Hooks So Big

Sebastian Bach: Not One For Doing Things Half-Assed

2011-07-08T15:13:00.004-05:00

Will the worst Photoshop job on a metal album cover please step forward? Nnnnnnnot so fast, Iron Maiden’s Dance of Death

Concert Notes: Manowar - 03/12/11, Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH

2011-03-14T14:02:00.011-05:00

by Myche

First, my unedited notes that I took the night of the show:

Opening band Holy Hell - count the bad signs:

* dumb band name
* chick singer
* chick singer who smiles a lot and tries to do a lot of "metal" things
* male band members take themselves way too seriously
* keyboardist
* keyboardist with keyboards turned so we can see him play
* need I continue?

I'm shocked at how polite the Manowar crowd is being to this band. Cleveland thing?

I just looked back and one of the soundguys was nodding off. Bad sign.

Actually, nodded off. Literally asleep.

Best denim metal vest ever: so many patches they overlap. I see Krokus, KISS, Sabbath, Savatage, Megadeth, Circle Jerks, Morbid Angel, Anthrax, Loudness, hell...everyone.

Manowar tattoo on someone's forehead.

Sign of the Hammer graduation cap (homemade - pretty sure not at merch table)?

There's a guy here with a big plastic sword, with, of course, blood dripping on the tip (fake and painted on, I would presume).

A white manowar shirt is not right. Two guys together wearing the same one is even worse. On purpose, or when the one guy picked up the other guy did they both look at each other and say "oh fuck?"

Keyboardist has one electronic drum that he punches from time to time.

The five biggest fans of this band are on stage right now...

I take that back - one electric cymbal.

They just said "good night" but are playing one more. The keyboardist is pumping up the crowd with a keytar.

Oh my, they are doing Holy Diver.

The guitarist looked like Nikki Sixx, but older and more worn out.

(For Hanner - the singer looked like Meredith Voller)

I took no notes while Manowar was on. I couldn't stop smiling. Had to be one of the most fun old school metal shows I've ever seen.

At one point I was standing next to probably the two tallest guys there. Thank god they weren't in front of me.

The guy next to me was such a metal specimen. Had to be every bit of 6'6", dark, vikingesque, long hair, and freaking arms as big as my thighs. When I had my arms raised and he did, his were at least a foot higher. He was into it. Looked like a nice guy, but I would have expected him to speak monosyllabically.

I never saw him talk through the whole show, and we never gestured to each other, but did bump each other a couple times while pumping fists, etc. I was not worried that he would be bothered by my bumps - probably didn't even feel them.

After the show, they played some majestic Manowar song and most people stayed and sang along. It was pretty intense. Then after that the big guy turns and we clasp fists - "great show" I say. One of the guys he's with is teary-eyed. I walk away a bit and the big guy has his head down on the rail by the soundboard where we were standing. Exhausted? Emotional? Doesn't matter...

Additional Notes - 03/14/11

Not a ton to add, but thought I would add a little color on the Manowar show itself:

* Joey tells crowd to stop crowd surfing or, I think, he would kick somebody's ass. Did the trick.

* Battle Hymns in entirety, but slightly out of order. Can't blame them for kicking things off with the song "Manowar."

* First song after Battle Hymns is "Brothers of Metal", one of my faves.

* I knew a lot more of the songs that they played than I thought I would, but learned each unfamiliar one pretty well by the end the song.

* Bass solo w/ Battle Hymns William Tell overture - awesome.

* Guitar solo ending with guitarist dropping to his knees and laying all the way back - I've seen that on a DVD and it hurts MY knees every time.

* As I've seen on a DVD - Joey pulls off each of his bass strings and gives them to crowd members. Mostly women I think, as one he mouthed "I'm going to fuck you."

* As a first-time audience member of a Manowar show, I would have to say that it was a great setlist. You got what you wanted: anthems out the wazoo.

* Most of the songs played had the words Heavy, Metal, Loud, Kill, and of course Manowar. It's easy to poke fun at this, but you know, it works for me. Thankfully not every band out there does this, but I doubt any band does it better than Manowar...

Happy Birthday Hook of the Day: Metallica "Master of Puppets"

2011-03-03T14:22:00.004-06:00

Happy 25th Birthday, "Master of Puppets"

You're still the baddest motherfucker on the block!

Hook of the Day - Prince "Kicking Kim Kardashian Offstage for Not Dancing"

2011-02-08T07:49:00.003-06:00

Every time a fat bottom girl gets on stage with Prince and doesn't dance, an angel loses its wings.

Heavy Rotation: 2-7-2011

2011-02-07T15:04:00.004-06:00

WAYNE

1. The Secret - "Solve Et Coagula"
2. The Red Chord - "Clients", "Fused Together in Revolving Doors" and "Fed Through the Teeth Machine"
3. the collected works of Trap Them
4. Belphegor - "Blood Magick Necromance"
5. Owen Hart - "Earth Control"
6. Slough Feg - "The Animal Spirits"

MARK

1. Iron Maiden "The Final Frontier"
2. Iron Maiden "A Matter of Life and Death"
3. Iron Maiden "The Number of the Beast"
4. Amon Amarth "Twilight of the Thunder God"
5. Chaka Kahn "Epiphany"
6. Kanye West "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"

MYCHE

1. Greg Brown
2. David Bowie
3. Syl Johnson
4. Graham Central Station
5. Y&T
6. Van Morrison

Hook of the Day: Iron Maiden "Killers"

2011-02-03T12:22:00.003-06:00

Just read on Invisible Oranges that Maiden's Killers turned dirty 30 yesterday. So, that's roughly a decade older than the floppy haired, neck tattooed deathcore choads who think they sound rough, but would still get sliced to ribbons in a knife fight with this album.

Hook of the Day: Immortal "Grim and Frostbitten Kingdoms"

2011-02-02T15:07:00.006-06:00

Maybe this is just Chicago's sudden resemblance to Blashyrkh talking here, but I'm almost positive that I just saw Abbath coming out of Dominick's with bread, cheese, ten cans of tuna, two half gallons of Almond Milk, and the latest issue of Wired Magazine. Either that or the Roger's Park hipsterati has chosen its new look.

Hook of the Day: Amon Amarth "War of the Gods"

2011-02-01T09:59:00.004-06:00

As Chicago prepares for a massive snowstorm, my first order of the day was to prepare a hot cup of coffee in my French press and sit down to enjoy NPR's free stream of the excellent new Earth album. It's a lovely work, full of space and texture and nuance. I looked out the window and took in the dusting of snow on the ground, and went inside myself. Took stock of myself and my place in the world as my birthday approaches in a few short days. It was a nice hour to get the day started off on the right foot.

My second order of business was to finally get around to checking out the new Amon Amarth track. And now all I can contemplate is how much I'd love to chop off some fuckin' heads with a ridiculously huge battle axe while flaming arrows whiz by all around me. I can see Lake Michigan from my window. The second I see a Viking longboat appear in the distance, I'm pointing the speakers out the open window and shit's gonna get real.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go put this bastard on a loop and play God of War III at the same time. If all goes well, my Rich Little head will do his killer Scanners impression. (Which pretty much sounds like Ronald Reagan, like all the other bits.)

Amon Amarth "War of the Gods" by Metal Blade Records

Hook of the Day: Crowbar "Cemetery Angels"

2011-01-18T08:21:00.004-06:00

Looks like someone found the "Scratched n' Dirty Grindhouse Film" setting on the video editing software.

Best of 2010

2011-01-04T13:39:00.008-06:00

WAYNE

Albums:

1. Deftones - Diamond Eyes
2. Ghost - Opus Eponymous
3. Kvelertak - self-titled
4. Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier
5. Black Breath - Heavy Breathing
6. High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine

Honorable Mention (alphabetical)
Agalloch - Marrow of the Spirit
Intronaut - Valley of Smoke
Ludicra - The Tenant
Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones

Live Shows:
1. Roger Waters performs the Wall at United Center
2. Iron Maiden at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
3. Black Tusk every damn time they played Chicago (but particularly opening for Weedeater at Reggie's)
4. Rush at Northerly Island
5. American Carnage with Slayer, Megadeth, and Testament
6. Ozzfest with Ozzy, Motley Crue, Halford, Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, etc.

MARK

Albums:

1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
2. Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier
3. Y & T - Facemelter
4. Dawnbringer - Nucleus
5. Ben Folds and Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue
6. Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part 2- Return of the Ankh

Live Shows:

1. Devin Townsend Lincoln Hall
2. Idina Menzel
3. Iron Maiden
4. Queensryche
5. Suzanne Vega
6. Scorpions

MYCHE

Albums:

1. Richard Thompson – Dream Attic
2. The Sword – Warp Riders
3. Accept – Blood of the Nations
4. Y&T – Facemelter
5. Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here
6. Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones

Live Shows:

1. Devin Townsend @ Lincoln Hall
2. High and Lonesome @ The Mill, Iowa City, IA
3. Bob Mould @ Old Town School of Folk Music
4. John Doe @ Schuba’s
5. Greg Brown @ SPACE
6. Texas Tornados @ Old Town School of Folk Music

Honorable Mentions (chronologically): Project/Object @ Martyrs’, Merle Haggard/Kris Kristofferson @ Rosemont Theatre, Rush @ Charter One, Ugly Radio Rebellion @ Reggie’s Music Joint, Loudon Wainwright @ SPACE, Iron Maiden @ First Midwest, Black Cobra/Howl/Struck By Lightning/Hunters @ Empty Bottle, Roger Waters @ United Center, Joe Price @ Buddy Guy’s, Accept/King’s X @ Arcada Theatre, Nevermore @ The Rave, Richard Thompson @ Vic Theatre

51 shows in 2010, hereafter to be referred to as “The Year.” I don’t think this one will ever be topped. It was just incredible. It was very hard to pick my Top 6. #1-5 were nothing short of magical, and I’m not sure I’ve ever smiled, sang out loud and slapped my leg more at a show than #6. Some of the honorable mentions could have topped my list in a normal year. Given the magnitude of the year, I need to make some other special mentions:

Best opening band: Black Tusk (opened on three shows, and kicked ass every time), King’s X (I’ve tried to get into them 2-3 times before to no avail – their live show clinched it)

Best surprise setlist for me, but lots of people bitched: Iron Maiden (play as much off Brave New World as you want – so glad I didn’t peek at setlists before the show!)

Why you don’t miss shows from one of your favorite bands: Y&T at Melodic Rock Fest – tickets were expensive and the rest of the bands were awful, but it turned out to be the last time Mark and I will see Phil Kennemore play live. So long, pal, you will be missed.

Heavy Rotation: 12-21-2010

2010-12-21T11:04:00.004-06:00

WAYNE

1. Deftones - "Diamond Eyes"
2. Dio - "Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987"
3. Black Breath - "Heavy Breathing"
4. Ludicra - "The Tenant"
5. Kylesa - "Spiral Shadow"
6. The Red Chord - "Clients"

MARK

1. Dawnbringer "Nucleus"
2. Cee-lo Green is the Soul Machine
3. Michael Jackson "Thriller"
4. SlipKnot "Vol 3"
5. Iron Maiden "The Final Frontier"
6. Kvelertak

MYCHE

1. Captain Beefheart
2. Dave Moore
3. Jamey Johnson "The Guitar Song"
4. Eddie Hinton
5. Waylon Jennings
6. David Zollo

Heavy Rotation : 12-13-2010

2010-12-13T09:37:00.004-06:00

WAYNE

1. Ghost - "Opus Eponymous"
2. Kvelertak - S/T
3. Tool - "Aenima"
4. Iron Maiden - "The Final Frontier"
5. Trap Them - "Seizures in Barren Praise"
6. Angel Witch - S/T

MARK

1. Kanye West "My Deautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
2. Michael Jackson "Thriller"
3. Gojira "The Way of All Flesh"
4. Mos Def "The Ecstatic"
5. Bette Midler "Cool Yule"
6. Iron Maiden "the Final Frontier"

MYCHE

1. Doug Sahm "Live in Austin"
2. Jamey Johnson "The Guitar Song"
3. The Sword "Warp Riders"
4. Waylon Jennings
5. Nick Drake
6. Allen Toussaint "The Great Mississippi"

Heavy Rotation: 11-30-2010

2010-11-30T15:52:00.004-06:00

WAYNE

1. Ghost - "Opus Eponymous"
2. U.S. Christmas - "Run Thick in the Night"
3. Rotting Christ - "Thy Mighty Contract"
4. The Crown - "Doomsday King"
5. Satyricon - "Nemesis Divina"
6. Darkthrone - "Transilvanian Hunger"

MARK

1. KANYE WEST - "My Dark Twisted Fantasy" and it's B-sides
2. Two awesome Hip Hop compliations my friend Arbrea gave me
3. Ben Folds - "Lonely Avenue"
4. Joni Mitchell - "Blue"
5. Rihanna - "LOUD"
6. Stone Sour - "Audio Secrecy"

MYCHE

1. David Zollo "The Big Night"
2. Richard Thompson "Henry The Human Fly"
3. Grizzly Man Soundtrack (Richard Thomspon)
4. Preservation Hall Jazz Band
5. Willie Nelson
6. The Chariot "Long Live"

Heavy Rotation: 11-21-2010

2010-11-21T22:52:00.007-06:00

WAYNE

1. lots and lots of Immortal
2. Nasum - "Human 2.0"
3. Melechesh - "The Epigenesis"
4. Mercyful Fate - "Don't Break the Oath" & "Melissa"
5. Kvelertak - S/T
6. The Ocean - "Anthropocentric"

MARK

1. Ben Folds and Nick Hornby "Lonely Avenue"
2. Ceelo-Green "The lady Killer"
3. Beyonce "I am... Sasha Fierce"
4. Commodores "The Ultimate Motherfucking Collection"
5. Iron Maiden "The Final Frontier"
6. Idina Menzel "I Stand"

Sorry about my lack of metal....Not sorry about the good stuff on my list.

MYCHE

1. My Queensryche Top 25 from 4-27-10 playlist
2. Brian Eno "Ambient 1"
3. Nick Drake
4. Jeff Beck "Who Else"
5. Bill Evans
6. Nick Cave "The Boatman's Call"

Heavy Rotation 11-15-2010

2010-11-15T09:27:00.004-06:00

WAYNE

1. Def Leppard - "High n Dry", "Pyromania" , and "Hysteria"
2. Crowbar - S/T
3. Deathspell Omega - "Paracletus"
4. Death Angel - "Relentless Revolution"
5. Black Breath - "Heavy Breathing"
6. Cloudkicker - "Beacons"

MARK

1. Def Leppard - "High n Dry", "Pyromania" , and "Hysteria"
2. Ben Folds "Lonely Avenue"
3. Beyonce "I am Sasha Fierce
4. Kool and the Gang "Wild and Peaceful"
5. Devin Townsend
6. Stone Sour "Audio Secrecy"

MYCHE

1. My mother-in-law's flute solo at the Athens Symphony 11-13-10 (she's very good)
2. Marisa's grandmother's recorded performance of "Silent Night" (she was a very good pianist)
3. Richard Thompson "Shoot Out The Lights"
4. Bill Evans
5. Keith Jarrett
6. My New Orleans-inspired playlist

Heavy Rotation 11-8-2010

2010-11-08T08:44:00.007-06:00

WAYNE

1. Devin Townsend
2. Judas Priest "Sin After Sin"
3. Kylesa "Spiral Shadow"
4. Agalloch "Marrow of the Spirit"
5. Woe "Quietly, Undramatically"
6. Tank "Filth Hounds of Hades"

MYCHE

1. Devin Townsend (afterglow in effect)
2. Sanctuary's two albums
3. Bob Dylan: The Bootleg Series Vol. 9
4. Raul Malo "Sinners & Saints"
5. Big Star's first two albums
6. King's X

Mark
1. Devin Townsend
2. Queensryche "Live Evolution"
3. Iced Earth "gettysburg"
4. Michael Jackson "Thriller"
5. Iron Maiden "The Fianl Fronteir"
6. Suzanne Vega "99.9 deg"

Heavy Rotation

2010-11-01T10:31:00.005-05:00

Here's what we've been chowin' down on lately:

WAYNE

1. Pantera "Cowboys from Hell - 20th Anniversary Edition"
2. Judas Priest "Unleashed in the East"
3. Black Anvil "Triumvirate"
4. Dokken "Under Lock and Key"
5. Kylesa "Spiral Shadow"
6. Venom "Welcome to Hell"

MYCHE

1. Gregory Isaacs (R.I.P.)
2. Accept "Blood of the Nations"
3. King's X early albums
4. Devin Townsend
5. The Sword "Warp Riders"
6. Love (I was reading a biography on them, so listened to them as my soundtrack)

Mark

1. Devin Townsend
2. Iron Maiden "The Final Frontier" (still)
3. Bang Camaro's two albums
4. Def Leppard "High n'Dry"
5. Chilling Thrilling sounds of the Haunted House.
6. Mos Def "The Ecstatic"

Hooks Ranking: Iron Maiden "The Final Frontier"

2010-10-01T10:16:00.006-05:00

So look what we have here, a new feature here on Hooks! We take an album and each of us ranks the songs. Then we take an aggregate of all of our lists and show that list. Now, the aggregate does have its limitations: there is no consideration for "non-linear" love or hate from a song. In other words, each song gets the value of its rank from each person, we add up all three, then rank them from the lowest score to the highest. But I think it works pretty well.

I think it's interesting to look at rankings like these. We all love Iron Maiden, and all think this album is great - but for slightly different reasons. That's what I love about music. So subjective...

MARK

Mother of Mercy
When the Wild Wind Blows
Coming Home
The Talisman
Satellite 15...The Final Frontier
Isle of Avalon
The Man Who Would Be King
El Dorado
Starblind
The Alchemist

WAYNE

Mother of Mercy
Satellite 15...The Final Frontier
Isle of Avalon
When the Wild Wind Blows
The Man Who Would Be King
Starblind
Coming Home
El Dorado
The Talisman
The Alchemist

MYCHE

Isle of Avalon
Coming Home
Satellite 15...The Final Frontier
The Talisman
Mother of Mercy
El Dorado
When the Wild Wind Blows
The Alchemist
The Man Who Would Be King
Starblind

AGGREGATE

Mother of Mercy
Isle of Avalon
Satellite 15...The Final Frontier
Coming Home
When the Wild Wind Blows
The Talisman
The Man Who Would Be King
El Dorado
Starblind
The Alchemist

Rock n' Roll Hall of Oversights

2010-09-30T15:26:00.006-05:00

by Myche

Every year when the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame names their nominees it seems there's more heated discussion about who's not on the list than who is. On one hand, I believe that for the most part the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame has gotten a lot right - you just can't argue with most of that list. But no doubt they have blown it over the years. What really ticked me off is when I read that they were considering reducing the minimum amount of time between an artist's first release and induction from 25 to 20 years because they thoguht there was going to be a lull coming up soon. All they want to do is make the induction show more "interesting" and "popular" by having younger acts inducted. They shouldn't be focusing on adding anybody that came out after 1990 with all those people they have looked over in the past.

I also have a problem with some younger bands getting in before older bands that were huge influences on them and their genre. Good for Metallica for getting in, but they shoudl have waited until several other hard rock/metal artists got in: Alice Cooper (who is on this year's list of nominees), Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, and Dio.

So I have a solution. Someone should start a Rock n' Roll Hall of Oversights. Have about ten artists inducted from the start, then follow the same rules as the Hall of Fame and add about five or so a year thereafter. Then, if the Hall of Fame ever gets it right and inducts one of the Oversight members - have a special "De-induction" feature at the Oversight. I bet there would be years when the induction of the Oversight Hall would be more interesting than that of the original.

That being said - here's a little banter on some oversights (besides those hard rock/metal ones I listed above). I could go on and on, but I will try to contain myself.

Tom Waits - Finally he made the list of nominees this year. They better not embarass themselves and not put this one in its rightful place.

Jethro Tull - I just don't think they get the respect they deserve. I don't get it.

KISS - Say what you will about them, there's really no doubt they belong. It seems that someone has a (battle)axe to grind at the hall.

Rush - I'm a fan, and I think they deserve it. But I get it that there are many folks (particularly girls) that just can't stand them. But each member is just an absolute BEAST on their instrument and they have done it their way for 37 years. Nobody sounds like Rush, they are one of a kind.

Todd Rundgren - He should be in based on his work as a producer alone (Badfinger, Meat Loaf Bat Out of Hell, the debut of New York Dolls, XTC Skylarking), but is one helluva artist in his own right.

Nick Lowe - Besides all of his great songs and his work with Rockpile, he produced the first five Elvis Costello albums, the first three by Graham Parker, and The Pretenders debut.

Richard Thompson, Graham Parker, Randy Newman, Roxy Music, Big Star, Doug Sahm.

Ok, I'll stop - these were just the ones that are currently on my mp3 player...

Hook of the Day - Accept "Teutonic Terror"

2010-09-19T10:22:00.003-05:00

Ok, let's take inventory here:

Sparks
Fire
Two flying V's
A guitarist named Wolf
A seriously vibrating top bass string
A shirt that says "Heavy Metal Til I Die"
More fire
Guitar formations GALORE
Back-to-basics kickass vocals
Yes, even more FIRE!

I have no further suggestions for them - just killer. And they are coming to St. Charles on October 9th. That place may never be the same. This is from their awesome new album "Blood of the Nations." Spread the word...

Hook of the Weekend - Iron Maiden "The Wicker Man"

2010-07-18T08:39:00.004-05:00

Obviously.

Pink Floyd to Sweet F.A.

2010-07-16T10:20:00.007-05:00

Never done this before here on Hooks, but I thought it would be nice to pull back the curtain for our readers to see a candid, uncensored conversation between two of the contributors. It started out innocent enough with some Pink Floyd banter. But then it takes on a life of it's own. Start at the bottom:

Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson

hahaha....yeah, I doubt Sweet F.A. wants to be talking about Sweet F.A. right now. My guess is that they'd like to put that whole episode behind them and get back to driving the ice cream truck. (...Wayne quipped as he was looking for a job)

People who like Kix REALLY like Kix. Seems a pretty generic band to get your panties in a twist over. I can see cases made for superfans of Kings X or The Cult but KIX?

Seriously, let's "off" Jim Florentine and Don Jamison and show up for the inevitable open call for replacements? Or, better yet, pull a DeNiro in King of Comedy and stalk Eddie Trunk. (have you seen that movie? It's awesome. One of Scorsese's most underrated films)

On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 10:16 AM, Michael Johnson wrote:

I've never heard any Sweet F.A. either. I just looked them up at allmusic.com and there's no bio, but their discog shows that their first album came out in 1980. It might be worth finding to at least say we know what the hell we are talking about, Sweet F.A. wise. Not that for the life of me I can think of when that would come in handy. Any doubt we are the only ones talking about them today, besides the guys in the band and the other dudes that work at the loading dock with them?

If I remember, I will bring that book with me on Sunday.

Kix isn't too bad, but there's no way in hell that deserve that kind of status on that list. The author let his bias get out of hand a bit. Which, in his defense, he may explain in the forward. I think he wrote it to get a reaction. And he definitely stretches the boundaries of the term "heavy metal", which I'm willing to listen to someones interpretation of...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson

Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 10:01:21 AM

Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

I would guess that it is, in fact, "Fuckin' Ass". In fact, I seem to recall confirmation of that in an interview with those guys in Metal Edge Magazine back in the day. (Yes, I apparently read an interview with Sweet FA and remember portions. And no, I'm not sure if I've ever heard a note of their music)

I tried to look them up on Wikipedia, but, shockingly, there is no entry for them.

I have to read that book. Kix wasn't tooo bad I guess. They had a cool enough logo, which is more than I can say for, I dunno, Jackyl with a Y.

On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 9:57 AM, Michael Johnson wrote:

What do you suppose F.A. stood for? The possibilities are virtually endless. Although I'm pretty sure "Fuckin" and "Ass" are either separately or jointly featured.

I have a book called "Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time" by Chuck Eddy that was put our I'm guessing around 1991 or so (it's out of print). Some things follow suit how you would think they would, but he has I think three Kix albums in the top 20. And there is a Teena Marie album in the top 10. It's such a conversation piece.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson
Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 9:39:38 AM

Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

No, I haven't a clue who Mitch Perry is, either. hahahahaa

I love the Amazon, track by track reviews. Because no one bothers saying anything unless they either really love something or really hate it, so it's always passionate, and therefore, hilarious.

If this guy loves Keel and Dokken this much, then, yeah, I think he'd school us on Danger Danger. And Warrant. And Kix. And London Quireboys. And Sweet FA. And all assorted line-ups of Faster Pussycat and LA Guns.

On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 9:35 AM, Michael Johnson wrote:

I got the impression that he feels that Dokken is the gold standard, but I could be wrong.

A Guiffria video comes on Metal Mania every know and then. I seem to recall he was major eye candy for the ladies.

I hope that doesn't mean you know who Mitch Perry is. I had no fucking clue who that guy was.

Like I said, I was smiling/laughing at damn near every word in that review. He'd be an interesting guy to meet. I bet he would be telling us stuff and name-dropping to all hell and we wouldn't have a clue.

He probably knows Danger Danger, including the name of that teeth rocking rhythm guitarist I was ranting about the other night...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson

Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 5:28:32 PM

Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

I wonder where Dokken ranks for this guy vs. Keel. He name-drops them twice. Does he listen to Dokken and say "God, I just don't get why people listen to THESE GUYS when they could be listening to Keel" or wether he fills his diaper every time he hears "Burnin' Like a Flame"

I had to look up Gregg Giuffria

On Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 4:44 PM, Michael Johnson wrote:

If that song was an 8/10 or greater, his head would have exploded before hearing either Mitch Perry's tasty licks or Giuffria's backing vox on the closing track!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson

Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 1:57:50 PM

Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

I wish I had video of this guy trying to not hate "Just Another Girl" after pretty much going apeshit over every track that came after before it. hahahaha

On Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 1:49 PM, Michael Johnson wrote:

Shit, I just looked this up at Amazon, and laughed at approximately 500 things in this guy's review of Keel "The Final Frontier":

Keels 3rd studio album is another great forgotten album. This is the second Keel album i got after loving the self titled album. This album has a much more commercial sound than the first 2 Keel albums but still has some great rocking songs. This band sounds a lot like Dokken and this album was by far there most succesful peaking at #53 on the billboard charts and having 2 minor hits.

1.The Final Frontier- 10/10 A great rocker with a great intro. The riff rocks and the chorus is excellent. Ron Keel's vocals are great as always. The soft melodic bridge is great and Ron Keel's awesome scream leads into a great shredding solo. A classic!

2.Rock And Roll Animal- 10/10 Another great rocker with a good intro. The riff is great and the chorus rocks aswell. Ron Keel's vocals are strong once again. More great shredding too in the great dual guitar solo. Another classic! Jaime St. James of Black N Blue contributes backround vocals to this song too.

3.Because the Night- 10/10 A great cover song! I've never heard the original but this version is excellent! The song is lighter more melodic song than the first 2 but it's still great! Another great guitar solo, this solo is slower and more melodic and fits the song perfectly. The second solo is excellent aswell. Excellent vocal performance by Ron Keel too!

4.Here Today, Gone Tomorrow- 8/10 Another good song. This has a real commercial feel to it and isn't as strong as the first 3 songs. The chorus is strong and the solo is good but it doesn't measure up to the other songs.

5.Arm and a Leg- 9/10 A good rocker. The riff is good and the chorus is excellent. Ron Keel's vocals are great and the guitar solo shreds. A good song although not as good as the classics on the album.

6.Raised on Rock- 10/10 A great rocking song. Backround vocals by Michael Des Barres and rythym guitar by Joan Jett. A great chorus and an awesome solo.

7.Just Another Girl- 6/10 A decent poppy song similar to the Dokken song Burning Like A Flame. The chorus is pretty good but the solo is very good. I'd consider this song a filler.

8.Tears of Fire- 10/10 A great power ballad. One of the best I've ever heard. Ron Keel's vocals are excellent and the chorus is great. A beautiful song and the lyrics are great. A great harmonized guitar solo too. Mitch Perry plays rythym guitar on this song too. A classic that should have been a bigger hit than it was. This ballad reminds me of Dokken.

9.Nightfall- 10/10 A great short acoustic instrumental. This is just acoustic guitars and done in a classical style.

10.No Pain, No Gain- 10/10 A great fast rocker with an excellent riff and great vocals. The chorus is great aswell and Gregg Giuffria contributes backround vocals to this song. An excellent dual guitar solo with some great shredding. A classic!

This album was released in 1986 when hair metal dominated the charts with Ozzy Osbourne's The Ultimate Sin, Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet and Van Halen's 5150 topping the charts. Overall a great melodic metal album similar with some high profile guest musicians. Fans of Dokken, The Scorpions Quiet Riot and 80's metal in general should own this.

Ron Keel- Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Marc Ferrari- lead Guitar, Vocals
Bryan Jay- Lead Guitar, Vocals
Dwain Miller- Drums, Vocals
Kenny Chaisson- Bass, Vocals

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson

Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 12:52:09 PM

Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

hahahahaaa........I love that someone else in the world knows who Keel is

On Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 12:48 PM, Michael Johnson wrote:

I will make Mike Portnoy my bitch if they overstay their welcome.

What would be an amazing turn of events is if Maiden played "The Final Frontier" in its entirety, but not their version.

Keel's circa 1986.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson

Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 12:28:12 PM

Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

I keep accidentally seeing or reading things here and there, so I know a few numbers they're doing, but I haven't looked at a setlist. I haven't gotten the sense that they're doing Final Frontier in its entirety.

If we're lucky, Dream Theatre will play 3 hours and Maiden will just show the Final Frontier video a couple of times and call it a day.

On Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 12:26 PM, Michael Johnson wrote:

I have not (and don't want to) seen a setlist so far from the IM tour. I would guess it will be a little bit of everything, maybe 2-3 new songs. I would be shocked if they did the whole Matter of Life and Death thing where they play the whole album in entirety - particularly since it's not even out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Michael Johnson

Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 11:56:55 AM

Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

yeah, it'd be nice if we were all going together, but it didn't shake out that way. It'll be great, though......

I'm getting itchy for Maiden.

On Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 11:56 AM, Michael Johnson wrote:

Oh, I forgot that we were going to different shows. I would go nuts as well!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham

To: Michael Johnson
Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 10:37:03 AM
Subject: Re: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

If you guys get Gilmore and I don't...I'm going to riot...hahahaa

On Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 10:34 AM, Michael Johnson wrote:

That is a great idea on their part. If we could only be so lucky. I would think they would have the tapes rolling at that one for a DVD release. And I'm ok if that's the only way I see it. No need to get greedy here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Wayne Graham
To: Nancy Frankel; Michael Johnson
Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 10:23:59 AM
Subject: Um, is Gilmore going to do one gig on the Wall tour?

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2010/07/david_gilmour_s.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+BrooklynVeganFeed+(brooklynvegan)

Have either of you heard anything about this?

Bad Iron Maiden Videos

2010-07-13T14:22:00.004-05:00

by Myche

So I just saw the new Iron Maiden video for "The Final Frontier." I'm going to give it a rousing thumbs down. I probably would have loved it when I was nine years old. No sign of the band in lieu of overdone special effects? I'm surprised they didn't do it in 3D, since that's all the rage these days.

Oh well. It doesn't really matter. I'm still stoked about seeing them on Sunday.

But in honor of this crappy video, below is what I beleive is their worst video. I've always wondered how this ever saw the light of day. But at least the boys are in it...

Maybe if everyone says pretty please, Wayne will play a good video from Maiden later this week.

Hook of the Day - Kvelertak "Mjød"

2010-06-24T22:02:00.008-05:00

This just plain old makes me want to fuck shit up.

RIP Ronnie James Dio

2010-05-16T21:44:00.006-05:00

Obviously, anyone with even a casual interest in heavy metal is feeling a massive loss over the passing of Ronnie James Dio. The eulogies are pouring in from those who knew him or were touched by his unique talent (or both), and, by any yardstick, he was a scholar and a gentleman.

But he's more than just Heaven and Hell or The Last in Line or Mob Rules or Rising or Holy Diver, if that's possible. Metal has so many unique and varied tributaries and digressions. As metal's subgenres have spread talons over the globe and the decades since Tony Iommi's opening mission statement on track one of the first Sabbath record, it's difficult to imagine a unifying leader for the army until today. As metalheads united on Facebook and Twitter to remember and reflect today, it became clear that the genre has lost its greatest icon to date.

On a personal note, it was RJD's reunion with his Black Sabbath bandmates for the first Heaven & Hell Chicago appearance in 2007 where I first gathered with my esteemed co-contributors to this blog, Queensryche Myche and Mark Hanner. One Nancy Frankel--now also an extremely dear friend--was unable to attend the show, and I happened upon a CraigsList ad posted by Myche selling the ticket. When I went to his house to make the exchange (which I'm shocked actually happened, as, upon reflection, I kinda lowballed him on the price), he was wearing a Queensryche shirt. It was a good omen, to say the least.

After having parked my fat ass in the complete wrong section for the duration of Megadeth's opening set, I then found my true spot next to Myche and Mr. Hanner and the incomparable Ms. Amber Tillett for Heaven and Hell's set, my first experience with Mr. Dio. It was an unforgettable night, and any show attended since without the attendance of these true blue headbangers--not to mention without Nancy or the enthusiastic Dio-disciple Glenn Fancher or the amazing rock soldiers they've all brought into my life--is poorer for it.

Maudlin ramblings from a sad man who just lost a hero? Perhaps. Amber asked me late last year what I love most about metal, and I didn't give her much of an answer, perhaps because I was drunk. Possibly because I was stoned. Maybe even because Mastodon just happened to be fucking my braincase off at that exact moment. But now I have an answer.

It's because nothing on Earth makes me feel more connected to an actual community than when I've got those fucking horns up with a pack of frothing-mad metal maniacs. Horns that everyone and their brother knows Dio came up with.

Thank you Nancy for flaking on that show. Thank you Myche for replying to my email. Thank you Mark and Amber for so warmly receiving me into your troop of magnificent bastards. Thank you Patty, Lee, Dan Filowitz, Dan O' Brien, Darryl, Zach, Erica, Natalie, Margaret, Anup....the whole lot of you for your enthusiasm and your energy at all these shows since.

And thank you Mr. Dio for everything.

HEAVY ROTATION

2010-05-07T15:44:00.003-05:00

WAYNE

1. Halford - "Resurrection" and "Crucible"
2. Howl - "Full of Hell"
3. Deftones - "Diamond Eyes", "White Pony" & "Around the Fur"
4. Coalesce - "Ox" and "0:12 Revolution in Just Listening"
5. Judas Priest - "British Steel" and "Defenders of the Faith"
6. Alice in Chains - "Black Gives Way to Blue" and "Facelift"

New Y&T Video: "I'm Coming Home"!!!

2010-05-04T09:39:00.002-05:00

From their first studio album in 13 years, Facemelter (out 5/21 on Frontier Records), here's the new video release for the track "I'm Coming Home".

Heavy Rotation

2010-04-30T15:57:00.003-05:00

WAYNE

1. Deftones "Diamond Eyes"
2. Judas Priest "Unleashed in the East" and "Sad Wings of Destiny"
3. Alice in Chains - "Black Gives Way to Blue" and "Dirt"
4. Slayer "Seasons in the Abyss"
5. Iron Maiden "Rock in Rio"
6. Mercyful Fate - "Melissa" and "Don't Break the Oath"

MYCHE

1. Merle Haggard "I Am What I Am"
2. Funkadelic "Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow"
3. Parliament "Motor Booty Afair"
4. Tom Waits "Orphans"
5. John Prine "John Prine"
6. Big Star "Keep An Eye On The Sky"

Heavy Rotation

2010-04-23T17:29:00.002-05:00

WAYNE

1. Deftones - Diamond Eyes
2. Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son and Maiden England
3. Black Breath - Heavy Breathing
4. Cathedral - The Guessing Game
5. The Abominable Iron Sloth - The Id Will Overcome
6. Taint - All Bees to the Sea

MP3 Randomization: 04-22-10

2010-04-22T19:12:00.004-05:00

WAYNE

1. Pearl Jam "Mankind"
2. Iron Maiden "The Apparition"
3. Obituary "List of Dead"
4. Meshuggah "Rational Gaze"
5. Patsy Cline "A Poor Man's Roses (or a Rich Man's Gold)"
6. Lamb of God "Black Label"

MYCHE

1. Richard & Linda Thompson "The Egypt Room"
2. UFO "Natural Thing"
3. Between the Buired and Me "Ants of the Sky"
4. Black Sabbath "Who Are You"
5. Y&T "Black Tiger (Live)"
6. Bill Evans "I Wish I Knew"

MP3 Randomization: Tax Day

2010-04-15T10:37:00.005-05:00

WAYNE

1. Deftones "Feiticeira"
2. Clutch "When Vegans Attack"
3. Serpent Throne "Led by Vultures"
4. Yob "Doom #2"
5. Triptykon "Abyss Within My Soul"
6. Melvins "Suicide in Progress"

MYCHE

1. Pete Townshend "Love Ain't For Keeping"
2. Love "My Little Red Book"
3. Ray LaMontagne "Gossip In The Grain"
4. Y&T "Rocco"
5. David Allan & The Arrows "Blues' Theme"
6. The Band "If I Lose"

Heavy Rotation

2010-04-15T10:32:00.000-05:00

WAYNE

1. Disfear "Misanthropic Generation"
2. Judas Priest "Unleashed in the East"
3. Ozzy "Diary of a Madman"
4. Keelhaul "Keelhaul's Triumphant Return to Obscurity"
5. Sodom "Persecution Mania"
6. Nachtmystium "Assassins: Black Meddle Part 1"

Heavy Rotation

2010-04-08T12:48:00.000-05:00

WAYNE

1. Black Tusk "Passage Through Purgatory"
2. High on Fire "Snakes for the Divine"
3. Nasum "Human 2.0"
4. Carcass "Heartwork"
5. Pantera "Reinventing the Steel"
6. Brutal Truth "Need to Control"

Hook of the Day - Thirty-five minutes with Baroness

2010-04-08T12:17:00.002-05:00

Thanks to SludgeSwamp for bring this to my attention...

Hook of the Day - Lair of the Minotaur "Evil Power"

2010-04-01T14:02:00.004-05:00

Lair's getting pretty good at stuff like this, no?

Immortal + Benny Hill theme

2010-03-29T16:16:00.003-05:00

My week is all downhill from this point.

Heavy Rotation

2010-03-29T15:47:00.002-05:00

Here's what we've been loving the past week or so-ish

WAYNE

1. Black Breath "Heavy Breathing"
2. Misery Index "Pulling Out the Nails"
3. Weedeater "God Luck and Good Speed"
4. Trap Them "Filth Rations EP"
5. Faith No More "King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime"
6. Ludicra "The Tenant"

Hook of the Month - High on Fire "Frost Hammer"

2010-03-10T10:51:00.002-06:00

Top 6 Artists/Bands You Would Like to See Live for the First Time (that aren’t dead or disbanded with a very low likelihood of reforming):

2010-02-23T14:27:00.004-06:00

MYCHE

1. Saint Vitus
2. Billy Joe Shaver
3. Immortal
4. Big Star
5. Nevermore
6. Burning Spear

WAYNE

Let's just assume that Led Zeppelin reunion ain't in the cards. That said:

1. Pink Floyd either as a unit (fingers crossed) or seeing Waters and Gilmore separately, which I have yet to do
2. Faith No More
3. ZZ Top
4. Pig Destroyer
5. Soundgarden
6. Napalm Death

MP3 Randomization: 02-23-10

2010-02-23T14:01:00.005-06:00

Been a long time. What the hell...

MYCHE

Whitesnake "Give Me All Your Love"
Todd Rundgren "Mountaintop"
Genesis "Frustration"
Frank Zappa "Dupree's Paradise"
Cheap Trick "Oh Boy"
Wolves In The Throne Room "I Will Lay Down My Bones Among the Rocks and Roots"

WAYNE
Mayhem "Life Eternal"
Autopsy "Ridden with Disease"
Nine Inch Nails "Demon Seed"
Helmet "Tic"
High on Fire "Speedwolf"
Marduk "As a Garment"

In case you're wondering how many times I've listened to Iron Maiden since signing up for a last.fm account

2010-02-11T13:24:00.003-06:00

Look what I just discovered on my last.fm page:

For an accurate impression of my reaction when I saw this, skip to 1:18.

Myche's 2009 Wrap-up

2010-02-02T12:46:00.002-06:00

Top Albums

1. Baroness "Blue Record"
2. Devin Townsend “Ki”
3. Queensryche “American Soldier”
4. Chickenfoot “Chickenfoot”
5. Immortal “All Shall Fail”
6. Napalm Death “Time Waits For No Slave”

Baroness just improved on “Red Album” with “Blue Record”, which I did not think possible. Dev was supposed to release all four albums in his current series in 2009, which would have probably been overwhelming. I prefer “Ki” over “Addicted” at this point, can’t wait for the next two. Queensryche is the sentimental pick here, but they ignited something in me with this album. I was nervous when it was coming out, but the absolutely exceeded my expectations and had me listening to them almost non-stop this summer. Chickenfoot? Really? Yes. I just had to put it on here. It is such a fun, solid rock record. Very well done. If Van Halen ever gets around to putting something out, they better space it out from anything Chickenfoot does to avoid comparisons. I was shocked how good it was. Lastly, Immortal and Napalm Death brought it in a big way with their releases, leveling everything in their paths…

HMs: Hot Leg “Red Light Fever”, Bang Camaro “Bang Camaro II”, Mastodon “Crack The Skye”, Allen Toussaint “The Bright Mississippi”, Devin Townsend “Addicted”, W.A.S.P. “Babylon”

Top Live Shows

1. Baroness/Earthless/U.S. Christmas/Admiral Of Black @ Reggie’s – What a special night this was – the night before Thanksgiving. Oh, was I ever giving thanks after this one. All four bands rocked my socks off, and each one was better than the last. Earthless blew me away with their improvisational instrumental jam and were a great warm up for Baroness. Then Baroness did what they do and just finished me off (interesting that this was the third time I’ve seen them and by far the best – where to go from here?). I didn’t want to listen to any heavy music the next day, I was spent. Right on.
2. Todd Rundgren @ Park West – I’m not a total TR disciple, but I was so glad to have gone to this show. He did “A Wizard, A True Star” in entirety, and opened the show with Utopia. Big time showmanship.
3. Father’s Day Funk Fest @ Arie Crown Theatre – Front row center balcony seats provided unobstructed viewing of the Funk. Eye candy galore. I had to sort things out in my head the next day…
4. Wolves In The Throne Room/A Storm Of Light/Krallice @ Bottom Lounge – Didn’t know a great deal about any of the bands going into this show, but each one was mesmerizing. Pretty damn intense.
5. Gojira/The Chariot @ Logan Square Auditorium – I love this venue, and the intensity from both bands was stellar. Gojira could go head-to-head with about anyone in my book.
6. Raul Malo @ Martyr’s – My son’s first concert (in utero, but still…). It was the perfect show for the occasion.

HMs: It was a record year for me in the amount of shows, so it’s always hard to narrow it down – Electric Six/Bang Camaro/Leslie @ Double Door, Jeff Beck @ Park West, Leonard Cohen @ Chicago Theatre, Napalm Death @ House of Blues, Melvins @ Double Door, Styx/REO/.38 Special @ Charter One, Judas Priest/Whitesnake @ Charter One, Dethklok/Mastodon/High On Fire @ Aragon, Shrinebuilder/Rwake @ Empty Bottle

Disappointments of 2009

1. The only real “festivals” I went to were big ones in Grant Park: Lollapalooza & Jazz Fest. Would have liked to hit some of the smaller ones.
2. Immortal did not tour the U.S., and when they plan a short tour for 2010, they exclude Chicago. Not happy about that at all.
3. Only seeing Tin Lynott six times. Got get that up in 2010. Ha ha…

Highest Hopes for 2010

1. New albums that are supposed to come out: Two more Devin Townsend releases, Y&T finally?, maybe Queensryche?
2. Concerts scheduled: P-Funk, Merle Haggard/Kris Kristofferson, W.A.S.P., Kreator
3. Concert hopefuls: I heard a rumor that Roger Waters is planning to tour “The Wall” in 2010-2011. Adding to the rumor was that it might be a Pink Floyd reunion. I would be ecstatic with the former, the latter would be the biggest tour imaginable only topped by a Zeppelin reunion. I’m not holding my breath. Also, a headlining tour by Devin Townsend (I’d like to see that occur at Bottom Lounge or Empty Bottle, by the way). And lastly, bring back Doom Fest!!!!!
4. I need to hit some quality Chicago music festivals that I did not get to in 2009: American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald’s, Hideout Block Party, Reggae Festival.

Top Pre-2009 Music Discovered in 2008

1. Big Star! – I have had their “Third/Sister Lovers” for about 15 years, but with this year’s release of the “Keep An Eye On The Sky” box set, I really sunk my teeth in to the genius that is Big Star. I’ve played them a ton and am not tiring.
2. Lid “In The Mushroom” – Eric Wagner from Trouble’s project from 1997. Don’t know why it took me so long, but glad I ran into a fellow Trouble fan who set me straight.
3. Loudon Wainwright III
4. Solitude Aeturnus
5. John Cale “Fragments of a Rainy Season”

Top DVDs

May not be 2009 releases, but I first saw them in 2009:

1. Fish “NEARFest”
2. David Gilmour “Live in Gdansk”
3. David Gilmour “Remember That Night”
4. Wattstax

Top Music-related Books Read

1. Richard Thompson “Shoot Out The Lights” 33 1/3 series
2. White Bicycles – Joe Boyd
3. Please Kill Me – Legs McNeill
4. For The Record – George Clinton and P-Funk (Oral History) – Dave Marsh (editor)
5. For The Record – Sly & The Family Stone (Oral History) – Dave Marsh (editor)

Wayne's So Late It's Almost Not Worth Doing, But To Hell with It, Here It Is Anyway Best Albums and Other Odds and Ends List of 2009

2010-01-16T01:39:00.011-06:00

Favorite Albums of 2009

1. Baroness "Blue Record"

2. Kylesa "Static Tensions"
3. Converge "Axe to Fall"
4. Mastodon "Crack the Skye"
5. Napalm Death "Time Waits for No Slave"
6. Struck by Lightning "Serpents"

Honorable Mention a.k.a. Albums That Could Easily Sneak Into the List, Depending on What Day You Ask Me (no particular order):

Slayer "World Painted Blood"
Cobalt "Gin"
Revocation "Existence is Futile"
Goatwhore "Carving Out the Eyes of God"
The Red Chord "Fed Through the Teeth Machine"
Keelhaul "Keelhaul's Triumphant Return to Obscurity"
Burnt By the Sun "Heart of Darkness"
Skeletonwitch "Breathing the Fire"
Doomriders "Darkness Come Alive"
Coalesce "Ox"

Album That I Got Around to in 2009 That Would Pretty Much Destroy a Good Number of the Above, but it Came Out in 2008, So Said Albums Listed Above Lucked the Fuck Out

Trap Them "Seizures in Barren Praise"

Classic Band Not Named Judas Priest or Iron Maiden That I Listened to a ShitTon of in 2009

Thin Lizzy

Favorite Live Shows of 2009

1. Dethklok/Mastodon/Converge/High on Fire at the Aragon Brawlroom

2. Judas Priest at Northerly Island
3. Baroness at Reggie's on Black Wednesday
4. Keelhaul at Beat Kitchen
5. Gojira at Logan Square in May
6. Metallica with Machine Head and The Sword at Allstate Arena

The AV Club's 30 Best Metal Albums of the Decade

2009-11-18T15:40:00.004-06:00

Not only is it about time for Best of the Year lists to start popping up, we've got some Best of Decades to look forward to, as well.

Here's the first, courtesy of The Onion's AV Club. Discuss.

(alphabetical)

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope (2002)
Amon Amarth, Twilight Of The Thunder God (2008)
Anaal Nathrakh, The Codex Necro (2001)
Baroness, Blue Record (2009)
Blut Aus Nord, The Work Which Transforms God (2003)
Boris, Pink (2005)
Converge, Jane Doe (2001)
Deftones, White Pony (2000)
The Dillinger Escape Plan, Ire Works (2007)
Earthless, Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky (2007
Electric Wizard, Dopethrone (2000)
Goatwhore, Carving Out The Eyes Of God (2009)
Harvey Milk, Life… The Best Game In Town (2008)
High On Fire, Blessed Black Wings (2005)
Isis, Oceanic (2002)
The Mars Volta, Frances The Mute (2005)
Mastodon, Leviathan (2004)
Melechesh, Djinn (2001)
The Melvins, (A) Senile Animal (2006)
Meshuggah, Catch Thirtythree (2005)
Opeth, Watershed (2008)
Orthrelm, OV (2005)
Pelican, The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw (2005)
Pig Destroyer, Phantom Limb (2007)
Queens Of The Stone Age, Songs For The Deaf (2002)
Skeletonwitch, Breathing The Fire (2009)
Slayer, Christ Illusion (2006)
Sleep, Dopesmoker (2003)
The Sword, Age Of Winters (2006)
System Of A Down, Toxicity (2001)

Hook of the Day - The Hidden Hand "The Key, Travesty As Usual"

2009-11-18T10:39:00.003-06:00

Been a little while since we've posted anything. On such a gloomy day here in Chicago, thought a little Doom would hit the spot...

Hook of the Day - Skeletonwitch "Repulsive Salvation"

2009-10-14T09:59:00.001-05:00

The new Skeletonwitch record is thrashtastic. Buy it.

Watch 500.000 rock & metal videos on ROCKTUBE

Album (P)review: W.A.S.P. "Babylon"

2009-10-12T18:14:00.005-05:00

by Myche

I just want to get this off my chest before I start reading any reviews that tell me otherwise: the new W.A.S.P. album is very good - their best for as long as I remember. Admittedly, I'm the guy who always throws W.A.S.P. around when talking about underrated metal bands - and I've been listening to them ever since seeing them as an opener for KISS on the Asylum tour (W.A.S.P. was supporting my still favorite of theirs, The Last Command).

So no big surprise that I checked this out. Well, I'm glad I did. It's the classic W.A.S.P. sound through and through. Big sound. Similar in slam-potential to "Mercy" from Dominator. One knock some people will have is that out of nine tracks, two are covers. But the original songs are so strong, I'm not complaining at all. Hats off to Blackie if he felt that he wrote seven good songs and didn't want to screw it up with more filler. You could probably make the argument that he may have painted himself in a corner for volume with The Neon God.

I doubt this will win over new fans or people that never really liked W.A.S.P. But old fans need to make sure not to miss this.

Here's the first two tracks on the album, "Crazy" and "Live To Die Another Day".

P.S. Pretty kick-ass album art as well...

Hook of the Day - The Gates of Slumber "Ice Worm"

2009-10-09T10:24:00.001-05:00

Not much of a video, but no matter, the song rules.

Hook of the Day: Converge "Axe to Fall"

2009-10-08T14:31:00.001-05:00

Do yourself a favor and buy Converge's "Axe to Fall" when it comes out later this month.

Hook of the Day - Alice in Chains "Check My Brain"

2009-09-14T09:44:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know you feel guilty for liking this song so much. Just enjoy it. Layne would have wanted it that way.

Favorite Iron Maiden Songs Since 1990

2009-08-25T00:38:00.005-05:00

MARK
1. Dream Of Mirrors
2. Paschendale
3. Fear Of The Dark
4. Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
5. The Age Of Innocence
6. Chains Of Misery

WAYNE
1. The Wicker Man
2. Thin Line Between Love & Hate
3. The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
4. Tailgunner
5. Brave New World
6. Be Quick Or Be Dead

MYCHE
1. The Wicker Man
2. Dream Of Mirrors
3. Fear Of The Dark
4. For The Greater Good Of God
5. Ghost Of The Navigator
6. Brave New World

Happy 60th Birthday, Phil Lynott!

2009-08-20T15:22:00.002-05:00

I highly recommend watching every bit of this 10 minute clip. Lock your door and focus. It's worth it...

Hook of the Day - Jeff Loomis "Jato Unit"

2009-08-17T19:35:00.002-05:00

by Myche

I regretably took Jeff Loomis' "Zero Order Phase" off of my Top 6 Albums of last year at the last minute. I'm kind of kicking myself since I play this shredfest more than any on my list. Here's an attempt to make it right. I think there is a fine line between what's good and what's crap on a heavy instrumental piece. To me, this easily falls into the former group. It's not all about speed, but it has that. But there's a groove as well that you certainly can sink your teeth into.

Hook of the Day - The Devin Townsend Project "Coast"

2009-07-28T09:40:00.002-05:00

Okay, time to take a break from all this grindcore I've been jamming. Howsabout we chill out with a new Devin tune?

Thanks to MetalSucks for the heads up!

Hook of the Day - Entombed "Wolverine Blues"

2009-07-27T15:03:00.007-05:00

I'm reading an excellent book called Choosing Death: The Improbable History of Death Metal & Grindcore by Decibel Magazine editor-in-chief Albert Mudrian. I just read an interesting bit about Swedish death metal badasses Entombed.

Apparently, the title track to their classic Wolverine Blues album was NOT a reference to the Marvel Comic character of the same name, but rather to a killer in a James Ellroy novel who had an obsession with the, you know, animal.

That didn't stop the geniuses at Columbia Records from gettin' on the horn and doing a tie-in.

Jeez.

Brutal Legend Video Game

2009-07-20T11:52:00.003-05:00

This game looks pretty awesome. I may have to finally breakdown and get a gaming console.

I've only watched the first of these developer walkthroughs, but it was most promising. The dudes that bang their head against the wall with the thick necks are awesome. Rob Halford motivational slogans. Guitar solos galore. It appears that this was created by fans of metal.

Looks like a winner...

How about some metal at Wrigley?

2009-07-17T11:32:00.005-05:00

by Myche

Elton John and Billy Joel at Wrigley Field this year? The promoters are playing it way too safe. For next year, I propose the (1st annual?) Campbell's Soup Mmmm Good Metal Spectacular (CSMGMS for short). The show kicks off with (Yngwie) Malmsteen shreding the National Anthem on a rooftop out in left field. Then we create an opening band wave from all the rooftops moving towards right field with Metal Church, Macabre, Machine Head and Meshuggah.

The show then moves into Wrigley and kicks off with Megadeth, then Motorhead. Manowar takes the stage next, playing every song they've ever written and ending their set with a 30-minute fireworks display in which each propulsion is shot from a secretly installed mortar under each seat in the stadium. Joey DeMaio then comes back on the stage and launches his bass in the air, piercing a hyrdogen-filled blimp flying overhead which explodes on impact.

Amongst the smoke and wreckage, Melvins close the show.

Who's with me?

More Over-The-Top News from Manowar

2009-06-30T10:54:00.004-05:00

by Myche

I just couldn't make this stuff up:

Obviously Eric Adams had his work cut out for him singing in 16 languages, but I bet Joey DeMaio worked twice as hard translating bass for each song...

Mike Jackson

2009-06-29T09:16:00.005-05:00

Yup. I called him Mike.

A big thumbs up to my fellow 'Hooks so Big' brethren for their kind words about Michael Jackson. There is no way to deny it. I don't know anyone who can dispute his legacy. We were all there.

Its taken me a long time to put my thoughts down. This death has shocked and depressed me more than I could have ever imagined. I cried more than a few times over this loss. It's funny how, I never met the man, yet he affected me so much.

I have never given up on him. I bought 'Dangerous' when it was released. I bought 'Invincible' when it was released. You HAD to!! it was Mike Jackson!! I have never not had his whole discography on my MP3 player, and I listen to it whenever I wanted something upbeat and fun. He about covers it. I bought the Thriller tape on the same day I bought 'Love at First Sting.' I remember walking past Magoo's and seeing all those posters of the cover of the album and that little tiger he was holding, and just thought..."That guy HAS to be cool if he hangs out with tigers...."

"P.Y.T" Written by James Ingram (another favorite)
"Smooth Criminal"
"Unbreakable"
Jamming with Meredith.
Love is a feeling.

Nothing I'm writing is going to be new. We all know this stuff. As Meredith said to me over Text..."He was ours."

He was so beyond anything that we could comprehend. He reached a level of fame that few see. I feel so bad for all the scrutiny of him. He had to do the best he could with what he had. I'm not going to entertain any negative press about him. I'm just not going to. He became weird because of him reacting to the press and everyone who wanted a piece of him. He didnt deserve that, and doesnt deserve negativity after his premature passing. His contribution to the world is more than any of us could imagine in giving. And he gave what he could to make us all happy. He gave back to the world. He thrilled us all.

and I called him Mike.

Michael at his peak...

2009-06-26T11:48:00.006-05:00

by Myche

Excellent post Wayne - very appropriate.

I was just about to post something myself. What the hell, this is worthy of double coverage. In fact, I know that Mark is probably the biggest Michael fan of all of us, so maybe he will come up with his own as well...

I must admit, all of the extra-curricular activities surrounding MJ in the last 15 or so years have made it very hard to embrace how much I loved him at one time. It's complicated to say the least. I don't think anyone can imagine what kind of life he was thrown into or how that affects a person. Similar things happened to Elvis, and while each of them would have to take responsibility for themselves, I think the pressures are endless when you reach that level of superstardom.

But before the controversies, man, I was into Thriller big time. I also picked up Off The Wall because I wanted MORE (and that album is a JAM). I remember opening my bedroom window, placing one of my JCPenney speakers in it and cranking my stereo to 10. Then I rode my bike down the street to see how far I could still hear it (about a block). Personally, I settled into "P.Y.T." as my favorite off of Thriller. There are two parts of that song that I used to pump out a completely exaggerated pelvic thrust to like I MEANT it (if you know the song, you know what I'm talking about).

So for my video remembrance of Michael, I'm going for a pretty obvious pick. In my opinion, it is Michael at his peak. He looks great - it's kind of hard for me to remember when he looked this "normal." This performance is just downright fierce, and is probably up there with Elvis and the Beatles on Sullivan as far as music moments of TV go (I love the screams you hear when he introduces his signature move). Just a huge performance. He looks young, hungry and healthy. This is how I would like to remember the man...

Hook of the Day - Michael Jackson & Freddie Mercury "State of Shock"

2009-06-26T11:03:00.006-05:00

Everyone of a certain age has a positive, non-controversial early Michael Jackson memory, and mine was seeing Michael and his brothers on the 1984 Victory Tour at Knoxville's Neyland Stadium. It was my second concert ever (1st was Air Supply), and it blew my mind. The opening act was a juggler who got good-natured jeers when he did a routine with "Purple Rain" as his background music. (My first exposure to artistic rivalries, years upon years before Vince Neil v. Axl Rose or Tupac v. Biggie) The Jacksons also did a pretty sweet-ass King Arthur scene onstage.

MJ wrote our Hook of the Day with Queen's Freddie Mercury. Ultimately, the version that went on the Jacksons' Victory album had MJ and Mick Jagger on lead vox, but here you have that rare demo version. You can listen to the Jagger version here. (Sorry, couldn't find an embeddable clip)

RIP MJ...thanks for the tunes

Devin Townsend Preview!

2009-06-26T10:05:00.004-05:00

So we are all digging the first installment of Devin Townsend's 4-CD project, entitled Ki. Devin has said in interviews that the next CD will be the heaviest of the lot. Sounds like that is true judging for this clip (the song is "Universe"):

I can't wait. In the meantime, I'll snack on Ki.

Sweet-ass guitar, by the way...

MP3 Randomization: 06-24-09

2009-06-24T10:27:00.004-05:00

MYCHE:

Manowar "Kill With Power"
W.A.S.P. "The Invisible Boy"
Gov't Mule "Which Way Do We Run?"
Billy Joe Shaver "Good Christian Soldiers"
Gov't Mule "New World Blues"
Savoy Brown "Stay While The Night Is Young"

WAYNE

Converge "No Heroes"
Motorhead "I'm Your Man"
Foo Fighters "Hell"
AC/DC "Rocking All the Way"
Frank Zappa "Scrutinizer Postlude"
Jimi Hendrix "Crosstown Traffic"

MARK
Meshuggah "ObZen"
Slayer "Reborn"
Indigo girls "Shame on you"
Teenage Fanclub "Can't feel my soul"
Devin Townsend Band "Life is All Dynamics"
Devin Townsend Band "Physicist"

Hook of the Day - Napalm Death "Time Waits for No Slave"

2009-06-17T09:41:00.002-05:00

Dammit. I shouldn't have let the searing pain of an ear infection influence me to skip that Napalm Death show last month.

NAPALM DEATH - Time Waits For No Slave

Hook of the Day - Skid Row w/ Rob Halford "Deliverin' the Goods"

2009-06-14T09:56:00.002-05:00

Muchas gracias to the gents of MetalSucks for posting this great clip of Skid Row jamming with Rob Halford on Judas Priest's "Deliverin' the Goods." Not sure about the exact year of this performance, but seeing as Halford's wearing flannel instead of leather, I'm guessing 1992-93 ish.

Rawk.

Hook of the Day - Mastodon "Oblivion"

2009-06-10T06:52:00.003-05:00

There are tons of reasons why Mastodon rule. One of them is that they make kick ass videos that play like short films. It's so nice to see a band put some thought into it instead of just turning on some rain machines and calling it a day after a couple of run-throughs.

Here's the 2nd video from the stellar Crack the Skye.

Mastodon "Oblivion"

MP3 Randomization: 06-03-09

2009-06-03T10:56:00.005-05:00

One more of these before I leave for Alaska...

MYCHE:

The Band "The Rumor"
The Sword "Fire Lances Of The Ancient Hyperzephyrians"
Blue Oyster Cult "Career Of Evil"
Black Sabbath "Paranoid"
Dwight Yoakam "The Heart That You Own"
Canned Heat "Anphetamine Annie"

WAYNE

Led Zeppelin "Celebration Day"
Napalm Death "Fallacy Dominion"
Middian "The Blood of Icons"
Pig Destroyer "Strangled with a Halo"
Brutal Truth "War is Good"
Kyuss "Phototropic"

MARK

I'm late. I was probably listening to Queensryche

Hook of the Day - Pink Floyd "One of these Days"

2009-06-01T08:04:00.004-05:00

Last night, I popped in the Director's Cut DVD of Floyd's classic 1972 "concert" film, "Live At Pompeii". Per the suggestion of many, MANY Netflix reviewers, I opted for the original 1972 cut (included on the disc as a special feature), which sticks to the Pompeii footage along with some Paris soundstage footage to round it out. Many viewers complain about the director's cut's added cheeseball effects, and faux-Dark Side of the Moon studio footage. (The band were already mixing the actual album when they shot his material)

It's a hell of a performance, and you can really see the effect Floyd had on bands ranging from Tool to Neurosis all the way down to Mastodon's recent material. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

**See if you notice one of the best drumstick fumble saves of all time in this clip**

Hook of the Day - .38 Special "Caught Up in You"

2009-05-29T17:57:00.005-05:00

I heard that .38 Special's show had to be cancelled the other night because a lighting rig fell or something. Scary shit. Also got me thinking about this video.

I've always dug this song. It was also featured in a wacky scene in one of my favorite teenage sex movies "Spring Break." Why isn't that classic romp available on DVD? Maybe they are waiting to finish up a Criterion Collection version of it...

Try to count all of the dated/ridiculous/unnecessary aspects of this video. There are 1,083 of them.

Unfortunately I can't embed the video, so here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXQDWuitMZc

Ok, it's summer - why not post some clips from the movie, Spring Break:

Watching this singer kick-started me into puberty:

Hook of the Day - Immortal "One By One"

2009-05-27T10:23:00.003-05:00

It's possible that I've been subliminally reading articles about these guys getting back together, but just last night I decided to put some of their stuff on my mp3 player - then this morning I read that they've finished a new album! Cross your fingers for a North American trek by the Blizzard Beasts coming through Chicago in January when it's about 30 below zero...

Hook of the Day - Gojira "Vacuity"

2009-05-11T12:49:00.004-05:00

These guys are fantastic. They pull all of this live perfectly, too. Easily one of the best metal bands out there right now. I feel a bit sorry for the bands who are on the same bill as them, as they have triumphed on every stage that I have seen them on. Sorry, Behemoth.

Hook of the Day - Torche "Across the Shields"

2009-05-02T06:44:00.003-05:00

About time they made a video for this!

Get "Meanderthal". Do it now.

Across The Shields

MP3 Randomization: 04-30-09

2009-04-30T12:51:00.003-05:00

Let's see if anyone randomly comes up with any songs from bands at tonight's concert. I think that would be good luck...

MYCHE:

Willie Nelson "In The Garden"
Ian Gillan "Men Of War"
Baroness "Isak"
Nick Cave "Messiah Ward"
Mastodon "Ghost Of Karelia"
Queensryche "Unafraid"

[I swear, I didn't fix this...]

WAYNE
Tool "Mantra"
Pantera "Drag the Waters"
Municipal Waste "Pre-Game"
Watain "The Light That Burns the Sun"
Bruce Springsteen "Stolen Car"
TV on the Radio "Staring at the Sun"

MP3 Randomization: 04-23-09

2009-04-23T15:14:00.004-05:00

MYCHE:

Torche "Speed Of The Nail"
Nick Drake "Pink Moon"
Merle Haggard "Big Time Annie's Square"
Electric Six "Germans In Mexico"
Nick Cave "Fable Of The Brown Ape"
W.A.S.P. "My Wicked Heart"

WAYNE

Cult of Luna "Beyond Fate"
Yakuza "Congestive Art-Failure"
Kylesa "Motion and Presence"
Enslaved "Reogenesis"
Foo Fighters "Stacked Actors"
Van Halen "I'm the One"

Earth Fucking Day

2009-04-22T09:53:00.002-05:00

RECYCLE!!

If that doesnt work then go here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2n45Sutwig

the drummer is fucking hot

Kick Ass Possible Tour News of the Day

2009-03-29T17:30:00.002-05:00

dillingerescpln thats good. Look out for some Dillinger/High on Fired dates surrounding Bonnaroo.

----Dillinger Escape Plan's Twitter

Hook of the Day - Converge's new album teaser

2009-03-29T15:46:00.001-05:00

CONVERGE New album out soon on Epitaph/Deathwish

Hook of the Day - Bruce Springsteen with Tom Morello "The Ghost of Tom Joad"

2009-03-27T10:43:00.001-05:00

Hook of the Day - Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, & Scott Gorham "Emerald"

2009-03-25T09:34:00.004-05:00

Hey, this is fun! Mastodon guitar gods Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher sit down with Thin Lizzy's Scott Gorham for an acoustic run-thru of Lizzy's "Emerald" , which Mastodon is known for busting out live from time to time.

According to Blabbermouth, Mastodon is hoping Gorham will join them onstage at the UK's Sonisphere this August for a balls-out, triple guitar'd take on the song.

You gotta sit through a trailer for "Observe & Report" first, but it looks awesome, so no worries.

MP3 Randomization: 3-21-2009

2009-03-21T23:19:00.002-05:00

WAYNE:

Motley Crue "Red Hot"
Zeke "Long Train Runnin'"
TV on the Radio "Ambulance"
Opeth "Funeral Portrait"
Gojira "In the Wilderness"
Entombed "Out of Hand"

MYCHE:

Dead Boys "Not Anymore"
The Kinks "Uncle Son"
Scorpions "Where The River Flows"
Electric Wizard "Barbarian"
Drive-By Truckers "Days Of Graduation"
Strapping Young Lad "Monument"

Hook of the Day - Kyuss "Green Machine"

2009-03-21T01:38:00.000-05:00

Hook of the Day - Queen "Another One Bites the Dust"

2009-03-19T10:00:00.004-05:00

This one doesn't really require commentary, does it? Kinda speaks for itself.

Hook of the Day - Whitesnake "Slow An' Easy"

2009-03-13T09:50:00.002-05:00

This came up the other day off-blog, so let's rock it here. Don't just automatically label these guys as just another "hair metal band". They were rocking pre-Tawny, and they are still rocking. Case in point:

All I Needed to Know About the New Chris Cornell Album, I Learned from Trent Reznor's Twitter

2009-03-11T18:21:00.002-05:00

From Trent Reznor's Twitter, March 11th, Dinnertime-ish

trent_reznor--You know that feeling you get when somebody embarrasses themselves so badly YOU feel uncomfortable? Heard Chris Cornell's record? Jesus.

Follow Mr. Reznor here. Follow me here, while you're at it.

Hook of the Day - Mastodon with Scott Kelly of Neurosis "Crystal Skull"

2009-03-11T13:23:00.002-05:00

Here's Blood Mountain's "Crystal Skull" with Scott Kelly of Neurosis from the recent Scion Rock Fest in Atlanta.

Mastodon feat: Scott Kelly CRYSTAL SKULL from Yahoo! Serious on Vimeo.

MP3 Randomization: 03-11-09

2009-03-11T12:22:00.003-05:00

MYCHE:

John Lennon "Crippled Inside"
Joy Division "Isolation"
Scorpions "My City My Town" (nice!!! mh)
David Bowie "God Know I'm Good"
The Kinks "Phenomenal Cat"
Al Green "Just For Me"

WAYNE:
Queens of the Stone Age "Long Slow Goodbye"
Melvins "Night Goat"
Motorhead "On Your Feet or On Your Knees"
Mastodon "Slickleg"
Devin Townsend "The Death of Music"
Melvins "Roman Bird Dog"

MARK
WEEN "Sketches of Winkle"
Vince Guaraldi "Peppermint Patty"
Dokken "Just Got Lucky"
Bette Midler "I love being here with you" (I'm gay, what do you want from me?)
Rival Schools "World Invitational"
Erykah Badu "Ye Yo"

Hook of the Day - Tombs "Gossamer"

2009-03-10T10:07:00.000-05:00

Hook of the Day - Mastodon "Divinations"

2009-03-06T09:06:00.000-06:00

What do ya want, a written invitation? It's a new Mastodon video. Come n' get it.

Mastodon - New Music - More Music Videos

Hook of the Day - Nine Inch Nails + Dillinger Escape Plan "Wish"

2009-03-03T06:49:00.002-06:00

I know we've posted Dillinger covering this NIN classic before, but here they are doing it with Trent and Company this past weekend in Australia. Check out Ben Weinman...that motherfucker is EXCITED. Can't say as I blame him.

--Wayne

NIN Wish w/ Dillinger Escape Plan Adelaide Soundwave 2.28.09 from Sarah on Vimeo.

Hook of the Day - Young Widows "Old Skin"

2009-02-28T08:03:00.000-06:00

Hook of the Day - Skeletonwitch "Sacrifice for the Slaughtergod"

2009-02-27T21:05:00.000-06:00

Sacrifice for the Slaughtergod

Hook of the Day - Parliament-Funkadelic featuring Sativa "Something Stank/Hard As Steel"

2009-02-25T16:52:00.004-06:00

Legalize it.

Hook of the Day - Jane's Addiction "Mountain Song"

2009-02-22T09:46:00.005-06:00

Welcome back, guys.

(check out more live clips at pitchfork.tv)

Hook of the Day - Motorhead "Stay Clean"

2009-02-20T08:02:00.000-06:00

Hook of the Day- Napalm Death "Life and Limb"

2009-02-13T09:16:00.001-06:00

New Napalm Death is good. Very good. Go get it. Here's some.

MP3 Randomization: 2-12-2009

2009-02-12T12:10:00.004-06:00

WAYNE

Ozzy Osbourne "Dee"
Hall n' Oates "Out of Touch"
Down "Eyes of the South"
Krallice "Wretched Wisdom"
Queens of the Stone Age "Into the Hollow"
Withered "Purification of Ignorance"

MYCHE

Napalm Death "On The Brink Of Extinction"
Thin Lizzy "Banshee"
David Gilmour "Red Sky At Night"
Fish "Favourite Stranger"
Savoy Brown "Leavin' Again"
Trouble "The Eye"

Hooks of the Day - Dillinger Escape Plan "Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants" and "Wish"

2009-02-12T09:25:00.003-06:00

On Sunday, Dillinger Escape Plan played what appears to have been scorching set in some dude's basement in New Jersey. Here's the encore..."Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants" and a cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Wish"

Wish I coulda been there. Looks nuts.

Hook of the day

2009-02-11T12:57:00.002-06:00

This album still gets me. Never really one of my favorites in the "heyday," but DAMN this song is good.

Hook of the Day - Mother's Finest "Fire"

2009-02-07T19:55:00.002-06:00

by Myche

I was reading a book the other day on Parliament/Funkadelic. The book was an oral history - comprised only of quotes from various band members and managers, etc. Anyway, about three members of the band admitted that a band called "Mother's Finest" blew them off the stage one night. This piqued my interest. After a little research, it was evident that they were a band that never hit it really big, but had a reputation of stealing the show from headlining acts.

Here's a taste of their jam...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2009-02-04T13:33:00.001-06:00

To The biggest Hook we GOT!!!!!!

Hope all rocks you today!!!!