISS and by the time Buckcherry ended their set, I was ready for Gene & Paul!
KISS setlist
Deuce
Strutter
Got to Choose
Hotter Than Hell
Nothin’ to Lose
C’mon and Love Me
Parasite
She
Watchin’ You
100,000 Years
Black Diamond
Cold Gin
Let Me Go, Rock ‘n’ Roll
Rock and Roll All Nite
ENCORE:
Shout It Out Loud
Lick It Up
I Love It Loud
Modern Day Delilah
Love Gun
Detroit Rock City
Paul was especially fun to watch (he’s always been my favorite), he was prancing and dancing and running around all night long. I was also looking forward to his stage raps and I know he’s got a reputation for using the same lines at every show, but this time he mostly spoke about the band’s history with Cobo and Detroit. He mentioned they originally weren’t planning on starting the ALIVE 35 tour in Detroit, but once they heard Cobo was coming down (it’s being demolished and then will be rebuilt to a larger size), they wanted to play there. He also talked about the hard times Detroit has fallen on and said it was a sin for one of America’s greatest cities that’s given the world such great music to have such a high unemployment rate and said he knew Detroit would rise again.
There was a funny part where he was asking us where KISS should play next time they come to Detroit. He asked if they should come back The Palace of Auburn Hills, the crowd booed, so he said “where do you want us to come?”
“No, not in your mouth,” was Paul’s reply to one fan up front. It was pretty funny.
Another humorous moment was when Paul came out to join the crowd during “Love Gun” on his rotating platform. Nearing the end, after his vocal part was done, his microphone stand went down. I’m not sure he knocked it over on purpose or what, I didn’t catch that, but he pointed at it a few times for a crew member to take care of, but no one did. In anger, he kicked it towards the edge of the platform and one of the guys finally got off their butts and took it away so he could keep prancing around.
The band ran through most of Alive!, strangely leaving off “Rock Bottom” and “Firehouse”. I would’ve loved to have heard “Rock Bottom”. It was great to hear “Modern Day Delilah” and “Love Gun” and of course, they couldn’t come to Detroit without closing with “Detroit Rock City”.
I’ve seen enough KISS concert footage to know what to expect from these guys: pyro, flames, smoke, levitating drum kits, rising platforms, firebreathing, Gene doing his bat pose and flying up into the air, Paul ziplining out to the middle of the arena, rocket shooting guitars, smashing guitars… They did it all and myself and the rest of the crowd ate it up!
These guys are professionals, Tommy and Eric included. They sounded great and they looked great, so as always, KISS delivered. I will make sure to see them again when the next come around, hopefully they’ll do a tour dedicated to the new album next year.
Taking a Break
I’m taking a break tonight from doing a review and tomorrow I’ll be in Detroit to watch KISS!
See ya Saturday for a full KISS report!
MONSTER BALLADS
Various Artists – Monster Ballads (1999, Razor & Tie)
1. “Heaven” - Warrant … 3:58
2. “Something to Believe In” – Poison … 5:30
3. “High Enough” – Damn Yankees … 4:18
4. “Almost Paradise” – Mike Reno & Ann Wilson … 3:50
5. “Is This Love” – Whitesnake … 4:44
6. “To Be With You” - Mr. Big … 3:20
7. “Carrie” – Europe … 4:31
8. “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” – Cinderella … 5:55
9. “More Than Words” – Extreme … 4:11
10. “Headed for a Heartbreak” – Winger … 5:14
11. “When I Look into Your Eyes” – Firehouse … 4:01
12. “Wind of Change” – Scorpions … 5:12
13. “I’ll Never Let You Go” – Steelheart … 5:06
14. “When I See You Smile” – Bad English … 4:18
15. “Don’t Close Your Eyes” – Kix … 4:18
16. “When I’m With You” – Sheriff … 3:54
I doubt this was the very first hair ballad compilation, but it was definitely the one that inspired tons of other compilations to come around in ’99 and ’00 (and it was the first one that I owned). I’ve never made it a secret that I’m a huge fan of ballads and this is a pretty excellent crop of songs. When coupled with VH1′s The Big ’80s Power Ballads disc, you’ve got an incredible selection of songs (with very little repeats) and either disc is a great introduction to the softer side of hair metal.
Yeah, there are tons of great deep tracks that aren’t present, but the idea of Monster Ballads is to showcase hit ballads and Razor & Tie really couldn’t have done much of a better job, even if there are a few headstratchers like “Almost Paradise” and “When I’m With You”. Nice ballads, but they don’t fit in with the rest of the bands.
This album was originally offered during thru Razor & Tie by calling their 1-800 number and ordering. It was a two disc set, but was quickly trimmed down to one disc and made available in retail stores.
