GET UP THEM STAIRS
Howdy folks. Well, here we are in a brand new year, 2009 no less! I'd just like to take this opportunity to wish all of you visitors here a happy, healthy and prosperous new year and raise a glass to you all.
So how are we celebrating this new year musically? With a quartet of stone cold kick ass classics from days of yore, that's how.
We still slay the old way.
Up first, the PINK FAIRIES.
Recorded at London's legendary Roundhouse venue, this PINK FAIRIES live album features the classic "Kings Of Oblivion" line up, joined for this occasion by former vocalist/drummer Twink. This was to be the band's farewell concert, but proved to be anything but, with sporadic Fairies activity continuing right up to the present day. The band were always best appreciated in the live setting, and this raw document proves the point in spades. From the tough speed fuelled biker rawk of opener "City Kids", (later re-recorded by MOTORHEAD during Wallis' stint in the band), to the cosmic fire fight of "Uncle Harry's Last Freakout", this is the sound of the Fairies firing on all six. A shame they never quite managed to harness their power in the studio, ("Kings Of Oblivion" excepted), this is a tantalising glimpse of what might have been.
PINK FAIRIES - Live At The Roundhouse (1975) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/178867785/PINK_FAIRIES_-_Live_At_The_Roundhouse__UK-1975_.rar
Next, EXXPLORER were a Keansburg, New Jersey Heavy Metal band that made a lasting impression with their 1985 debut "Symphonies Of Steel", issued through the French Black Dragon label. However, the group were formed circa 1982. The band comprised singer Lenny Rizzo, guitarists Kevin Kennedy and Ed LaVolpe, bassist Jimmy Gardner with Mike Moyer on drums. A self-titled demo preceded this release. EXXPLORER split with vocalist Lennie Rizzo in early 1987 and replaced him with female singer Melissa Cahne. The band planned to begin work on a follow-up album, tentatively titled "Beg, Borrowed And Steel" for Black Dragon. However, the record was never released. Successive re-issues of 'Symphonies Of Steel', officially through HHH records and Metal Blade Records plus a bootleg on Reborn Classics, all sported differing artwork.
EXXPLORER - Symphonies Of Steel (1985) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/178861485/EXXPLORER_-_Symphonies_Of_Steel__USA-1985_.rar
Newcastle upon Tyne Heavy Metal band FIST were signed to Neat Records mere weeks after their formation under the original handle of AXE in 1980 and subsequently found themselves on major label MCA Records following an inter-label deal. In addition to a crop of singles, FIST also contributed a track to the Neat Records compilation 'Lead Weight' and the band supported UFO on their British January 1981 tour. In 1982 Keith Satchfield and John Wylie left as FIST re-signed to Neat Records after their flirtation with MCA, during which time they had released debut album, "Turn The Hell On". Vocalist Glenn Coates, who had previously been a member of HOLLOW GROUND, was added with ex-THRUST man Jon "Pop" Appleby and second guitarist John Paul Roach of MYTHRA also joining. The band's new line up recorded the second album, "Back With A Vengeance", which was issued in 1982. Further changes ensued when Coates was sacked in favour of a slimmed down four piece line-up with "Pop" singing in 1983. Dave Irwin subsequently deputized for Mantas on VENOM's 1985 American tour when the guitarist fell ill.
After a lengthy hiatus FIST regrouped during 2002. Joining original members Harry Hill and Keith Satchfield would be erstwhile HOLLOW GROUND guitarist Martin Metcalfe and DEATHWISH bass player Big Al. FIST got back to touring across the UK and issued a four track EP comprising remixed versions of 'The Vamp', 'Axeman', 'Terminus' and naturally 'Name Rank And Serial Number'. A new album, entitled 'The Storm', emerged on Demolition Records in 2004.
FIST - Back With A Vengeance (1982) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/178854979/FIST_-_Back_With_A_Vengeance__UK-1982_.rar
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire NWOBHM band CHATEAUX had formed originally under the title of STEALER, but switched to CHATEAUX with their first vinyl appearance, a track on the 1982 Ebony Records compilation 'Metal Maniaxe'. The group was promptly signed by Ebony to an album deal and the first release, preceded by the 'Young Blood' single, was recorded with original vocalist and bassist Alec Houston, whilst Andre Baylis contributed drums. Released in 1983, 'Chained And Desperate', also featured session lead vocals by MEDUSA and GRIM REAPER's Steve Grimmett. Both Baylis and Houston were to quit after 'Chained And Desperate's release and were duly replaced by ex-CONFESSOR vocalist / bassist Krys Mason and former WOLFBANE, SAM THUNDER and ARAGORN drummer Chris Dadson. Second album 'Fire Power', also produced by Darryl Johnston, arrived in 1984 with third album 'Highly Strung' delivered in 1985. Mason was to leave in 1986, with the band folding the following year.
Sanctuary Records compiled an anthology set entitled 'Fight To The Last!' in 2003.
CHATEAUX - Fire Power (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/178873557/CHATEAUX_-_Firepower__UK-1984_.rar
So that's yer wack for tonight folks, hope you find something to tickle yer fancy. If you need more vintage rawk don't forget to check my other blog here.
Oh, and my many thanks again to TheDevilToPay for hooking me up, it's much appreciated.
So how are we celebrating this new year musically? With a quartet of stone cold kick ass classics from days of yore, that's how.
We still slay the old way.
Up first, the PINK FAIRIES.
Recorded at London's legendary Roundhouse venue, this PINK FAIRIES live album features the classic "Kings Of Oblivion" line up, joined for this occasion by former vocalist/drummer Twink. This was to be the band's farewell concert, but proved to be anything but, with sporadic Fairies activity continuing right up to the present day. The band were always best appreciated in the live setting, and this raw document proves the point in spades. From the tough speed fuelled biker rawk of opener "City Kids", (later re-recorded by MOTORHEAD during Wallis' stint in the band), to the cosmic fire fight of "Uncle Harry's Last Freakout", this is the sound of the Fairies firing on all six. A shame they never quite managed to harness their power in the studio, ("Kings Of Oblivion" excepted), this is a tantalising glimpse of what might have been.
PINK FAIRIES - Live At The Roundhouse (1975) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/178867785/PINK_FAIRIES_-_Live_At_The_Roundhouse__UK-1975_.rarNext, EXXPLORER were a Keansburg, New Jersey Heavy Metal band that made a lasting impression with their 1985 debut "Symphonies Of Steel", issued through the French Black Dragon label. However, the group were formed circa 1982. The band comprised singer Lenny Rizzo, guitarists Kevin Kennedy and Ed LaVolpe, bassist Jimmy Gardner with Mike Moyer on drums. A self-titled demo preceded this release. EXXPLORER split with vocalist Lennie Rizzo in early 1987 and replaced him with female singer Melissa Cahne. The band planned to begin work on a follow-up album, tentatively titled "Beg, Borrowed And Steel" for Black Dragon. However, the record was never released. Successive re-issues of 'Symphonies Of Steel', officially through HHH records and Metal Blade Records plus a bootleg on Reborn Classics, all sported differing artwork.
EXXPLORER - Symphonies Of Steel (1985) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/178861485/EXXPLORER_-_Symphonies_Of_Steel__USA-1985_.rarNewcastle upon Tyne Heavy Metal band FIST were signed to Neat Records mere weeks after their formation under the original handle of AXE in 1980 and subsequently found themselves on major label MCA Records following an inter-label deal. In addition to a crop of singles, FIST also contributed a track to the Neat Records compilation 'Lead Weight' and the band supported UFO on their British January 1981 tour. In 1982 Keith Satchfield and John Wylie left as FIST re-signed to Neat Records after their flirtation with MCA, during which time they had released debut album, "Turn The Hell On". Vocalist Glenn Coates, who had previously been a member of HOLLOW GROUND, was added with ex-THRUST man Jon "Pop" Appleby and second guitarist John Paul Roach of MYTHRA also joining. The band's new line up recorded the second album, "Back With A Vengeance", which was issued in 1982. Further changes ensued when Coates was sacked in favour of a slimmed down four piece line-up with "Pop" singing in 1983. Dave Irwin subsequently deputized for Mantas on VENOM's 1985 American tour when the guitarist fell ill.
After a lengthy hiatus FIST regrouped during 2002. Joining original members Harry Hill and Keith Satchfield would be erstwhile HOLLOW GROUND guitarist Martin Metcalfe and DEATHWISH bass player Big Al. FIST got back to touring across the UK and issued a four track EP comprising remixed versions of 'The Vamp', 'Axeman', 'Terminus' and naturally 'Name Rank And Serial Number'. A new album, entitled 'The Storm', emerged on Demolition Records in 2004.
FIST - Back With A Vengeance (1982) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/178854979/FIST_-_Back_With_A_Vengeance__UK-1982_.rarCheltenham, Gloucestershire NWOBHM band CHATEAUX had formed originally under the title of STEALER, but switched to CHATEAUX with their first vinyl appearance, a track on the 1982 Ebony Records compilation 'Metal Maniaxe'. The group was promptly signed by Ebony to an album deal and the first release, preceded by the 'Young Blood' single, was recorded with original vocalist and bassist Alec Houston, whilst Andre Baylis contributed drums. Released in 1983, 'Chained And Desperate', also featured session lead vocals by MEDUSA and GRIM REAPER's Steve Grimmett. Both Baylis and Houston were to quit after 'Chained And Desperate's release and were duly replaced by ex-CONFESSOR vocalist / bassist Krys Mason and former WOLFBANE, SAM THUNDER and ARAGORN drummer Chris Dadson. Second album 'Fire Power', also produced by Darryl Johnston, arrived in 1984 with third album 'Highly Strung' delivered in 1985. Mason was to leave in 1986, with the band folding the following year.
Sanctuary Records compiled an anthology set entitled 'Fight To The Last!' in 2003.
CHATEAUX - Fire Power (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/178873557/CHATEAUX_-_Firepower__UK-1984_.rarSo that's yer wack for tonight folks, hope you find something to tickle yer fancy. If you need more vintage rawk don't forget to check my other blog here.
Oh, and my many thanks again to TheDevilToPay for hooking me up, it's much appreciated.
posted by bigfootkit at 6:36 PM
7 Comments:
Nice post to start the new year! I've been curious about that Exxplorer for awhile, so I'll definitely give it a listen. Never got into Fist, but that Chateaux LP is an old favorite that'll be nice to have in digital format (I don't get to spin my vinyl copy very often these days, and I missed out on the cd reissue). Tons of great songs on there like 'Eyes of Stone' and 'White Steel'. Always liked the revved-up guitar tone on the album too.
The Fist albums never quite lived up to the band's potential. Name, Rank and Serial Number was a blinding single with an equally superb B-side. From there on in it seemed to be tough going for Fist. I saw them as support to UFO on that tour and they were a good live band. It's definitely worth getting hold of the anthology as they were an important NWOBHM band with their own slant on the genre. Thanks and best wishes, Blofeld
Happy new year my friend. I hope all is well with you. I've actually got all the stuff you've posted this week, but it a nice collection you've put together.
Cheers, matt
Just wanted to leave a note and say Happy New Year and thanks for all the work last year on the blog-
Happy New Year Dude, been a long time since I heard the Fairies, Thanx for that, As a Newcastle boy, it's always good to see Neat bands turn up on the list Fist were nearly famous, good stuff.
Thanks for the Pink Fairies post.
Hey...good to hear the fairies..saw them with hawkwind.york 1970 i think tyvm
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