Albums of My Youth

Radiohead OK Computer

2010-02-20T14:56:00.002-05:00

This months review is of a very different and cool record called "OK Computer" by the band Radiohead. Radiohead was a band whom the only other band I at least could compare them to is Pink Floyd. "OK Computer" was released in 1997. The first single "Paranoid Android" hit MTV with an animated music video very perplexed and deep. The album quickly became yet another hit for this band of the grunge era who weren't grunge at all. It really has alot of mellowed out songs great for chilling out to or falling asleep to. I always liked songs like "Let Down", "No Suprises", "Subterranean Homesick Alien", "Lucky" and even what became a hit single "Karma Police".

I have always thought this was a really cool album and if you have an open mind and like laid back mellowed out music you'll enjoy it too.

Album Quote:

"When I am king, you will be first against the wall

With your opinion which is of no consequence at all"

Foo Fighters - The Color & The Shape

2009-12-06T11:24:00.002-05:00

After the unfortunate ending of Nirvana, Drummer Dave Grohl formed a new band the Foo Fighters. Their debut album was a huge success. In 1997 they released their sophomore album "The Color & The Shape". This album was an even bigger success then their first record. It hit rock radio with the first single "Monkey Wrench". The song became another huge hit for the band. This sparked a srting of hit songs from the album like "Everlong"which is probably the bands biggest hit song to date. Other big hits included "My Hero", "Hey Johnny Park" and "February Stars". My favorite track that is included on the remastered bonus track version of the album is the cover of the song "Baker Street" which I would go as far to say that it is one of the best cover songs ever. If anything this album reminds me once again of that summer in between high school and my first semester of college. THose were really some of the best times in my life.

Album Quote:

"I'm hanging on

here until I'm gone
I'm right where I belong
just hanging on
even though I watched you come and go
how was I to know

you'd steal the show?"

Blink 182 - Enema Of The State

2009-11-07T12:32:00.002-05:00

Enema of the State was the second straight hit album for Blink 182 back in 1999. It really struck a chord on many levels with all Blink fans myself included. This album is a pop punk rock album about relationships, girls, sex and just plain adolescence. Just about every song is fun and emotional and just gets you right in the heart. The first single was "What's my age again?" a fun song about being lazy and you get dumped because of it. Everyone remembers the video for this song where the band is running around town naked while frightened people look on. One song that became the bands biggest hit is "All the small things". I really loved this song when the album first came out. I can think back and remember driving to my job at a record store that summer and listening to this album everyday and really being into this song. It's not that I don't like the song anymore because I do but radio had overplayed it and just brought it to a point where I can't listen to the song anymore. My most favorite songs from this song are "Going away to college" (a song that reminds me of this girl I was in love with in high school and the line that goes "is my picture still hanging n her locker" just gets me every time), "Wendy Clear", "Dumpweed", "Don't leave me", "Aliens Exist" and the infamous "Adam's Song". "Adam's Song" is about troubled youth and suicide. Although the song seems very sad it becomes very uplifting in the end.

This is one album that is forever embedded in my soul and it will always remind me of my youth and where I was in my life when I first heard it.

Album Quote:

"I'll think about the times
she kissed me after class
and she put up with my friends
I acted like an ass
I'd ditch my lecture to watch the girls play soccer
is my picture still hanging in her locker?"

Judas Priest - Screaming for Vengeance

2009-10-11T12:03:00.004-04:00

If you ask any metal fan who is their favorite or who is one of their like top 2 favorite metal bands of all time your are very likely to here the words Judas Priest. Being one of the most influential metal bands in history Judas Priest had one of their most successful albums in 1982 with "Screaming for Vengeance". This album is metal all the way. With great guitar work by Glenn Tipton & KK Downing. Rob Halford who is one of the greatest metal singers sings his ass off on this record. This was one of the first albums I ever heard from this band and I instantly became a fan.

The album starts out with the intro "The Hellion" which is always used as the start to the second track "Electric Eye" both tracks are sure to pump you up. Other great tracks are "Bloodstone", "Devil's Child", "Riding on the Wind", "Screaming for Vengeance" and of course the super smash hit "You've Got Another Thing Com'in" which to this day 25 plus years later can still be heard on rock radio.

If you are interested in Priest I highly recommend checking out this album.

Album Quote:

" Tearing up through life, million miles an hour, blinding all in sight, surging rush of power"

Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Californication

2009-09-07T11:45:00.002-04:00

Did you ever go to listen to an album and you thought that the band most likely had their best years behind them only to find out you were more wrong then you could ever imagine!

In the summer of 1999 I had one of those moments. i had always enjoyed the music of the RHCP but when I went the listening station at my local Sam Goody I really thought that I would either think that their at the time new album would either be pretty good, bad or just ok. However I started listening to the tracks and I was just blown away. Every song I went to was just brilliant. Every note every word was right on the mark. From Flea's bass lines, to Anthony's emotion in his voice to John's incomparable guitar riffs this album was destined to be a classic from the moment anyone first heard it. If any album reminds me of the summer of 1999 when I hadn't even turned 20 yet, this album takes me right back to that time. From the first 2 singles "Around the World" which is my current ringtone to "Scartissue" which is one of the coolest laid back songs going further to hits like "Otherside" and the title track "Californication" this is what a great album should sound like. The best part is that the RHCP don't sound like any other band. This means that instead of just getting another great rock album you get another great album that is different from everything else. In my opinion different , at least as long as its good stuff, is always a little better. Other songs that I really enjoy are "Porcelain", "Easily", "Get on Top" and "Parallel Universe".

If you are new to the RHCP or just never heard their music at all this is the first album I would recommend you add to your collection. These songs are already timeless and are still played on the radio today.

Album Quote:

"Life is beautiful around the world"

Bush - Sixteen Stone

2009-08-02T11:58:00.003-04:00

Today I will be reviewing the debut album from one of the more popular bands of the 1990's, 1994's "Sixteen Stone" by Bush. This album really gained success quickly with it's debut single "Everything Zen". I remember first hearing it on NY's Q104.3 rock station back before it switched formats to classic rock. I always thought it was funny when Gavin Rossdale sang the line about finding his "Asshole" Brother. The album had a great ballad which sounds just as good today as when it first came out "Glycerine". I once knew a couple who actually said that this was their song (until they broke up of course). This was a very cool song. Easy to play on the guitar too. The next 2 big singles were "Little Things" and "Comedown". Both those tracks are really cool songs.

This album is still relevant today. You can still hear any of the 4 hit singles on the radio from time to time. Again like many others this is any album that really reminds me of were I was in my life when it first came out. I could easily hear one of these songs and have a vision of sitting in my high school cafeteria talking about how I couldn't believe Bush was popular enough after such a short time to sell out Nassau Coliseum. Fun fact about that show, No Doubt was their opening act. This was the tour where Gwen and Gavin hooked up and it made people aware of No Doubt's music.

Album Quote:

"I'm never alone, I'm alone all the time

Are you at one or do you lie
We live in a wheel where everyone steals
But when we rise, it's like strawberry fields"

Goldfinger - Hang-Ups

2009-07-05T15:08:00.003-04:00

Over the years there have been many albums that have really hit home. Many bands really hit certain things right on the money and some dance certain subjects. Goldfinger for me has always been one of those bands who pretty much spell out have I am feeling about the things I go through in my life. No record may have accomplished this more than Goldfinger's 1997 release "Hang-Ups". From the first lick of music I was forever bonded to this record.

"Hang-Ups" is a vast array of what seems like happy music with some real sad but enlightening lyrics. Its starts off with the brilliant ska song "Superman" about a person who pushes themselves beyond their limits. I have always been that person to go the extra mile and work an extra 6 hours a day for example just because it seems like the right thing to do. However as the song says one can only pretend to be a superman as we are really just human beings who eventually run out of steam. The next several songs "My Head","If Only" and "This Lonely Place" are tales of lost love and depression which really struck a chord with me and some of the things I was going through in those areas at that time. Two of the next several songs are "Question" and Disorder". These are two unbelievably kick ass songs that just couldn't speak to me more. "Question" is all about not knowing where you are going in life and thinking that you will never be able to get through it and yet you may not realize how you actually have it much better than others in this world who have much worse problems. The song goes on to show that YOUR life is all YOU have and in the end you either have memories of how you made the most out of your time here or you did nothing but waste time. "Disorder" is again about how life can not always turn out to be how you planned. It also speaks about the need to tell someone about how badly they have wronged you and how they are just making things harder by doing so. In the end the song leaves you knowing that you must keeping pushing through because no one wants to be a quitter.

This is one of those records as I have said about many other records just doesn't have a bad song on it. Some of my other favorite tracks are "The Last Time","Chris Cayton", "Carlita" and "I Need to Know"

This has by far been my most favorite album to write about as it is one of my most favorite albums of all time. It came out in my first semester of college when it seems like almost everything its speaks about was happening to me. I had many issues with school, friends, parents and figuring out just what the hell life was really about, how the hell I was going to get through it and what exactly I wanted to do with my life. I am almost thirty years old and I know there are kids going through the same things as I was when I was in my late teens and all I can say is listen to this album. It one necessarily solve all your problems but it will make you feel a little better about them and it just might lead you in the right direction. The only thing that was better than buying this record was going to see Goldfinger on their tour for this album at Irving Plaza in NY City in the fall of 1997. Watching them perform these songs was a great release for me and a night I will never forget. Truly a moment and an album from my youth that will stay with me forever.

Album Quote:

"You don't know what pain is, you haven't suffered one iota so just stop your whining"

Weezer- (Blue Album)

2009-06-07T12:02:00.003-04:00

1994 saw the release of what was at the time a very different band. Weezer's self-titled debut album also known as "The Blue Album" was the type of thing that could have been easily a hit or miss. The first single "Buddy Holly" became a huge hit and known well for the video in which Weezer puts them self into an episode of the TV show Happy Days. This song was like nothing else on the radio at that time competing with bands like Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam. It was sort of a 1950's rock n roll meets alternative meets emo. The type of music that you wouldn't think you would get into but then you realized you love it. That's how it was for me. The album contains a lot of other great songs like "Say It Ain't So", "The World Has Turned and Left Me Here", "My Name Is Jonas", "Only In Dreams", "In the Garage","No One Else","Surf Wax America", "Holiday" and "Undone - The Sweater Song".

This is a really cool band with some real enjoyable music. This album is definitely a classic from my younger years and it still stands today.

Album Quote:

"Only in dreams

We see what it means
Reach out our hands
Hold on to hers
But when we wake
It's all been erased
And so it seems

Only in dreams "

MXPX - Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo

2009-05-03T11:44:00.004-04:00

Believe it or not there are only a hand full of albums that in a person's lifetime, despite how much music they love, actually speak specifically on how they feel about their own lives. Whether it be friends, family, work, love or school in 1998 MXPX released "Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo" which became precisely that for all fans of this band myself included.

For some reason when I went to the mall to buy what I knew was the new MXPX album I didn't have the highest of expectations. I think I hoped it was at least almost as good as their previous album "Life In General". I was blown away when I went home to find out what an amazing album this album is. This band shows so many of its different sides on this album. They show hardcore punk with "Fist vs. Tact" a hardcore song that is actually anti-violence. In other words use your brain to get out of a jam and not violence. It has its cheesy but fun songs like "Party My House Be There", "I'm Ok Your Ok" and "The Downfall of Western Civilization". Then there are the songs that you can truly relate to emotionally. Songs that speak of your misunderstandings of life, issues with love, friends etc. Songs like "Tomorrow's Another Day", "Invitation to Understanding", "Cold and All Alone", "What's Mine is Yours", "Inches from Life" and "Self Serving with a Purpose" .

If you love fast punk rock with the deep emotional level and you don't know this album then stop what your doing and pick it up. It might just change your life.

Album Quotes (Usually I choose one but there are just too many here to pass up)

"There's nothing quite like being sure of what's inside your heart"

"You don't own me, they've abolished slavery and I can''t wait for the day when thing's turn around"

"There's consequences for your actions, I know cause I'm paying for my now"

"You oughta know you can be inches from life and never live at all"

Rancid - ...And Out Come The Wolves

2009-04-05T12:04:00.004-04:00

Way back in the day my friend Eddie introduced me to a band called Rancid. He made me a copy of their third and most successful album "...And Out Come The Wolves". I was really blown away by this album how for an album with 19 songs could have not 1 song that wasn't great. Definitely one of the best punk rock albums of all time Rancid really brings a mix of fun, culture, drinking and love in a new and exciting way with each song. From "Roots Radicals", "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho" to "Old Friend", "Avenues & Alleyways", "Olympia Washington", "Journey to the End of the East Bay" and "The Wars End"co-singers and guitarists Tim Armstrong and Lars Fredrickson deliver stories of things like kids who came from a rough side of town, love gone wrong and kids whose parents think their music is just noise and they do it so well.

If you are into punk rock and never heard this band I highly suggest you go out and get this album. I can remember seeing Rancid at the Tibbetan Freedom Concert in 1997 and it was the best 1/2 hour I had ever experienced. So much energy and so much passion will make fans of any genre of music get into this album.

Album Quote:

"He's a different color but were the same kid, I'll treat him like my brother he'll treat me like his"

Sublime -Sublime

2009-03-08T15:59:00.003-04:00

Today's review is of the self-titled third and ground breaking release from Sublime. In 1996 after the sudden death of lead singer Brad Nowell Sublime hit it big on mainstream rock radio with the single "What I Got". A laid back song about enjoying life and not letting everything i life drive you crazy. The song was an instant success allowing people who never listened to a ska punk band to get into this type of music.

It took me a while to get into Sublime as I had just gotten into this type of music and I guess I dunno I just needed some time. This album is chock full of great songs. There's track #5 "April 29, 1992" which tells the story of the riots that followed the Rodney King verdict in 1992. I personally enjoy "Doin' Time" which is a great summertime anthem. Also songs like "Caress Me Down", "Seed","The Wrong Way" and "Santeria" became huge hits in 1997. Other tracks that I enjoy are "Pawn Shop", "Garden Grove", "Same in the End","Under My Voodoo" and "Jailhouse". On this album as their other records Sublime shows a wide range of influences from Bob Marley Reggae to the bluesy classic rock guitar licks of Jimi Hendrix. Just great music plain and simple.

This is one of those albums that everyone and their mother even if they don't own it they at least know one or two songs.

Album Quote:

"Life is too short so love the one ya got cuz ya might get run over or ya might get shot."

Reel Big Fish - Turn the Radio Off

2009-02-07T16:09:00.002-05:00

The next few reviews will be for albums in which you will probably say don't fit in the hard rock/metal/classic rock genre in which my heading says I review. In previous posts I have reviews from some of my favorite punk albums and will have more in the coming months. Along with punk I had also discovered ska and ska/punk music. I was introduced to the punk and ska scene back in the fall of 1996 at the start of my senior year in high school. This music was like nothing I had really heard before and had all the emotion of music but in a different way and in many ways I related to it better than any other type of genre.

Like I said I was first introduced to this music back in 1996 when a friend invited me to a show at the Wetlands, a very small club in NYC. A ska/punk band called Reel Big Fish was playing there that night. The music was different with horns and reggae type guitar but with a punk twist and rather funny and clever lyrics. I was really into the band so the next day I went to my local music store and bought their album "Turn the Radio Off". The music jumped out of the speakers and into my soul. It was such great music. Every single song from the opening track "Sell Out" to the secret track "I'm Cool" was amazing. Songs about a band that doesn't believe in themselves as a band, doesn't do well with women and who just like to party. I related to all of it. I really can't say enough good things about this album. Some of my most favorite songs a are "Sell Out" which is all about how the music industry tries to shove what they think is good music down our throats and will only sign a band to a contract if they write a hit single. "Skatanic" is a song all about a guy who is obsessed with a girl who wants nothing to do with him. "All I want is More" is about being dumped and then the other person wants you back but you tell them to fuck off. One of the most clever and fun songs to listen to is "She has a Girlfriend Now" which is about a guy who got dumped by or just knows a girl who gave up on guys and now she is a lesbian. Other great songs are "Alternative Baby", "Suburban Rhythm, "Beer" (A Really Awesome Song), "Everything Sucks", "Trendy" and "Snoop Dog Baby" (Not about the rapper).

Again this album really stuck to me at a strange time in my life when I needed it and is just a lot of fun to listen to yet it still relates to you on an emotional level. You should buy it!

Album Quote:
" Your gonna go to the record store, your gonna give'em all your money, radio plays what they want you to hear, they tell me its cool but I just don't believe it!"

Creed - My Own Prison

2009-01-11T12:39:00.002-05:00

Creed came out with their first album in 1997 not thinking that within a few years they would become one of the biggest bands in the world. The first single "My Own Prison" hit rock radio and became a huge hit right away. Singer Scott Stapp's lyrics really struck a nerve with the emotions of that generation along with his strong vocals which many criticized him for trying to be Eddie Vedder which was not the case. Another one of my favorite Creed songs is "One", a song about trying to find peace in this world. Other great tracks include "Whats this Life For" and "Torn".

This is one of those bands and debut albums that come out right when the world needs them to. When nobody else is doing what they are doing. I have always enjoyed this music and its hard to believe this album came out over 10 years ago however I remember it like it was yesterday.

Album Quote:

" The world is headed for mutiny when all we want is unity, we may rise and fall but in the end we meet our fate together"

Social Distortion - White Light White Heat White Trash

2008-12-13T11:36:00.003-05:00

Some albums just rock out and don't give much of a message. It can be hard to find aan album that not only rocks out hard but that speaks to you and everything you going through in life. An album that makes you feel like somebody out there does understand. In 1996 Social Distortion released that album. Titled "White Light White Heat White Trash" this album was launched into the mainstream with the radio hit "I Was Wrong", a tale about a man who doesn't realized the wrong things he has done in his life until it is too late. This album is jam packed with songs that touch every emotion you can possibly have. from love, hate, depression, remorse and almost no happiness this album will in fact comfort you in those tough times. Singer Mike Ness delivers the lyrics of these songs in a masterful way. Mike Ness really makes you feel the words taht he is saying, You are not just listening to music you are seeing inside his soul. When I was finishing up high school and starting college I really was just starting to learn about life and that summer this music was there for me. Great tracks include "Dear Lover", "Through These Eyes", "Down on the World Again", "When the Angels Sing" and "Don't Drag Me Down". The album also includes a secret track where they cover the Rolling Stones hit "Under My Thumb", a really good cover.

Overall you should really own this album. Whether you are in a good place or a bad place in your life you will be touched by the music on this record.

Album Quote:

"How can you love when you don't love yourself?"

Offspring - Smash

2008-11-02T12:11:00.003-05:00

The Offspring were one of a few bands to bring punk rock back into the mainstream in the mid 90's. They released their 3rd album "Smash" in 1994. Loaded with catchy radio friendly songs the album quickly became a mainstream success. With hit songs like "Come Out & Play", "Self-Esteem" and "Gotta Get Away" music fans instantly fell in love with this band. People who may have never even heard punk rock before were suddenly huge fans of this band.

The album consists of fast catchy punk songs which emotionally give every human being something that they can relate to. Going to an Offspring concert was complete mayhem from the mosh pit to the energy level of the band which was fed off of by the crowd. Singer Dexter Holland has a voice like no one else and can hit high notes like you have never heard before. Other awesome tracks include "Bad Habit", the ska influenced "What Happened to You?", "Nitro", "Genocide", "It'll Be a Long Time", "So Alone" and the title track "Smash". Of course this album wouldn't be complete without the opening and closing tracks "Time to Relax" which will make anybody feel good.
Overall one of the best albums of the 1990's. If your into punk rock you should own this album.

Album Quote:

"Drivers are rude
Such attitudes
But when I show my piece
Complaints cease
Something's odd
I feel like I'm god
You stupid dumbshit goddamn motherfucker!"

Green Day - Dookie

2008-10-05T11:50:00.002-04:00

Green Day brought punk rock back to the mainstream in 1994 when they released "Dookie". Everyone in my high school fell in love with this record. It's catchy rebellious tunes became instant hits and had Green Day selling out arenas instantly. The first single "Basketcase" became a monster hit and is now considered a classic. Songs like "Longview" which spoke about bordem and laziness and how to pass the time spoke to our generation and the things we were dealing with as teenagers. Other great tracks from this album include "Welcome to Paradise", "She", "When I Come Around" (One of Green Days Most Successful Tracks) and "F.O.D.". Overall this is a really cool album that should be owned by anyone who just loves really col music they can sing along to. This album will get you pumped up and will help you deal with some of your personal issues.

Album Quote:

"Let's nuke the bridge we torched 2,000 times before, this time we'll blast it all to hell"

Pearl Jam - Versus

2008-08-10T15:55:00.003-04:00

In 1993 grunge/alternative band Pearl Jam was on a roll with hit after hit. It was then that they released their second album Versus. This album was once again packed with hit songs that made you rock out , songs you just couldn't get away from. The first single "Daughter" was a monster hit. Followed by "Dissident", "Glorified" and "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town". Some of my other favorites tracks include "Animal" and "Rearview Mirror".

This album is a classic from when I was growing up and finishing junior high. I'll never forget hearing these songs for the first time.

Album Quote:

"I Changed by Not Changing at All"

White Stripes - White Blood Cells

2008-07-04T17:29:00.002-04:00

There are many albums from my youth that are much different than what I usually listen to and have reviewed on my blog. In 2002 as I was in the last leg of my college career the band The White Stripes hit it big with "White Blood Cells". A strangely different rock sound The White Stripes were very interesting to many. The first single "Fell in Love with a Girl" was all over rock radio. Their sound ranges from fast rock to folk to alternative. This album has influences of everyone from Bob Dylan to well its so different I don't even know who else to compare it to. Songs I really liked are "We're Going to Be Friends", "Dead Leaves..", "Hotel Yorba", "Same Boy You've Always Known", "This Protector"and "Finding it Harder to Be a Gentleman". If you love different music you might just love this album.

Album Quote:
"If you can hear a piano fall, you can hear me coming down the hall, if I could just hear your pretty voice I don't think I'd need to see at all"

Buckcherry - Time Bomb

2008-06-08T16:30:00.002-04:00

Since the mid 90's many rock fans were left without bands who embodied the sound of dirty & gritty rock and roll. At the end of the millenium our prayers were answered when Buckcherry rolled onto the music scene. Bringing a sound back to the mainstream that bands like Guns N Roses introduced to us years before.

In 2001 Buckcherry released their second album "Time Bomb". This is an absolute must have and I mean that for every rock fan out there. If you loved bands like GNR you will love Buckcherry and thats a promise. Every song on this album is energetic and fast and has a lot of soul. Basically this record is all sex, drugs and rock n roll. With songs like "Porn Star", "Rid'in", "Time Bomb", "Place in the Sun" and many more this album will feed your need for fast rock n roll music.

I saw them when they were opening for AC/DC at Madison Square Garden after this album came out and they were fantastic. This album came out back when I was in college and was working at a record store. My boss and I used to crank this album all the time.

Album Quote:

"Its comi'n for you its comi'n for me , life ain't noth'in but bitches and money, noth'in to lose noth'in for free , can't stop now I got bitches and money"

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik

2008-05-04T18:23:00.003-04:00

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of the most if not the most unique bands to come out in the 80's. However it wasn't until their 1991 release "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" that I think people in the main stream actually knew who they were. The first single "Give it Away" took radio and MTV by storm. It mixed funk with rap and rock. It was the most original sound to hit main stream radio in a very long time. This album really exploded with tons of great singles such as "Breaking the Girl", "Suck My Kiss" and of course one of the biggest songs of the decade "Under the Bridge". "Under the Bridge" was a song which singer Anthony Keidas wrote about his years of drug abuse. Overall this album should be owned by any music fan looking for something heavily different to listen to. From the rap like vocals to Flea's funky bass riffs and John Frusciante's incredible guitar playing this album is a real mind pleaser.

Album Quote:
"I don't ever wanna feel like I did that day, take me to the place I love, take me all the way"

Soundgarden - Superunknown

2008-04-13T16:53:00.002-04:00

One of the bands that made a mark music in the 90's was Soundgarden. Another really great band from the Seattle grunge movement Soundgarden released "Superuknown" in 1994. This album took the world by storm. Singer Chris Cornell is a great singer and really shows it on this album. Great song writing and great melodically heavy riffs are a trademark for this band. Big hits which can still be heard on rock radio today are "Fell on Black Days","My Wave", "Superunknown" and "Spoonman" which according to the band and the video is about a man who actually does tricks with spoons, . My favorite song on this record is probably the slow but heavy ballad "The Day I Tried to Live". The biggest song from this album was "Black Hole Sun". Not that sure what its about but I just never really liked this song. I guess it just doesn't do anything for me and I find it a little boring. One fun fact about the song is that Peter Frampton actually covered the song as a guitar instrumental. Definitely one of my most favorite bands of the 90's . A great band and a great album that will stand the test of time in rock music.

"Whatsoever I feared has come to life, whatsoever I fought off became my life, just when everyday seemed to greet me with a smile sunspots have faded and now I'm doing time 'cause I fell on black days"

Alice in Chains - Dirt

2008-04-13T16:40:00.002-04:00

In 1992 Alice in Chains released their second album "Dirt". This band had previously emerged from the Seattle music movement of the early 90's with a great new sound mixing a slow form of heavy metal and gritty rock. Lead singer Layne Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell shared vocals and very much complimented each other on all songs. The album "Dirt" really made this band into one of the biggest in the world. Starting out with the track "Them Bones" and screaming into my favorite track "Dam that River"this album comes at you with a vengeance. One track that would become a classic was "Rooster". Much like Metallica's "One", "Rooster" told the story of a man living through the horror of war. Other awesome tracks are "Down in a Hole", "Dirt", "Angry Chair" and the monster track "Would?". The track Godsmack would later be used to name another big band of the late 90's and early 2000's I'm talking about the band Godsmack. I will always remember being in jr high and just knowing what a huge band Alice in Chains would become.

Album Quote:
"Bury me softly in this womb, I give this part of me for you, Sand rains down and here I sit holding rare flowers in a tomb."

Guns 'n' Roses - Use Your Illusion 1 and 2

2007-12-22T13:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!!
In 1991 Guns 'n' Roses released 2 albums at the same time, "Use Your Illusion 1" and "Use Your Illusion 2". Both albums had lots of great GNR tracks that span from blues rock to straight up dirty rock 'n' roll. These albums spawned hit songs which are widely known for their amazing and strange videos like the epic "November Rain", "Don't Cry" (which has 2 different versions with different lyrics),"Estranged" and a great song which was used for the movie "Terminator 2" called "You Could Be Mine" (my most favorite GNR song). Other really great tracks these albums contain and some of which many don't know about are "Live & Let Die", "Shotgun Blues", "Get in the Ring", "14 Years", "Civil War", "Locomotive", "Coma", "Bad Obsession" and "Garden of Eden". Another very famous track is their great cover of the Bob Dylan classic "Knock'n on Heavens Door". All these songs bring back so much of my youth when I listen to them and I hope if you grew up with these records they do the same for you.

Album Quote:
"You Can't Trust Freedom When It's Not In Your Hands"

Stone Temple Pilots - Purple

2007-12-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

In 1994, one of the biggest bands of the grunge era Stone Temple Pilots released the album "Purple". A melodic heavy dose of straight out rock this album really made this band who they are. The album is known for many songs that can still be heard on rock radio stations today. Songs like "Interstate Love Song". A great laid back song for just hanging around and doing nothing. "Vasoline" is another great and very popular song as well as "Big Empty" a ballad also found on the soundtrack to the movie "The Crow". Other great tracks are "Lounge Fly", "Pretty Penny", "Silvergun Superman" and "Unglued". Overall this album is a true staple of the grunge alternative era and most of it's tracks are still being discovered by young ears today thanks to rock radio.

Album Quote:

""How far will you go I say just to bait a mouse?"

Motley Crue - Dr. Feelgood

2007-11-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

This weeks review is of Motley Crue's "Dr. Feelgood". This is an awesome album. I barely know where to begin with all the great tracks this record has. The title track "Dr. Feelgood" is a hard rock'in song about a drug dealer who eventually gets busted. I recently sang this at a karaoke bar and everyone loved it. One of my most favorite tracks is "Don't Go Away Mad". Much like a country rock song it is very laid back and is just one of those songs you can sit back and relax and sing along to and just feel really good about life. It may be my favorite Crue songs ever. Another well know from this album is "Kickstart My Heart". An awesome song about the bands journey to greatness that just really kicks butt, a very tight strong track if you ask me. The one ballad on the album is "Without You" which doesn't disappoint. Other great tracks are "Same O'le Situation", "Slice of Your Pie", "Rattlesnake Shake" and "She Goes Down". The album does feature cameos from Steven Tyler and Sebastian Bach. Overall this is one of the best rock albums of all time and like I usually say and it is very true, an album that hold great memories for me growing up as a young rock fan.

Album Quote:

"Girl Don't Go Away Mad, Girl Just Go Away."

Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill

2007-09-23T16:57:00.000-04:00

This album is much different from my usual reviews with the exception that the Beastie Boys are a rap group liked by fans of all different types of music. This album was ground breaking as they were the first white rappers to make it big. Everyone knows the hit single "Fight for your Right to Party" and who could forget the great video on MTV as well. Being originally from Brooklyn the track "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" was always a favorite of mine. The band is known for doing many samples on this album from bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Other great and memorable tracks are "Brass Monkey, "Paul Rivere", Hold It Now, Hit It", "She's Crafty", "Girls", "Slow & Low" and "Time To Get Ill. There is definitely not one bad song on this album. Everyone should own this record as it is truly a classic in music and it will bring back a lot of great memories as well.

Album Quote:

"You've Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party!!"

Aerosmith - Get a Grip

2007-09-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

I can remember being in the 8th grade when this album came out. It would be Aerosmith's biggest album to this very day. The video's would feature a hot young new actress named Alicia Silverstone and would be all over MTV and the radio. This album contains well known hits like "Cry'in", "Liv'in on the Edge", "Amazing" and "Eat the Rich". One song not know too well is "Shut Up and Dance". This is the song Aerosmith plays at the end of Wayne's World 2. This was a great record that like I said really was a major part of my generation. I've become speechless to all the memories the songs conjure. Thats all I got to say. Good stuff.

Album Quote:

"Life's a journey not a destination"

White Zombie - Astro-Creep:2000

2007-09-01T13:11:00.000-04:00

What I am about to review is one of the most different albums from my generation, White Zombie's "Astro-Creep:2000". A great band fronted by the still famous Rob Zombie and they became famous thanks to non other than Beavis & Butthead. This album is mainly known for its fearce rock tracks of an alternative style. The first hit single was "More Human Than Human". My most favorite track is "Supercharger Heaven" a real heavy song. Other great tracks include "Electric Head" (parts 1 and 2) and "Blood, Milk & Sky". I definitely recommend this album. Its reminds me of the new music movements of 1994 and 1995. I remember listening to this album on the way to play a lacrosse game and it getting me super pumped up and I ended up playing my best game. Many rock stations still play this album to this day.

Album Quote:

"We all go down for the sacrificial moment
Crucifixion nails stain the bed of the holy.
Space thing blues diamond studded - sugar coated
Well, I am hell a miracle overloading"

Bon Jovi - New Jersey

2007-08-05T15:09:00.000-04:00

Its time to review one of the more classic and memorable albums of the 80's Bon Jovi's 1988 release "New Jersey". This album really helped Bon Jovi to be a mega successful band. The album starts out with the hard hitting track "Lay Your Hands on Me" and is followed by one of the albums biggest hits "Bad Medicine". The album contains one of the bands biggest ballads and somewhat of a wedding song favorite "I'll Be There for You". Other good tracks are "Born to Be My Baby", "Blood on Blood" and "Living in Sin". This record was produced by now legendary producer Bob Rock who in later years would make successful albums for Motley Crue and Metallica. This is a great album that still holds up and is still popular today.

Album Quote:

Blood on blood
One on one
We'd still be standing
When all is said and done
Blood on blood
One on one
And I'll be here for you
Till Kingdom come
Blood on blood

Pearl Jam - Ten

2007-07-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

In 1991 Pearl Jam was at the forefront of the grunge movement with their first album titled "Ten". This was a great album which helped bring back the live sound of rock. Many describe it as a breathe of fresh air. The first hit single was the song "Alive". It was followed by another hit "Evenflow". Many will remember the video for "Evenflow" with Eddie Vedder jumping from a balcony during a concert and onto the audience. That may have been the first time anyone had ever seen that happen" The next single was "Jeremy" a song about a young boy who doesn't fit in with his peers. The video was very controversial as the unedited version depicts the boy killing himself in front of his class. One song I loved was "Black". its a really great ballad and Eddie Vedder really sings his butt off on it. This album contains lots of other great tracks like "Once", "Why Go", "Oceans" and "Porch". A great memorable album that defined my generation. All these songs can still be heard on the radio today which shows how that generation will stand the test of time.

Album Quote:

"I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky"

Metallica - Load

2007-07-08T13:35:00.000-04:00

I'm gonna be honest, since doing these reviews I try not to repeat the same band more than once. However I really like this album and I think more people should realize how good it actually is. In 1996 at the end of my junior year in high school Metallica released the album "Load". Their albums in the past were very much of a heavy metal sound. This album however was much more hard rock than metal. They received a lot of heat for changing their sound a little, cutting their hair, the list can go on but its really all a bunch of BS to me, good music is good music its not like they wrote an R&B album. The first track "Ain't My Bitch" is a real butt kicker with alot of intensity and just an "I don't give a sh*t" attitude. The more rock'in songs on this album are "Cure", "Wasting My Hate", the hit single "Until it Sleeps", my most favorite track on the album "King Nothing" and "The House that Jack Built". "King Nothing" was a song that I always loved and I though it was the one song on this record that had the most Metallica style than the rest of the tracks. I remember seeing them in concert my senior year and when they started this song the second half of the stage rose up from the ground and in a sea of smoke and red lights, it was amazing!! The album also contains songs that are nice and slow and heavy like "Bleeding Me" and "The Thorn Within". One song that got the band a lot of heat from fans was "Mama Said". A song James Hetfield wrote about his mother. The song is a ballad with some country riffs in it. It took me maybe a year to realize but its actually a good song. Another good song I just wanted to mention that I really like is "Hero of the Day". Not much to say other than its a very good song.

I know there were many fans who were very critical of this record but like I said before good music is good music. They really didn't change too much on this album. If they changed to like R&B or something then thats a much different story. All I have to say is if you like good rock music you should check this album out. Don't just say that you don't like it because its not the best sound for Metallica. Please have an open mind.

Album Quote:
"Careful what you wish you may regret it careful what you wish you just might get it!!"

Nirvana - In Utero

2007-06-24T22:44:00.000-04:00

Tonight I will be reviewing Nirvana's 1993 release "In Utero". The bands third album but their second as a worldwide success. This was another rough and grungy hard hitting release that spoke to the children of the grunge generation one of whom was me. The albums first single was "Heart Shaped Box". This was a song that took you in and kept you there. It really made you try to come up with different interpretations of the song. One of my more favorite tracks was "All Apologies". It was just a more somber Nirvana song which brought out lots of emotion when you heard it. I even used a line from it as part of my yearbook quote senior year. Other great tracks are "Dumb", "Penny Royal Tea", "Scentless Apprentice" and of course the controversial hit "Rape Me". I remember the time this album came out and many things that I was going through in my life. Starting high school was one of them. Playing sports and sucking. This album and many of the songs remind me of an although complicated but simpler time in my life. It reminds me of old friends. Listening to it on my walkman on the way to lacrosse games. I even remember going to the store "The Wall" to buy it at my local mall during Christmas time. A great band, a great time, a great album!!

Album Quote:
"All in all is all we are"

Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard of Oz

2007-06-16T15:42:00.000-04:00

In 1981, sometime after being booted from Black Sabbath, Ozzy released his first solo album "Blizzard of Oz". I first discovered this album in 1995 while still in high school and I was really into all the great songs on this album. Everyone knows the classic hit "Crazy Train" which is a great song and so much fun to see Ozzy perform live. The album also contains the very controversial song "Suicide Solution" which despite what many critics think is ANTI-suicide and was not the cause of some suicides in the 80's or ever for that matter. Other tracks such as
"I Don't Know", "Good-bye to Romance", "Revelation Mother Earth" and "Mr. Crowly" are all great tracks. This album of course was also the introduction to the world of the late guitarist Randy Rhodes. Randy was a brilliant guitar player and its a shame he was taken so early in life.
Overall I am glad I this album is as good as it is otherwise I may not have been into such an awesome artist as Ozzy himself.

Album Quote:

"Mother please forgive them
For they know not what they do
Looking back in history's books
It seems it's nothing new
Oh, let my mother live"

Skid Row - Slave to the Grind

2007-03-25T14:12:00.000-04:00

You ever hear an album and it just beats the hell out of you?? Well this is one of'em. At the start of the 90's Skid Row released their second album "Slave to the Grind". This album absolutley kicks ass!! Every song on it screams ROCK!! The albums first single "Monkey Business" is awesome and will make you wanna head bang. I remember seeing them peform this song on SNL and they really tore it up. The album contains other kick'in rockers like "Slave to the Grind"," Get the F*** Out", "Mudkicker" and "Riot Act". Theres also a lot of great ballads that I really enjoy. A great one is "Wasted Time" which is about a young man whose friends watch his life falling apart. Another great and actually pretty amazing song is "Quicksand Jesus" which is sort of about troubled times in the world and asks the question "Why?". One other ballad which is also very good is "In a Darkened Room". Overall this album is one of those which will always keep you pumped and ready to take on the world. Its really one of my most favorites and I highly recommend this one.

Album Quote:

'You can't king of the world if your slave to the grind"

Iron Maiden - Powerslave

2007-03-18T11:48:00.000-04:00

In 1984 a remarkable band called Iron Maiden released the album "Powerslave". This is one of my top 2 favorite albums from this band. The guitar work is brilliant the lyrics are so powerful as they speak of things like war and almost every song is great. Some of my more favorite tracks are "2 Minutes to Midnite", "Powerslave" and "Aces High". I definitly think this is one of Maiden's best records and should be bought by all metal fans.

Album Quote:

"Go to war again, blood is freedoms stain, don't ya pray for my soul anymore"

Slaughter - Stick It To Ya

2007-03-03T11:41:00.000-05:00

This review is of an album from a band many people may forget about at times, Slaughter's "Stick It To Ya". Slaughter is a great band whose debut album had a lot of great songs and I think suprised many people. This record is mainly known for the hit song "Up All Night". The album features a lot other great hard rock'in songs such as "Mad About You", "Burn'in Bridges", "Spend My Life", "Loaded Gun", "Desperately" and an awesome ballad called "Fly to the Angels". This was one of a few bands that first got me into hard rock & heavy metal and I will never forget first seeing their videos on MTV more than 15 years ago.

Album Quote:

" If I knew then
What I know now
I'd tell you that the stories are true
Cause what ever you do
It comes back to you"

Kiss - Double Platinum

2007-02-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

Ok as I said in a previous post I wouldn't typically review a greatest hits album however this one is one of my earliest purchases of a rock album, Kiss "Double Platinum" released in 1978. I remember being about 11 years old and going to the local flea market with my dad. There was a little record booth where i intended to buy a Kiss album. A neighbor had gotten me into them and I wanted to get to know their music for myself. It may have been the only album the store had that day Ijust remember it being the first one I was haned by the guy that worked there. It was a two cassette set which I still have. I took it home and I don't think it left my walkman for quite a while. I was instantly hooked by the lyrics and great grooves all the songs had. I was immediately in love with tracks like "Strutter", "Cold Gin", "Beth", "100,000 Years", "Detroit Rock City" and "Black Diamond". Other big Kiss hits on this album are "God of Thunder", "Hard Luck Woman", "Duece", "Love Gun", "Rock n Roll All Nite" and "Calling Dr. Love" among others. I often think this is the best Kiss hits collection out there. It is an incredible memory of my youth.

Album Quote:

"I wanna rock n roll all nite and party everyday"

Queensryche - Empire

2007-02-11T14:11:00.000-05:00

In 1990 Queensryche released what would become a huge album from my youth. The album is called "Empire". So many great songs to talk about!! Now the album is mostly well known for a great ballad and probably the bands biggest hit "Silent Lucidity". A song that will take your dreams to new levels when you sleep. A great song for the innocent young child who doesn't know enough about life to understand some unfortunate parts of it such as death of a loved one. Another really great track is the title song "Empire". A song about the troubles of society like gangs and a corrupted government which unfortunatly 15 years later we still have and obviously we had it for many years before this song. But a kick ass song it is especially live in concert. Other great songs on this album are"Jet City Woman", "Another Rainy Night (Without You)", "Anybody Listening", "The Thin Line" and "Resistance". I very much recommend this album if you are a fan of great music just in general at least.

Album Quote:

Give and take.
Has all we've learned been wrong?
Look around at what we've been given.
Maybe we've taken too long.

Resistance- shouts the man on the right.
Can't solve the problem overnight.
Resistance- Listen to the call of the wild.

Corrosion of Conformity - Deliverance

2007-01-21T14:28:00.000-05:00

I'm real excited about today's review. Today I review what is a real bad ass underground record. "Deliverance by Corrosion of Conformity. This album came out in 1994 and is well known for it's hit single from back in the grunge era "Clean my Wounds" a real kick ass song. This band for those who aren't familiar are a hard rock band whose sound is a slow metal rock sound much like Black Sabbath. Great musicians and great vocals and also a bad attitude are what this band is all about. This album features noth'in but real tough tracks like "Albatross", "Without Wings" and "Pearls Before Swine". This is one of those albums that are great to find when you just want to hear a sound that you don't hear too often anymore. I can't say enough good things about this album or band. Just buy this album and you'll understand.

Album Quote:

"Left behind what a waste of time
Theyre coming to get you,run on
How can i respect your crime
They bought and sold you , run on run on.
You can call me crazy
You can call me wrong
Cause i was born a liar, albatross
Fly on"

Faith No More - The Real Thing

2007-01-13T12:09:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!! Back to my weekly reviews!!

Today I'm reviewing one of the most interesting, different and best albums of our time. The album "The Real Thing" by Faith No More. Every one and their mother at least knows this record and band from the hit single "Epic". That song was so different and great and the video was awesome as well. This entire record has nothing but great songs that span metal, funk, hard rock and what was the slight beginning of rap rock. I so highly reccommend this album it really blew me away when I first heard it. It contains amazing tracks like "The Real Thing", "Suprise Your Dead", "Falling to Pieces", "From Out Of Nowhere","Edge of the World" and a cover of the Black Sabbath hit "Warpigs", a great cover I must say. I can't say much more about this album or band as the music speaks for itself. Go out and buy it! If you like different music you will not be disappointed.

Album Quote:

"I know the feeling
It is the real thing
The essence of the truth
The perfect moment
That golden moment
I know you feel it too
I know the feeling
It is the real thing"

Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral

2006-12-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

Today I will be reviewing an album that when it hit big was nothing like anyone had ever heard. The 1994 release by Nine Inch Nails called "The Downward Spiral". Its incredible the different vibe you get from this record in comparison not just to the other big artists of 1994 but to any record of any generation. The album is intense with insane lyrics sung by frontman Trent Reznor. Songs like "March of the Pigs", "Big Man with a Gun" and "Heresey", "Mr. Self Destruct" and "Piggy" are like industrial explosions of music. They are loud and in your face. Perfect for turning the volume up. The album also contains the controversial track "Closer" which is all about raw animal sex. This album contains a tremendous. I dare to call it a ballad, titled "Hurt". Just a great song from beginning to end. A real song that speaks loudly to the generation. This song was actually covered by the late country legend Johnny Cash a few years back. Thats how good it is. Overall this album is excellent and perfect for any rock fan whose just looking for something different.

Album Quote:

"What have I become?, My sweetest friend, Everyone I know, Goes away in the end, You could have it all,My empire of dirt, I will let you down,I will make you hurt"

Aerosmith - Pump

2006-12-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

Today's review will be on one of Aerosmith's biggest albums, "Pump". This late 80's early 90's release was one of the first cd's I ever bought. I loved it and still do. One of the first videos I ever saw on MTV was a track from this album called "The Other Side". The video did a great job of introducing me to the band from a perspective of showing what great performers these guys are and how much fun they are to watch. Since I'm on the subject of videos, probably one of the most interesting videos I've ever seen was for a song on this album called "Janies Got a Gun". A great song bringing up the tender subject of the reality of child abuse and child molestation. This is one of my more favorite songs because it just tells an interesting story and I think it was a good move by the band to bring up such a subject. Someone needed to bring up one of the bigger problems in this world even if many people didn't wanna hear about it. Other great tracks include a great ballad "What it Takes", the album opens with a great blues rock song called "Young Lust" and who can't forget the hit song "Love in an Elevator".
I definitly recommend this Aerosmith album it brings back many memories for me even all these years later.

Album Quote:

"I used to feel your fire but now its cold inside"

Metallica - ....And Justice For All

2006-12-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hello & Happy Holidays!! its beena few weeks but I'm back and ready to review one of my moost favorite albums, "And Justice For All" by Metallica. Out of all the Metallica albums this is definitly the most raw, toughest, heaviest and outright darkest they've ever done. This album cotains imagery of armagedddon and the downfall of government. Songs like the opening track "Blackened" and also tracks like "Dyers Eve", "Harvestor of Sorrow" and "Eye of the Beholder" are screaming these imageries. But none more than the song based on the book "Johnny Got His Gun" the song "One". The bands first ever video and a song about a man whose actual sensdes of life are taken from him with the exception of life itself. An incredible song from an incredible band. This song still gives me chills when I hear it. This album is for each and every fan of metal.

Album Quote:

"You can do it your own way if it's done just how I say"

Megadeth - Youthanasia

2006-11-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

This week I think I'm going to review an album that I was really blown away by when I first bought it. Megadeth's 1994 release titled "Youthanasia" was an album that I wanted to buy since I had heard just a couple of songs from a friends copy. The only thing was that I didn't know how awesome this album actually is. I find it to be more straight up hard rock & metal than it is the mor usual sound of Megadeth which is thrash metal. It didn't get the best reviews from many fans, but its getting a great review from me!! Every song on this album is a thunderous dose of heavy metal and hard rock. Songs like "Reckoning Day", "The Killing Road", "Black Curtains", "Elysian Fields" and "Train of Consequences" kick major rear. The album contains songs of war like "Blood of Heroes" and songs of losing your zest for life like the French song, yes Dave Mustaine sings parts of this song in French, "A Toute Le Monde" which are great great great songs. I definitly recommend this album it rocks real hard!!

Album Quote:

"As you read this know my friends, I'd love to stay with you all, please smile when you think of me, my bodies gone thats all"

Scorpions- Crazy World

2006-11-04T15:15:00.000-05:00

One of the first rock albums I ever received was a cassette tape of the Scorpions "Crazy World". This was back in 1991. I was in the 6th grade and the U.S. had just finished up what was the first gulf war in Iraq. This album was excellent and I'm not sure too many casual rock fans reall know about it. The one song everyone know is "Wind of Change". A great balld written about amny of the changes that were happening in the world at the time. In particular, the fall of the Berlin Wall.But this album contains almosyt no bad songs. It kicks off with a great song about hooking up with women called "Tease Me, Please Me". It continues with other great tracks such as "Don't Believe Her", "Hit Between The Eyes","To Be With You In Heaven", "Crazy World" and almost an even better ballad than the one previously mentioned a song called" Send Me An Angel". This album really exposed me to great heavey metal from a great f"in band with a singer who can really belt out his vocals, Mr. Klaause Meine. I highly recommend this album. I get excited just thinking about the great music it holds. It really brings me back to that precious time in my life hwne I was just starting to figure out the world in terms of things like love, politics and just feeling good about yourself.

Album Quote:

" The wind of change,Blows straight into the face of time, Like a stormwind that will ring the freedom bell, For peace of mind, Let your balalaika sing, What my guitar wants to say"

AC/DC - Highway to Hell

2006-10-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

Our next review is of the last album released by AC/DC with Bon Scott on vocals. This album really shows what a great singer Bon Scott was and what a shame it is that he was taken so young. Of course this album features one of the most well known songs "Highway to Hell" which you can still hear on rock radio everyday. All tracks on this record prove what a solid band
AC/DC is. Guitarist Angus Young shreds away on great tracks like "Night Prowler", "Girls Got Rhythm", "Walk All Over You", "Shot Down In Flames" & "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)". Definitly one of the best albums you can spend your hard earned money on. An album I remember very much from when I was young. And just soem great rock 'n' roll.

Album Quote:

"Out on the town, looking for a woman Gonna give me good love Anybody want to hang out with me? And maybe burn me up? She was standing alone over by the jukebox Like she's something to sell I said, "Baby what's the going price?" She told me to go to hell, Shot down in flames"

Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime

2006-09-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about it & I can't believe I haven't reviewed this album yet. Operation Mindcrime by Queensryche should be regarded as one of the best rock albums of all time. This is also argueably the best concept album as well. The first concert I ever went to was Queensryche at Jones Beach back in the summer of 1995. This album helped get me there. It was an album like nothing I had heard before. It tells a story from the first track to the last about this array of characters mainly this girl named Mary who gets killed. But the question of who killed her is never really answered. From the opening tracks such as a"Revolution Calling" & "Operation Mindcrime" the story reveals a young man who is leading a troubled life. It speaks of a world filled with turmoil & rebellion toward government & authority. It tells of a young girl who may have traveled down the wrong path in life. Songs like "Spreading the Disease" & "The Needle Lies" speak of drug abuse, prostitution & exploitation. Its almost too hard to describe in words without hearing the songs. Other great tracks include "Eyes of a Stranger", "I don't believe in love", "Suite Sister Mary" & "Speak". I highly and I mean highly recommend this album to all rock fans. This album sparks so many memories for me. From my first concert to just listening to this band over and over again. Go out and buy this album... you'll be glad you did!!

Album Quote:

"Speak the word, the word is all of us"

Def Leppard - Adrenalize

2006-09-17T14:40:00.000-04:00

Today I would like to review a hidden gem of an album from my youth Def Leppard's 1991 release "Adrenalize". This was the bands first album since the death of rhythm guitarist Steve Clark and the first with new rhythm guitarist Vivian Campbell. This album is know for its first single "Lets Get Rocked" a great track about not wanting to listen to your parents and just wanting to relax and party all weekend. The video for this track was also the first computer animated video in history. As far as ballads for this band go this album holds a tremendous ballad called "Have You Ever Needed Somebody So Bad" the perfect song for a broken heart. Other great tracks from this record are "Stand Up Kick Love Into Motion", "Make Love Like A Man" (not necessarily a great song but pretty funny to listen to), "White Lightning", "I Wanna Touch U" & "Tear It Up".
This is an album from my very first years of getting into music, my juniot high years and just an album that brings back alot of memories for me.

Album Quote:

"Oh, all I wanna do is take a ride into the blue
Ev'ry time I want to love you I get stuck inside my room
Heaven knows I'm sick'n'tired of dancin' with this broom "

Ozzy Osbourne - Ozzmosis

2006-09-09T13:03:00.000-04:00

In June1996 I went to my second concert ever. It was Ozzy Osbourne on the Retirement Sucks Tour. That was 10 years ago. The first album I ever had from Ozzy was his 1996 release Ozzmosis. This is a great and often forgotten about record from the Ozzman. However its one of his most interesting to listen to sonically as well as musically. Ozzy's guitar player Zakk Wylde plays some tremendous & heavy riffs on this record. You can find this on tracks such as "Thunder Underground" & "My Jekkyl Doesn't Hide". Some of the more well known tracks are "Perry Mason " (great song), "I Just Want You" and "See You On The Other Side". The album ends with a great ballad called " Old LA Tonight". A great song about trying to find who you are in life. That summer I started my first job and was pretty nervous. For some reason this song was stuck in my head all day that day. It definilty made me feel better. Overall I highly recommend this album for all fans of Ozzy's music. It is an album I remember very much from my youth.

Album Quote:

"Though I know we must be parted as sure as stars are in the sky, I'm gonna see you when it comes to glory, see you on the other side"

Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin 2

2006-08-21T18:29:00.000-04:00

When I first got into music Led Zeppelin was a band that really blew my mind. One of the first Zepp albums I ever owbed was Led Zeppelin 2. One of my top 3 fav Zepp albums this one holds a great deal of amazing music. It of course features one of the most popular Zeppelin songs "Whole Lotta Love". Some of my personal favs are "Hearbreaker" which is always attached to another great track "Liv'in Lov'in Maid. Other great tracks include "What is and what should never be","Ramble on" "The Lemon Song" (always a treat to listen to) and "Moby Dick". If your look'in for a bluesy rock'in album from one of the greatest bands of all time this ones for you.

Album Quote:

"So if you wake up with the sunrise,And all your dreams are still as new,And happiness is what you need so bad,Girl,the answer lies with you, yeah."

Skid Row-(self-titled)

2006-08-12T17:07:00.000-04:00

Hey my internets finally back up so here we go with another review. This week I'm reviewing the self-titled debut by a real kick ass band called Skid Row. This is a band I fell in love with right away. The band itself featured great musicians but most of all one of the best frontmen and lead singers in rock history Sebastian Bach. The first singles I ever heard from this album were "18 & Life" and "I Rememeber You". I was very impressed with the emotion generated by Bach's voice and the great lyrics to go along with it. "I Remember You" is a ballad that has become one of my all time fav's. It just has these amazing lyrics that were perfect for Bach's voice. It is a song that at a young age showed me a lot about what love is. Another one of my all-time fav's and probably their biggest song is "Youth Gone Wild". Still a fav of many today this song is just has so much energy & is so rebellious I can hardly believe it. This album almost contains not one bad song. It opens up with a real rocker "Big Guns" and continues on with great tracks like "Sweet Little Sister", "Make'in a Mess","Can't Stand the Heartache" and ends with a tremendous double track "Midnight/Tornado" which is very Judas Priest-like. I remember buying this cassete at an outdoor fleamarket after we moved to long Island. It was a purchase that helped shape my life.

Album Quote:

"Tequila in his heartbeat his face full of gasoline, it kept his motor runn'in but it never kept him clean"

Nirvana-Nevermind

2006-07-22T16:18:00.000-04:00

Ok back today to review a classic album of my youth, Nirvana's Nevermind. I can remember the very first time I saw the video for "SLTS". I though that it was so funny how they could name a song after teen spirit deoderant. The video was so different and the music was so different as well that I just knew I would love this band. At the time I thought they would be huge but only really as a cult type of group. Little did I know that this album would create a new chapter in music. If you watch a 'Behind the Music" of any 80's rock band, Nirvana and the grunge movement is blamed for their demise. I just always thought that was funny. I remember buying this album after it came out, I bought it at a Caldor store near my house. I remember going back to my grandma's that day & I opened the cover and the first thing you see is a pic of Kurt Cobain giving the finger. My uncle saw it also and he thought it was funny. This album is packed with great songs screaming with teenage rebellion, pain and the angst of life. I love tracks such as "Territorial Pissings", "Something in the way" and "Lithium". Of course the album features even more famous tracks such as "Smells like teen spirit" & "Come as you are". Just an album that truly reminds me of junior high and first getting into music. I can close my eyes and think back to the sitting in the school cafeteria talking about this band and album with some of my friends at that time.

Album Quote:

"I'm so horny thats ok cause so are you"

Ac/Dc - Back in Black

2006-07-01T14:48:00.000-04:00

So it's been a while since my last review and today I'd like to review one of the biggest selling albums in history, Ac/Dc's Back in Black. This is a tremendous rock album. It was the bands first recording with lead singer Brian Johnson and it proved that he had what it takes to sing the songs of their late singer Bon Scott. every song is great. The album contains the radio classis "You Shook Me All Nite Long", the awesome "Hells Bells" and of course the title track which is just so infectious you can't change the dial on your radio when it's on. The deeper cuts that I love listening to are "Rock N Roll Aint Noise Pollution", "Shoot To Thrill, and possibly my favorite of the whole album the ultimate drinking song "Have A Drink On Me". I remeber being a kid and just thinking that I had never heard vocal sung the way Brian Johnson sang them and to this day I feel the same. This album is truly a classic and big album from my youth.

Album Quote:

"Don't worry bout tomorrow take it today forget about the check we've got hell to pay, have a drink on me!"

Metallica-Metallica (The Black Album)

2006-06-05T18:49:00.000-04:00

Today I will be reviewing an album by my all time favorite band...Metallica's The Black Album. This album was my first introduction to heavy metal, meaning bands harder than GNR and Poison. This album first peaked my interests when Metallica played "Enter Sandman" at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards. It was one of the best performances in VMA history and just the coolest thing I had ever seen at that time.

Upon first buying this album I realized Metallica was a very powerful band. I remember hearing Track 2 "Sad But True" long before it was on MTV and just thinking wow what an awesome song. Every song that came out a s a single I fell in love with, "Nothing Else Matters", "Enter Sandman", "Wherever I May Roam" and "The Unforgiven". This album is packed straight through with great music. Great deep cuts from this album include "Holier Than Thou", "Of Wolf and Man", "My Friend of Misery" and "Through the Never". I've always loved this album. I know people who aren't into metal but like at least one song from this record. It still sells tons of copies today as it did 15 years ago. This is a major and I mean major album of my youth.

Album Quote:

"Judge not less thee be judged yourself"

Guns n Roses-Appetite for Destruction

2006-05-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day!!

For my latest post I'm going to review one of the greatest rock albums ever written and it is also the biggest selling debut album, Appetite for Destruction by the one and only Guns n Roses. The first time I ever owned this album I got it by finding it on cassette on the floor of my high school locker room. The wheels of the tape, well one of them, was loose so I had to adjust it so it would fit into my walkman. A small price to pay to listen to such a great album.

Guns n Roses is my 2nd favorite band of all time and it is because of the music on this album. This album is so gritty and raw its just unbelieveable. From the first track "Welcome to the Jungle" to the very last track "Rocket Queen" is just an amazing array of grooves and hooks and solos that you just can't keep your ears off the music. One of my all time favorite songs is "Sweet Child O'Mine" which is just a great great song what more can you say. Other fav's of mine are "Nighttrain", "Out to Get Me", "Mr. Brownstone" and "Paradise City". This whole album just embodies what rock music is all about. Many tracks can still be heard today on modern and classic rock radio. This album is still a top seller in record stores everywhere. I don't think theres one person whether there into hard rock or not that doesn't like at least one song from this album. It is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. The screeching vocals of Axl Rose and the amazing guitar work of Slash has and will continue to influence musicians around the world. Appetite for Destruction may very well be the top album of my youth.

Album Quote:

"Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place where as a child I'd hide, and pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me bye"

Poison-Flesh & Blood

2006-05-21T14:20:00.000-04:00

One of the first 2 or 3 music videos I ever saw was "Unskinny Bop" by Poison. Right from there I just loved this band. When I got my first CD player in 1990 I bought several cd's, one of which was Poison "Flesh & Blood". This album and this band mean a whole lot to me. For one thing I remember the time I was watching the video for "Unskinny Bop" for like the hundreth time and there was a moment during the guitar solo when I just felt embraced in the music so much that I nearly jumped off our couch and started rock'in out. It was like a switch was flipped on in my head that started my passion for music. There is now a lock over that switch preventing anyone from turning it off for the rest of my life.

This album was my first exposure to Poison. One song that really sticks out in my mind is track # 11 "Something to Believe In". This song was the first song to ever touch my soul. It reached me on levels of emotion that you don't even know you have when your as young as I was at the time. To this day I get goose bumps whenever I hear it. This album features lots of great songs like "Ride the Wind","Flesh & Blood Sacrifice" "Life Goes On" and the previous songs I mentioned. It also has lots of great deep cuts. One song I always loved when I was a kid was track # 8 "Come Hell or High Water" a great rebellious rock song that really spoke to me. Other great deep cuts are "Let it Play", "Valley of Lost Souls" and "Life Loves A Tragedy". Theres actually not one bad song on this album.

Album Quote:

"When I hear the music all my troubles just fade away"

Motley Crue-Decade of Decadence

2006-05-17T19:19:00.000-04:00

Now I wouldn't normally review a greatest hits album, mostly because they are basically a collection of songs from several other great albums the artist put out. This one however holds dear to my heart.

In 1991 80's rock group Motley Crue put out a greatest hits album spanning their first 10 years together. This was the first Crue album I ever owned. I remember asking my mom for it as an X-mas present when I was 12. I remeber getting it on cassette and just listening to it almost non-stop for like the next 4 years to come. This album featured songs which I was already in love with thanks to MTV who actually played videos at the time. Those songs were "Home Sweet Home" which may have been the first power ballad I ever got into, "Dr. Feelgood" and a great live version of "Kickstart My Heart" a couple of kick ass rock songs. It also introduced me to some of the Crue's stuff prior to the Dr. Feelgood album. One of the most fun songs to listen to was "Smok'in in the Boys Room". This song was just a blast to listen to because I was right at that age of rebellion where I just hated school and homework and all that crap. It also intoduced me to great songs like "Girls,Girls,Girls", "Wildside", "Livewire", "Piece of your action" and "Shout at the Devil". There were also 3 awesome bonus tracks, a cover of the Sex Pistols hit "Anarchy in the UK", "Angela" and "Primal Scream". Now typically when a band puts out a hits album with bonus tracks those songs are more like album fillers and not usually very good. With these 3 songs it was the exact opposite. The Crue's version of "Anarchy in the UK" is simply the best version of this song in existence,"Angela" was just a kick ass song which Nikki Sixx wrote for his wife at the time. "Primal Scream" is just one of the most bad ass songs ever written. All 3 songs remain some of my all time fav's from the Crue.

This album is now unfortunatly out of print. You can find it at some used record shops, I know I did. and even if ya don't the Crue has put out 2 other hits collections including a dvd of all their videos. This album is the reason for me being a super huge Motley Crue fan.

Album Quote:

"If you wanna live life on your own terms you've gotta be will'in to crash & burn"

Van Halen-For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge

2006-05-10T18:47:00.000-04:00

I was at work today and this guy was singing a song I haven't heard in like 10 years from in album that I haven't listened to in probably the same amount of time. That song was "Runaround" from the album "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" by Van Halen.

This album was there with me from the beginning of my rock music interests. Although the first Van Halen song I ever heard was "Hot for Teacher", which I saw the video for like the first day I ever watched MTV, the first full length album I ever owned from Van Halen was what many refer to as the "F**k" album. I bought this album because of the hit song "Right Now". To this day I still find that song to be very inspirational. This album although it was a hit unless your a diehard Van Halen fan you probably only know the hit song I just mentioned. This album is just another real showcase of how great Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing is and how Sammy Hagar can really belt out a song.

The singles chosen for this album were all great. "RunaRound" which is a little corny but still a lot of fun to listen to, "Right Now", "Poundcake" was the albums first single and just a real solid rock song. One song which I really found to be one of my favs on this album is "Top of the World, just another great inspirational rock song that makes ypu feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. Other more deeper tracks which I would recommend are "Judgement Day","Pleasure Dome" and "The Dream is Over". Overall this is a real solid rock record which I highly recommend. This album reminds me of when I used to sit in my room as a kid playing nintendo or sega genesis and listening to great music, this album included.

Album Quote:

"Catch a magic moment, do it right here and now"

Led Zeppelin 4

2006-05-09T20:21:00.000-04:00

Picture it....I'm 11 years old stuck right in between my musical interests being MC Hammer & what would soon be some of the greatest music ever written. An older cousin of mine says to me that he will give me his tape of Led Zeppelin 4, since he has 2 copies giving one away won't hurt. When I first listened to this album it was probably only 15 years old or so. I found the distinct quality in the sound of the 1970's recording studio mixed in with classic guitar licks,screeching vocals and tremendous song writing to hold a feeling which was just indescribeable to an impressionable kid.

The album starts off with the song "Black Dog", which as I said already possessed a sound that just made you feel good right from Robert Plants opening vocal. Following that song was "Rock n Roll" which just kept the feeling go'in. The album also features classics such as "Misty Mountain Hop" and of course what many feel to be the greatest song of all time "Stairway to Heaven". When I first heard Stairway I was so impressed by the length of the song and the power held by the lyrics. It quickly become one of my favorites.

Led Zeppelin 4 is indeed a classic album with songs that to this day can be heard on many rock radio stations. It is also an album that to this day when I think of it brings me back to a time when my life was a lot simpler. It will forever remain a symbol of my youth.

Album Quote:

"And as we wind on down the road, our shadows taller than our souls, there walks a lady we all know, who shines white light
and wants to show, how everything still turns to gold, and if you listen very hard, the tune will come to you at last, when all are one and one is all to be a rock and not to roll"