Episode 102 - Top 5 Bon Scott Era AC/DC Songs

It was all the way back in April of 2012 when we put out an episode showcasing Aaron and Chris' Top 5 Brian Johnson-era AC/DC songs. With 30 years worth of material on 10 studio albums from the Johnson-fronted version of the band available, it was difficult to narrow down five picks for each host. They never thought picking songs from a 6 album/6 year period would be equally as difficult. The boys' goal this week was to chronicle Bon Scott's much-too-short history in music and with AC/DC while playing selections from their favorite tracks from the classic lineup of the band from the six album span of High Voltage in 1975 through 1979's Highway to Hell album.

Ronald Belford Scott was born on July 9th 1946 in Forfar, Scotland. In 1956 his family moved to Western Australia. It was there that he joined the Associated Fremantle Scots Pipe Band, learning to play the drums. He attended North Fremantle Primary School and later, John Curtin College of the Arts until he dropped out at the age of 15. 

He spent a short time in Fremantle Prison's assessment centre and nin months at the Riverbank Juvenile Institution relating to charges of giving a false name and address to the police, having escaped legal custody, having unlawful carnal knowledge and stealing twelve gallons of gas. He was, for all intents and purposes, a problem child.

He attempted to join the Australian Army but was rejected for being deemed "socially maladjusted." In a very real way, the entertainment industry was tailor-made for someone of Bon's mindset and personality as it allowed him to be himself.

In 1970, Bon Scott moves to Adelaide and joins progressive rock band Fraternity. They soon change their name to Fang. During this time they play support slots opening for Status Quo and Geordie; a band fronted by a gentleman named Brian Johnson who would go on to replace Bon after his death in 1980.

In 1974 Bon is introduced to the guys in AC/DC by friend and former band mate Vince Lovegrove. Vince later worked in journalism and television (including KISS' 1980 Inner Sanctum Special from Australia).

Bon replaced Dave Evans as the lead singer of AC/DC on October 24,1974, when it became obvious the band and Evans were heading in different directions, with Evans having personal clashes with band members and management.

The Bon Scott AC/DC Discography:

High Voltage:

Released 2/17/75 in Australia

3rd Young brother, George, was one of the albums producers and plays bass on a number of tracks.

Most of the songs on this version of High Voltage were not released outside Australia until 1984, when "Baby, Please Don't Go", "You Ain't Got a Hold on Me", "Soul Stripper", and "Show Business" were included on the '74 Jailbreak EP, released in the United States, Canada, and Japan in October 1984.

TNT:

Released 12/1/75 in Australia

School Days" is a cover version of a Chuck Berry song.

Only Australian AC/DC studio album for which there is no international counterpart. However, seven of its nine songs comprise the international version of High Voltage, released in May 1976. 

The other two, "Rocker" and "School Days", saw worldwide release as part of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap's international version (1976/1981) and the Bonfire box set (1997) respectively.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap:

Released 12/17/1976 internationally

Certified 6x platinum in the US, selling at least six million copies, becoming the third-highest selling album by AC/DC in the US after Highway to Hell (7x platinum) and Back in Black (22+).

A song titled "I'm a Rebel" was recorded during this album's sessions in 1976, with music and lyrics written by Angus and Malcolm Young's older brother, Alex Young. This song was never released by AC/DC and remains in Albert Productions' vaults. German band Accept later released it as a single and named their second album after the song.

AC/DC's record label at the time, Albert Productions, was not happy with the album's vocals and production. According to bassist Mark Evans, the band's manager Michael Browning told him he assumed Bon Scott would be fired as a result.

On the Live At Donington DVD, Angus and Malcolm explain that the concept of this album was to make it a Humphrey Bogart-esque mystery scenario.

Furthermore, the term "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" is an homage to the cartoon Beany and Cecil, which Angus watched when he was a child. One of the cartoon's characters was named Dishonest John, and carried a business card that read, "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. Holidays, Sundays and Special Rates.”

Let There Be Rock:

Released 6/23/77 internationally

Last AC/DC recording to feature bassist Mark Evans, who previously played on T.N.T. (1975) and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Music video for title track featured Scott as a priest and the rest of the band as altar boys.

For the original vinyl release, in all markets other than the USA and Japan, "Crabsody in Blue" was featured instead of "Problem Child".

 International version's cover also marked the debut of the band's logo, designed by Gerard Huerta. 

Double platinum in the U.S.

Powerage:

Released 5/25/1978

Originally released on Atlantic Records, and reached No. 133 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart in the US, eventually going platinum.

First AC/DC album to be released nearly simultaneously in both Australian and international markets, and the first to use just one cover image for both. 

Last Bon Scott-era studio release to feature production work by Harry Vanda and George Young.

Studio debut of bassist Cliff Williams. Former bassist Mark Evans says that the album also has bass by him, as the Powerage songs started being done during the recording of his last album Let There Be Rock, and producer George Young, while Williams was having trouble on getting his work visa.

Keith Richards has also stated that Powerage is his favorite AC/DC record.

"Riff Raff" is frequently played on Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash's iheartradio channel, "Slash FM", citing it as one of his favorite AC/DC songs. "Riff Raff" is covered by Guns N' Roses on their current Chinese Democracy World Tour. This song was also covered by the Canadian heavy metal band Annihilator on their 1996 album Refresh the Demon. The main riff for "Riff Raff" is often used as a soundcheck for Melvins guitar player Buzz Osbourne before live Melvins performances, as heard on the DVD Salad of a Thousand Delights.

"Sin City" was covered by the '80s heavy metal band Twisted Sister, on their album Twisted Forever. The song has also been covered by the punk rock band The Offspring, Great White, Ugly Kid Joe and Bruce Dickinson. "Sin City" is Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry's favorite AC/DC song.

"Kicked in the Teeth" was covered by Nashville Pussy on their album Eat More Pussy and also available on the bonus CD of Let Them Eat Pussy.

Highway to Hell:

Released 8/3/1979

Certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA. In 2003, the album was ranked number 200 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

First to break the US Top 100, eventually reaching #17

The final words spoken by Scott on the album are "Shazbot, na-nu na-nu", phrases used on the then-popular American sitcom, Mork and Mindy, by lead character Mork (a visiting extraterrestrial played by Robin Williams). The phrase ended the song "Night Prowler" and closed the album.

Pre-production of the album began in January 1979 with demos cut at Albert Studios in Sydney, Australia, where they met the intended producer, Eddie Kramer. Kramer was fired before a single track had been completed, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange was brought in to replace him. 

Recorded during sessions in February 1979 at Criteria Studios inMiami, Florida, and March–April at Roundhouse Studios in London, England.

Bon Scott died February 19, 1980.  After passing out in a car after a night of drinking in a London club, he was found dead the next afternoon in the car by a friend. Initially his death was as pulmonary aspiration from choking on his own vomit but later confirmed as due to acute alcohol poisoning, classified as “Death by misadventure.”

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Impermanent Resonance- Heavy riffs + Melody = A Quality Release

Impermanent Resonance is the third solo release by Dream Theater's vocalist James LaBrie. The band consists of LaBrie on vocals, Matt Guillory on keyboards, Marco Sfogli on guitar, Ray Riendeau (Halford, Machines of Loving Grace) on bass, and Peter Wildoer ( Darkane, Majestic, Arch Enemy) playing drums and screams. This is the second straight release for them as a band with Static Impulse being the first in 2010.

Matt Guillory, the main composer, said in an interview that he "writes from the vocal melody" and you can really tell. LaBrie has a beautiful voice and it is properly showcased on this album. Dream Theater fans- you are going to like this album, but if you are expecting to hear something that sounds like Dream Theater here, you will be disappointed. This music is heavy with an almost modern feel to it, and if you noticed, I mentioned that the drummer Peter Wildoer does the screams on the album. However, I usually not a fan of the screaming and growling vocals, but on this album they are done tastefully and offer shade to the light of LaBrie's vocal melodies.

As for the songs, the album starts off with Agony, which is the first single and video.and it is an uptempo album opener. Next up is Undertow, which is decent, but then comes Slight of Hand, Back on the Ground, and I Got You which I think are the best on the album, with I Got You being my personal favorite. They upbeat songs with good riffs and great chorus'. The album is slightly bogged down with Holding On, Lost in the Fire, Letting Go, and Destined to Burn. All of these are songs that have plodding tempos, but are somewhat similar and slow down the pace of the album. Then comes Amnesia, which picks the pace up and is a good rocker. Next is Say You're Still Mine, which could be considered the ballad of the album, but only at the start, it rocks after that. To end the album, is the hardest rocking song yet. The thrashy I Will Not Break wraps things up in a fine fashion. In the version I received, there are two bonus tracks, Unraveling and Why, which are great rocking tunes that would have, in my opinion, served the middle of that album a bit better than some of the tracks that are there. I recommend the bonus track version to any listeners

Overall, this album is a great departure from what James LaBrie has done in Dream Theater, and after all, isn't that what side projects are for? Be on the lookout for the band to possibly play some live shows after Dream Theater wraps up its new tour in support of their new album some time next year.

Viva Hysteria! INDEED!

Def Leppard are one of the bands that kicked my ass into the world of hard rock music, in fact they might even take credit as being "THE" band that ignited my passion for music when they released Pyromania back in 1983. I was completely taken with the melody and power of the songs and quickly added their previous albums to my collection. I couldn't wait for the follow up to Pyromania, but wait is exactly what I would have to do as months would turn to years and for a while I started to question if they would ever release a new album.

My questions were answered on August 3rd, 1987 when Hysteria was unleashed and the rest is rock music history. Hysteria would go 12 times platinum in the states with a staggering 7 hit singles it would dominate the Billboard charts for much of 1988. I was lucky enough to catch two shows on the Hysteria World Tour, both outstanding shows and I am blessed to have seen Steve Clark on top of the world.

Fast forward to 2013 and Def Leppard recently took up residence in Las Vegas for a special run of concerts entitled Viva Hysteria. This was a chance for the band to play Hysteria in it's entirety, a first for Def Leppard. Now seeing as I would not being able to head off to Vegas, this was a show I was just going to have to hear about or so I thought. As it turns out the shows were recorded in HD for a CD/DVD and theatrical release this fall! Definitely a treat for Def Leppard fans.

So when I was offered the chance to review the new live CD, you could say I became "Excitable" and jumped at the chance. Easing the headphones on, I pressed play and sat back as the band kicked into "Women" with almost the precision of the studio version I was grinning ear to ear as the distorted bass made me feel as if I was actually there. Known for their sugary sweet background vocals the CD doesn't disappoint and the riffing guitar duo of Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell gave me goosebumps from the word go.

Most bands that have performed albums in their entirety don't have the luxury of Def Leppard. Hysteia is a veritable greatest hits album all on it's own. In fact the first 6 songs were all singles! "Women", "Rocket", "Animal", "Love Bites", "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Armageddon It" all charted, and they were just getting started!

Gods of War, my personal favourite from Hysteria gave me chills with the powerful background vocals and stunning guitar work. Complete with all the background sound effects and Reagan's voice, the production was fantastic.

The intro to Don't Shoot Shotgun had an urgency and rawness to it that was refreshing, Joe's voice sounds amazing, more organic with a touch more raspiness, slightly reminiscent of ACDC. Run Riot followed by the title track Hysteria and it's no wonder this album has sold a zillion copies. The songs show zero sign of wear some 25 years later.

Closing out the show with Excitable and Love and Affection, I realized that Def Leppard are still the masters of melodic arena rock. Maybe it was because Hysteria remains one of my all time favourite albums, but listening to this disc loud and uninterrupted was a magical experience. VIVA! HYSTERIA! indeed. As if Hysteria wasn't enough, encores of Rock of Ages and Photograph created the perfect rock and roll finale. Or is it?....

Viva Hysteria is actually a 2-CD/DVD package. For the long time Def Leppard geeks like myself this is where the real gems and surprises occur. To warm up for the actual "Hysteria" show the band each night would come out and be their own "opening act" billed as Ded Flatbird, "the greatest Def Leppard cover band in the whole world".

CD2 includes 15 more live Def Leppard tracks where the band seems to have some fun pulling out some ultra rare and vintage songs. Wasted!, Mirror Mirror!, Stagefright!, Rock Brigade! On Through The Night!, Let It Go!, Another Hit and Run! I have to say I was in Def Leppard ecstasy. I never thought I would get to hear these songs live again. Interspersed with Promises (Euphoria album), Slang (Slang album), Undefeated (Mirrorball album) and a brand new song Good Morning Freedom that quite simply cooks!*** A band at this point in their career willing to jump back and pull out some ultra rare gems? I can name quite a few bands that should take notes here. My thanks to Rick Allen, Rick Savage, Joe Elliot, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell for making these shows happen and more importantly capturing it for all to hear and see.

Viva Hysteria has totally reignited my passion for this band. Can't wait to see the DVD, in fact I think I will order tickets to the theatrical release. I just hope the people sitting behind me will understand when I stand up and air guitar during the show!

*** After completing the review, it was brought to my attention that the song Good Morning Freedom is not actually a new song but in fact was the b-side of the Hello America single released back in 1980. Thanks go to the astute reader who taught me the err of my ways. Cheers to you my friend!"

Sinister Realm:Bringing MORE METAL To The Children

In the days of boy bands reuniting, Miley trying to twerk, and Lil Wayne disrespecting the American flag in the name of album sales, it's nice to see something be whop up on the scene. Problem is, the breath of air is PURE 100000% AMERICAN METAL. So metal, it's like Rob Halford had a baby, locked away until the age of five, then released and given vocal lessons by Bruce Dickinson. Yes folks, British Steel Royalty...but its AMERICANIZED.

The idea of Sinister Realm was formed in 2008 when former Pale Devine bandmates John Gaffeny(bass) and Darren McCloskey(guitar) got together. Influenced by the versions of Ozzy Osbourne and the late great Ronnie James Dio versions of Black Sabbath, it was this mold that the guys worked in and around. As songs started forming and taking shape, the guys figured they should form an actual band. Enter Alex Kristof. Now that the guys have a singer, they just need to complete the band. Eventually the guys recruit John Kantner (guitar), John Risko (guitar) and Chris Metzger (drums). Sinister Realm was complete and ready to forge their path to metal stardom.

"World of Evil" is the latest offering from this Allentown,Pa band, who already have two other albums under their belt. This new album is pretty melodic, you can hear a Priest and Black Sabbath influence on title track "World of Evil",sort of a theme song with the current events going on right now. The guitar work is clean and ties together great with the lyrics. The ending howl is classic Halford with a mix of Geoff Tate (the old Tate). 

"The Ghosts of NeverMore" has a Dio meets Savatage feel to it. Sadly, the lyrics fall flat on what could be a potential hit. Risko and Kantner play with soul and conviction on the track, and the bass lows in and out, but the vocals are flat. This is that one song you gotta play a few times to get the proper feel for it, at a loud level. "Prophets of War" is also a song that speaks of the events current, but the lyrics are a tad flat, however, it is a song worth listening to.

While Sinister Realm junior effort, this is a band not to be counted out. These guys got talent, and they can play damn good. This is an album I would buy, and listen to. The one thing I can say is that vocalist Alex Kristof is a voice force to be reckoned with. He has a power of a young Dio, Osbourne, Halford and Tate. These guys have a strong foundation and they are building their own pathway to the top. This album is worth buying,and listening. I'd give it four stars.

Sampling or Stealing? Either Way Makes Me Nauseous

A couple things happened recently that prompted or inspired me to write this down. As a lifelong, sometimes obsessed, passionate music fan, I enjoy many different styles and genres of music but my true love has always been in the hard rock/heavy metal vein. A true "Decibel Geek" you might say.

Anyways, a couple weeks back I stumbled across this headline http://ultimateclassicrock.com/billy-squier-eminem-berzerk/ about Eminem's new single sampling Billy Squire's "The Stroke". Unfortunately, I actually gave the song a quick listen (4 minutes I will never get back) and posted a little comment on the facebook thread about my feelings on it. Those comments spawned some reaction and this morning on my local morning news show I was made to witness this...

This is Canadian Hip Hop artist Karl Wolf's latest single that in my opinion has completely sucked all the life out of an incredible Fleetwood Mac song. My wife's comment of "Gee, can't anybody write their own songs anymore?" made me laugh but hearing this auto-tuned, lifeless song got me angry knowing that this song will be a hit and make serious coin while truly talented songwriters and musicians toil away unknown.

Now I don't mean to insinuate that Karl Wolf is not talented in his own right, as a musician myself I respect his ability to play instruments and although rap and hip-hop is certainly not my taste or style, I give him props for following his dreams.

My beef here is the "crutch" or more accurately the "cheat" of using well known hit songs as the "basis" for a hit song. I find this practice to be completely void of creativity, more often than not resulting in a watered down, weak song that adds absolutely nothing to music scene today.

Before I get to unravelled here, I completely understand WHY they do this. It's pretty much a guaranteed "hit" on the charts that will get radio attention and make coin. Well duh? Of course it will be a hit because the music that someone else worked hard on was already a hit song. The music is already ingrained in our minds making it instantly recognizable and therefore drawing our attention. From a marketing standpoint this is brilliant, but it wasn't "earned".

Now I understand there is very little that is truly "original" in music today. Bands often wear their influences on their sleeves and let's face it their are only 7 notes with only so many ways to combine them into a song. I also understand quite well that bands, and yes bands that I love often record and release "cover" songs and sometimes even entire "cover" albums. Often released as singles for the same reason "instantly recognizable = hit" but most often these songs are recorded as a tribute to a song or artist that the band loves and is marketed as such.

Fleetwood Mac painted this masterpiece and Karl Wolf put it on the wall and finger painted all over it and released it for all our enjoyment. Think about that analogy for a moment, if I wanted to become a famous painter, I would take time studying and learning from the greats and use their inspiration for my own work and style. So how seriously would I be taken if I purchased a Van Gogh and then splattered some new strokes over the canvass calling it my own? Yet the mass produced, cookie cutter music industry continues to shove this crap down our throats because it's easier and more profitable than as my wife said "writing your own song".

What is truly sad about this sampling practice is that a younger generation is being dooped and often have no idea that what they are listening to. Case in point, a few years back my daughter happily played me this new song that she loved...

Ironically when I started this article I wasn't aware that I would get to pick on Karl Wolf again. I remembered this story but had happily forgot who was responsible for "borrowing" a great Toto song and auto-tuning and rapping all over it until quite frankly, it sucks. I informed her that this great "new" song she likes wasn't exactly "new" and directed her to the original. As much as I would love to announce that she embraced the Toto version and tossed her Karl Wolf version into the trash, she instead shrugged her shoulders with indifference and wasn't the least bit concerned.

Maybe I am overly passionate, but I love music for how it makes me feel. I connect with the songs and the artists and I am amazed and truly in awe of those that can write a song that touches me. Be it rock, pop, metal or even country, hearing a new riff or hook or chorus that grabs hold of me and moves me is amazing. Sampling (or should that be stealing?) those riffs and hooks and choruses to me seems cheap, forgettable, boring and quite honestly makes me nauseous.

Thanks for listening to me rant this morning and I will leave you with something a little less vomit inducing, some real musicians playing a real song that they wrote themselves....

Cheers!

Attack of the Wolfpakk

***Please visit this review on our new website: Attack Of The Wolfpakk***

A collective of wolves that live, feed and travel as a family group are known as a wolf pack.  With Alpha wolves dominating the group, they are the leaders and just as a pack of hungry wolves will sink their teeth into their prey does this album sink it's teeth into the listener.  Mark Sweeny (hailing from Swiss hard rock outfit Crystal Ball) and Michael Voss (taking a break from Christian Metal group Mad Max and Casanova, both German bands) take on the Alpha roles for the return of their collaboration project, Wolfpakk.

Back in 2011 the two musicians had worked together for some time in the past and had always bantered around the ideas of collaborating on a heavy metal album.  They had grandiose plans, deeming that the record should include the participation of the best artists of the genre.  Before long they were able to pull together an impressive 30 musicians from the four corners of the globe to lend their talents to the project.  The self titled album was met with rave reviews from critics and fans, opening the door for another project.  Now two years after Wolfpakk the Voss and Sweeny combo serve up Cry Wolf, again including a large pack of guest musicians (wolves).  Featuring eleven tracks and a run time of almost an hour, each composition here seems to offer something different, perhaps tailor made to the guests appearing on that specific song.  Some of the names featured herein include Brian Tichy (Whitesnake/Ozzy), Hermann Rarebell (Ex-Scorpions), Don Airey (Deep Purple), Mandy Meyer (Krokus), Roland Grapow (Ex-Helloween), Blaze Baley (Ex-Iron Maiden), Tony Mills (TNT) and Johnny Gioeli (Hardline) among many others.

Cry Wolf delivers an excellent ride throughout featuring a variety of different styles and each song sounding fresh from the thumping anthems to the ballad, this album contains something for everyone.  Starting off hauntingly, the opening cut, "Moonlight" evolves quickly, setting the bar for the album, but as it turns out is one of the weaker cuts overall.  The voice of American band Hardline, Johnny Gioeli, lends his vocal talent to "A Matter of Time" in a true standout cut of the record.  The first official video has been released for track three with "Dark Revelation" followed by the ballad showcasing Amanda Sommerville's vocals, "Cold Winter".  A video has also been shot for "Cold Winter", but has yet to be made available for viewing.  "Palace of Gold" leads us into the growling sound of a wolf for the beginning of the fast paced "The Beast In Me".  From here the already enjoyable listen really picks up steam with the triple assault of the best three tracks on the album in "Wakken", "Pressure Down" and the Rainbow cover "Run With The Wolf" (featuring Rainbow keyboardist Tony Carey).  The epic title track, "Cry Wolf", follows clocking in at ten minutes while the crunchy chops of bonus track "Kid Raw" close the collection on a high note.  This is a sold melodic metal recording that any fan of European style metal will appreciate.

WOLFPAKK WEBSITE     WOLFPAKK on FACEBOOK     AFM RECORDS WEBSITE

Cheers,
The Meister

Be A Good Neighbor With Ugly Kid Joe

General Robert E. Lee said “What a cruel thing war is….to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors”. Bullshit! The Bible says to “ Love thy neighbor as thyself”. How can you with low self esteem being what it is? I have some issues with one of my neighbors. They have a dog, a Chow named Teddy that barks constantly. They have had the dog for over five years and it will still charge the fence and growl and snap as if we were total strangers. They park their cars in front of my house, when all they have to do is back up 20 feet and park in front of their own house. A little simple common courtesy goes along way. As you can see, I am gearing up to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day on September 28^th.

National Good Neighbor Day is a simple little holiday. Unlike the huge commercialized holidays that we all love and hate, National Good Neighbor Day is where we , the pillars in our communities, attempt to strengthen the social fabric by doing an act of kindness or showing an expression of friendship to those who live near us.

The origins of Good Neighbor Day date back to the early 1970’s when a Montana woman wanted to create a day to celebrate the significance of good neighbors. She was backed by her State and local politicians as well as former Presidents Nixon, Carter, and Reagan. Up until 2003 it was held on the fourth Sunday of September before being made a national holiday that same year. Here are some suggestions for celebrating National Good Neighbor Day:

1. Help your neighbor.

2. Offer a smile and friendly hello.

3. Have your neighbor over for a meal.

4. Hold a block party.

5. Get to know your neighbor better.

6. CRANK UP SOME UGLY KID JOE!!

Lets go with 6!!

Specifically, lets crank the track "Neighbor" from the bands 1992 album "America's Least Wanted".

"America's Least Wanted" was released in the Fall of 1992. "Neighbor" is one of three charting singles on the album. The album itself reached #27 in the US and #11 in the UK while the single topped out at #29 and #28. The initial pressing had cover art which some retailers found offensive, thus garnering a censored version. Critically, it was either loved or hated.

The band produced the album along with Mark Dodson, who has worked with Anthrax, Ozzy and Metal Church. Special guests include Judas Priest front man Rob Halford on background vocals, Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins lending a hand on percussion, Carrie Hamilton; daughter of comedienne Carol Burnett, on piano. Laying down some extra rhythm guitar is Dean Pleasants from Suicidal Tendencies and the Jessica Simpson Band. After the albums release, Ugly Kid Joe toured with Ozzy and Def Leppard as well as headlining a sold out tour of Australia and Japan.

Ugly Kid Joe disbanded in 1997 but over the course of the last several years they have churned a slow grinder of reuniting and released an EP in the summer of 2012.

I suppose the right thing to do this September 28th or any day is to try to be a good neighbor because in return, your neighbor just may return the gesture.

Gypsy Rose - LIVE 23 Years Later!

Decibel Geek listeners may already be familiar with the name Gypsy Rose. Kiss geeks will surely remember Gene Simmons launching the original "Simmons Records" through RCA, well Gypsy Rose was one of the first bands to catch Gene's ear and he quickly got them signed and into the studio to record 1990's "Prey" album.

Being a KISS geek and always having my eyes and ears on the metal scene, I was anxiously awaiting the release of this album. If Gene liked them, I was interested as he had already turned me on to KEEL, Black n Blue and House of Lords and this time as a bonus, they were Canadian. Well it turns out Gene Simmons didn't let me down as the "Prey" album, in my opinion delivered the goods, fitting in easily with my Def Leppard and Bon Jovi albums. Heavy tunes dripping with melody and great hooks, I couldn't wait to catch them live.

After the album was released, I started seeing the "Poisoned By Love" video getting some major play and I figured it wouldn't be long before this band would be out on tour supporting a major act out on the road.

Well as it turned out, none of that was meant to be. The record business was a different animal back then and a shakeup at RCA resulted in Gene and his label being dropped completely leaving Gypsy Rose high and dry. With no record company push and no tour support this great album was dead in the water and it seemed I would never get the chance to see these songs live.

Well, fast forward 23 years and it seems I was wrong. Lead singer Michael Ross has been hard at work rebuilding a new Gypsy Rose and he plans to make the most of a second chance to rock. Since we spoke back in October when FnA records were launching a second album from Gypsy Rose entitled "Poisoned By Love", Michael has been taking care of business selecting musicians and rehearsing like a band possessed.

August 9th, 2013 this newly assembled "Gypsy Rose" rolled into Toronto's Rockpile and finally these songs would live again. The band, now comprised of Adam Arsenaut and Steve Skull on guitars, original drummer Steve Thomas, Rob Laidlaw on bass and the aforementioned Michael Ross on lead vocals treated the crowd to almost all of the "Prey" album with a few extras thrown in for good measure.

Michael still has the chops and the band was beyond prepared, even the back up vocals were perfect. If I closed my eyes, I couldn't be sure if I was listening live or to the recorded versions of these songs. The band seemed to be having fun, "Wild Reaction", "Shiver Then Shake" sounded amazing. "Crawling" dripped with sleaze it was great to hear these songs again.

Michael introduced a new song entitled "Time Flies" that went over well and they also played a killer track entitled "Save Me From Me" off the Poisoned By Love CD that was very powerful live. The ballad "Don't Turn Your Back On Me Now" sent shivers up my spine, I go on record a second or maybe even a third time. This is my favourite power ballad of all time! They ended the night with a couple of rockers, "Poisoned By Love" and the encore "Highway One Way".

23 years is a long time to wait, but tonight at the Rockpile, Gypsy Rose made it all worthwhile!

Episode 101 - Holidaze

September is the gateway to autumn; leaves changing, kids in school, football on the weekends.....and a ton of strange holidays. America continues its downward spiral into over-thinking everything and Chris and Aaron use it to their advantage this week as their song choices are inspired but some of the nutty holidays that take place in September.

September 5th is Cheese Pizza Day in the United States. Chris' choice of a track from Motley Crue's 1989 Dr. Feelgood album hits the spot.

September 2nd is Labor Day. While this one isn't wacky at all, it was too good to resist using as inspiration for Aaron's pick from Motorhead's Snake Bite Love album.

September 16th is Working Parents Day in America. While there were lots of choices that could have been made, Chris throws a curve ball with his mother-ly choice of a song from Dope's Life album.

September 6th is Fight Procrastination Day. Putting things off is a common trait for many people and this holiday surely hits home for lots of people. Aaron's choice of a pick about the hope of love on the near future from KISS' 1980 Unmasked album is an interesting one.

September 17th is Constitution Day. While laws and rights are all about what make up America's number one document, Chris goes across the ocean for a pick from Hardcore Superstar's 2013 C'mon Take on Me album.

No look at important dates in the month of September hold more weight than September 11th. This date is burned into the minds of all that witnessed it and the guys had to address it in this episode. Aaron's choice of a track from LA Guns' Waking the Dead album is a fitting tribute to some of the heroes from that fateful day.

Continuing on a serious note is Chris choice of a song to celebrate September 13th; Fortune Cookie Day. Just kidding. It's actually quite a stretch but well worth it to spin a track from Thin Lizzy's legendary Bad Reputation album from 1977.

September 13th is Blame Someone Else Day. This day is probably popular in Washington. Either way, Aaron picka a track from Poison's debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In.

September 23rd is Dog in Politics Day. What does this mean? We have no idea but it was enough impetus for Chris to pick a track from Krokus' new album Dirty Dynamite. The video is a must-see.

We close out the show with Aaron's pick of a track from Ugly Kid Joe's America's Least Wanted album that helps celebrate September 28th; Good Neighbor Day.

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Motley Crue
Motorhead
Dope
KISS
Hardcore Superstar
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Krokus
Ugly Kid Joe

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The Story Of The Countdown Photo With The 80's Invasion Tour

Any of you visiting the Decibel Geek website and listening to the podcast Episode #88-Monsters of Rock Cruise Memories
will already know full well that I'm a big proponent of the Monsters of Rock Cruise that takes place for the third instalment in March 2014.  The excitement for me of this third voyage is already unmanageable and my co-workers are already sick of hearing the word "cruise" from out of my mouth and there's still well over 200 days to go!!

Well, being the brilliant genius mind that I am, I developed an idea.  Now sometimes I should mention that my ideas tend to get me into trouble from the little things (missing Coney Hatch lyric sheets heard about here: Episode #59-Hostile Hoser Hijack) to the big things (near getting fired for my trip to Sweden Rock Festival), but this one seemed harmless enough and I never learn anyway!  You see, on the Monsters of Rock Facebook page each day prior to cruising time they post a "countdown shot" usually consisting of cruisers and a band who has been or will be aboard.  Sometimes some other creative geniuses comes up with a non band related countdown shot, that's beyond my expertise but
all the photos depict the number of days left until we set sail, hence the countdown.  I collected the few fellow Canadian (all Toronto except one) cruisers that I knew personally, knowing full well that each one also knew more folks and I started a Facebook group inviting them to add anyone that they knew who was cruising.  I suggested that since most of us attend the The Rockpile Bar & Nightclub on a regular basis, with the awesome line up of bands that they get in there creating quite the rock scene in Toronto, that we should all get together for a countdown shot.  The suggestion was well met and before I knew it there were 24 of us and I was having shirts made for everyone for the event of our excellent photo.  We decided to take the shot on August 17th when the 80's Invasion Tour with Bang Tango, Ted Poley and Enuff Z' Nuff, all cruise alumni, rolled into Toronto.

The shirts arrived. looking amazing and I chucked them into a big bag, hauling them by public transit from Newmarket down to The Rockpile, feeling a little like Santa Claus.  I hoped that these people, many of whom I'd never met would actually show up and stick to their commitment and pay for the shirts that they'd ordered.  If not I would be stuck as the owner of a variety of different size t-shirts, but I was pretty sure that I'd not be getting any use out of the ladies tank tops!  With the bands all on board to participate in the photo, contacted through some of the members of this newly formed "EH" Team, the excitement level was high and running wild through us all as we met, chatted, drank and watched the opening band.  Everyone did indeed arrive and claim their shirt and we also gathered another six or so folks who were cruisers past and present, wanting in on the action as well.  I don't know who's artwork this is, but they're getting some free advertising from our group now as we have adopted it for our cruise shirts.

The 80's Invasion Tour's stop in Toronto was not without issues however, as two members of Bang Tango, singer Joe Leste and drummer Timmy Russell were casualties of the Canadian Border patrol and failed to gain entry to The Great White North even though they were just here back in April.  As a result Bang Tango would not be performing this evening.  Scott Laflame and Lance Eric from Bang Tango did however make it across which was a good sign as Lance was also handling bass duties with Ted Poley.  When it came time for Ted to take the stage however another issue became apparent.....Timmy Russell had been drumming for Ted!  With a "show must go on" approach Ted, Lance and guitarist Maz Mazza played without a drummer.  They opened up with "Monkey Business" (during which on the cruise he is known to toss out bananas into the crowd, but not tonight it seemed) and wow, his voice is strong and clear as it has been every time I've seen him perform.  Ted felt bad that he didn't have his drummer with him, so he asked us to bear with them as they changed up the setlist a little and he enlisted the help of Enuff Z' Nuff drummer Randi Scott for the next couple of tracks, one of which was "Don't Walk Away".  During this number in a great display of showmanship as Ted always exhibits, he left the stage to wander through the crowd, having a lot of fun with us, shaking hands and singing personally to some.  He took up a chair with the kids from the opening band and stole a few fries off of one of their plates all the while never missing a note in the song.  The kids looked on in total confusion, probably not having any clue who he was.  Ted was quite funny and had a good rapport, giving a personal experience to almost everyone in the audience.  But what happened next was absolute magic.  Randi stepped down and

Photo by Brian Ronald

Ted himself took a seat behind the kit.  I had no idea that he had started out as a drummer before moving to the forefront.  The real thing tonight was that Ted had a broken wrist, but he would not let that stop us from getting a great rock show.  He drummed for a triple shot of Danger Danger classics "I Still Think About You", "Bang, Bang" and the hit of "Naughty Naughty".  Ted had warned us that with his taped up wrist and lack of drum practice he would "F**k" these up, but no-one in the crowd noticed or cared.  The seven songs that The Ted Poley Band brought to us that night were pure magic and a true testament to the phrase "the show must go on".  I really need to see Danger Danger live one of these days, but I expect that one will involve some travelling to achieve.

By the time that Enuff Z'Nuff took to the stage I was well on my way in the beverage category and chatting with so many new friends that my attention wandered.  Although I've tried many, many times, seen them live on the cruise and at the cruise pre-party I just can't seem to catch the real buzz of these guys.  I did notice that they were playing as a three piece (usually a four man band) so I assume that there was yet another casualty of the Canadian border patrol.  The highlight of their set for sure was a medley of covers during which they played 38 Special, Bryan Adams, The Cars, Journey and Rush.

After Enuff Z' Nuff's set we all were milling around waiting for the bands to autograph and pose for pictures with their fans, some of our group included in that.  Then all of a sudden, without warning, Ted and Maz appeared at our side saying "Let's do this photo on the stage".  Some of us fled with them to the stage while I wheeled about searching for anyone from our group, not wanting anyone to miss out.  Thank God we had the time to take three of four photos as I missed the first couple, but even worse for some of our group who were out on the patio smoking or in the washroom as they missed the shot all together.  Then about fifteen minutes later, Enuff Z' Nuff wanted to do a countdown shot and so we assembled again in front of the stage this time.  Unfortunately we were still short some of our group who had been in the Ted photo, but we gained the folks missing from the first picture.  So between both shots we seem to have all of the "EH" Team and most of the three bands.  A little photo shopping by one of our group and we were ready to post our "countdown shot".  Only 219 days until the cruise, but it seems like it is forever and I don't know if I can wait that long!

Cheers,
The Meister

Up From the Ashes. A review of the new Queensryche CD and the events leading up to it.

I remember now. I remember how it started...

I remember it clearly, feeling the air rapidly being sucked out of my body, leaving me light-headed and a little nauseous. My worst fear had come true. My one true love in life...dead! It was all clearly detailed on Eddie Trunk's Facebook page, so it was undoubtedly the truth. He is, after all, the all- knowing metal aficionado.

I'd heard the rumors for quite some time that things had been a little rough in the Queensryche camp, but I'd never dreamed it would come to this. How could they do this to me?! I began mourning. I stayed up most of the night posting the traumatic news and a barrage of Queensryche videos on Facebook. Within moments of the news appearing on my wall, my friends began checking in with me to make sure I wasn't standing atop a bridge somewhere, tearfully singing "Silent Lucidity" as I prepared to hurl myself into oblivion! My true friends know me well. As harsh as this news was for me to take, I managed to keep myself in check. Although I couldn't shake the feeling that somehow a little piece of me was gone.

I spent the next few days researching what I could about the split and what the band members were doing. The breakup seemed beyond repair. Geoff Tate had been polarizing himself and his musical direction away from the rest of the band for years now (as was quite obvious to the fans). The band had finally grown tired of his diva antics and said "no more!" And who could blame them?! After Tate's abuse of the audience at Rocklahoma, and his violent aggression toward band members in Brazil, there was really nowhere left to go.

The good news, however, was that the band was still together. They were playing under the name Rising West and had brought in a singer to fill the incredibly big shoes of Geoff Tate. I was, at first, skeptical. What was Queensryche without the voice of the mighty Geoff Tate? Granted, his voice was not what it once was, but he was still the voice synonymous with Queensryche and the sound that I had identified with for thirty years. Right?

Enter Todd La Torre...
 

At first I had just seen a photo. OK, he looks the part, but so what! Then it happened. I found a clip on YouTube of Todd La Torre (formerly of Crimson Glory) singing with Queensryche (still Rising West at that moment). Literally, the moment I heard that man project his first note, I knew something great was in store. My jaw dropped and shivers went through my body as he belted out the opening  to "Queen of the Ryche." As some of you are aware, I spent many years fronting a Queensryche tribute band so I can tell you, without a shadow of doubt, that that is one of the most challenging vocals to sing. And Todd La Torre sang it with ease and an incredible sense of pride and power. For a brief moment I felt like a traitor, but I quickly got past that. Here it was! Like a phoenix up from the ashes! My beloved Ryche was not only back, but back with a new face, a new voice, and a long-awaited renewed energy. Long live the Ryche!!!!

The drama between the two camps continued throughout the year, with both Tate and his ever-changing band and Todd La Torre and the remaining band playing under the Queensryche name. Court proceedings are pending and the name will supposedly be awarded to one or the other side in November. Tate continued (and still continues) to act like a diva (see my Decibel Geek article Battle of the Ryche), slamming the original band and the audience every chance he gets. I got to witness this display firsthand at the Tateryche (thanks for that name Billy Hardaway) show last April in Las Vegas. The Todd La Torre camp continued to go about the business of making music and entertaining the fans -- now that's class! They played lots of shows and began recording their self-titled album.

In December, they announced the release date of their new album. On New Year's Eve (my birthday), they played in Las Vegas where I was lucky enough to see them live. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift! I had my beloved Queensryche back! I was beyond excited to hear their new material. The suspense of a six-month wait would be difficult to take. However, as luck would have it, Queensryche (the real Queensryche) played Toronto in March of this year. Their outstanding performance further fueled my anticipation.

 

The marketing leading up to the release date of the self-titled album was genius. A snippet here, a sound-bite there...the sound was unmistakable. With each new teaser the anticipation grew until I could hardly contain myself. That classic Queensryche sound that had been absent for so long had the potential to breathe life back into a band that had been barely hanging on for years. They'd proved themselves without a doubt on a performance level, but those were songs that were already true, classic, awesome Queensryche. The proof and the truth would be the release of their album.

I had, of course, pre-ordered the deluxe edition of the CD. Having ordered it from the States, I wondered if I would actually receive it one day earlier than the Canadian release since for some reason the dates were not the same. Hot damn! I did. I went straight out to my Jeep, loaded it in the CD player, and I headed off for a long-awaited drive.

It was everything I'd hoped for. Everything I'd wanted to hear. I'd never really been moved the way I had with the albums up to and including Empire. I'd thought a big part of that was the absence of Chris  DeGarmo, and perhaps that had been the reason at that time, but the magic has clearly returned. The album has the classic Queensryche lyrical genius and the guitar work by Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren rivals that of the old days. Todd La Torre belts out the lyrics with raw emotion and a seemingly limitless range that brings a freshness yet still captures the quintessential Queensryche sound that fans have loved for decades.

Parker Lundgren has proved himself to be a solid member of the new Ryche, which I'm sure very few people saw coming. His talent was undeniable, but his connection to Tate had led me to believe that Tate would be his puppetmaster since he was married to Tate's daughter for a short time. Clearly not the case!! The reins are back in the hands of all the band members.

The album opens with a musical intro written by Scott Rockenfield and then leads right into Where Dreams Go to Die, which is one of my favorite tracks on the album and was brought to the table by Parker Lundgren. This song wouldn't be out of place on Operation Mindcrime, which I believe to this day is one of the best albums ever written. Strong vocals and guitars have always characterized the Queensryche sound, with a solid rhythm section to pull it all together. This is what the album is all about. 

Each song has the true Ryche feel but also a little something new. In This Light is probably the most radio friendly track on the album. It will appeal to a wide range of tastes but will settle in the hearts of longtime fans as well. La Torre has a hand in writing most of the songs and he seems to have settled in as an integral part of the creative team. There's not a track on this album that I don't love. In my opinion, this is one of the best CD's of the year although, admittedly, I am a little biased.

 You can tell that this is a labor of love from each band member and, at the same time, a true exhibit of team work. Every piece fits perfectly into the puzzle that is the new and improved Queensryche. 

 Whether or not the band win their name in the upcoming court proceedings, this is the Queensryche that I love and respect and will continue to follow as I have done for so many years.

  They have risen...up from the ashes. 

                                  Kate Campbell (aka the ultimate Queensryche fan)

http://www.dbgeekshow.blogspot.ca/2013/03/meisters-views-of-cruise-volume-11.html

Episode 100 - A Look Back

Aaron and Chris return this week to talk about their favorite subject...themselves!

This is the official self-congratulatory episode of the Decibel Geek podcast. The reason for this? The guys have finally reached triple digits!

In this week's episode, Chris and Aaron take a look back at the past 100 episodes and discuss some of the highlights, lowlights, and technical problems that have been a part of everything that makes up the Decibel Geek podcast.

In this episode, you'll hear Chris recount the circumstances that led him to start a podcast, the producer that was here one minute and gone the next, and Aaron Camaro's introduction to the show.

The guys also recount some of their favorite moments including favorite interviews, guests, and topic discussion of the past 100 episodes.

Aaron and Chris also play numerous voice mail recordings left by listeners, past guests, rock legends, and fellow rock/metal podcasters.

Closing out this 100th episode celebration is Chris and Aaron listening and commenting on Episode Zero - An Introduction that Chris recorded by himself back in April of 2011. Lots of comedy here at Chris' expense. 

For those of you that have been with us along for the ride as well as those of you that are new to the show, we'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of you. This show doesn't exist without the support and passion of great people like you. We look forward to invading your ears every week to bring you more rock/metal talk and music to make your week brighter.

We hope you'll stick with us for the next 100. Thanks again!

Chris & Aaron

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