tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268042432024-03-14T07:33:22.048-04:00the New & Improved Live & Otherwise BlogWhere we laugh heartily at those who dare to question our excellent taste in music!Time Travellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03486776931847521619noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-44461427604987584982014-05-08T14:19:00.002-04:002022-01-02T22:23:59.689-05:00AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">* WANTS LIST * WANTS LIST * WANTS LIST *</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="color: #33ff33;">Howdy,
i was just wondering if any of you could help me out with some stubborn
items which have been on my "Wants" list for a looong time.<br />I've had no luck tracking these down whatsoever.<br />If any of you could help me out with digital rips of any of the following, i'd be forever in your debt.</span><span style="color: #33ff33; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="color: #33ff33;">Thanks.</span><br />
<span class="red"><br /></span><span class="color #333;">BENHATZEL : Undeniable (1983) USA<br />BERINGER REEF : Pacific Illusions (1982) USA<br />BONESTEEL - One More Time (1981) USA<br />COTTONMOUTH : Live In Texas (?) USA<br />FREEWAY : Off The Streets (1979) USA<br />HOOKER : Unreleased Tracks (1978-1984) USA<br />JEREMIAH : The Complete Recordings (1975-2014) USA<br />MAIN STREET : Rock & Roll Is Serious Business (1983) USA<br />MOUNTAIN FEVER : Mountain Fever (1976) USA<br />NEW YORK DOLLS : Live From Planet Earth EP (bonus disc from Ltd Edition 'Cause I Sez So' CD) USA<br />NIGHTWING : A Sad & Simple Soldier 7" (1980) USA<br />NO QUARTER : Birds Of Prey EP (1985) UK<br />BARBARA PENNINGTON & TEMPEST : Second Thoughts (1982) USA<br />SAVANNAH : Livin' High 7" (1975) USA<br />SCATTERED ACES : C'mon Everybody/Waltzing Matilda 7" (1984) Australia<br />SOLAR WIND : Runnin' With The Wind (1984) USA<br />STARFOXX : Nockum Nekkid (1979) USA<br />STEELWIND : Mask Of A Lover (1980) USA<br />TEEZER : Deep Rock Style (1980) USA</span><br />
<span style="color: #33ff33;">And don't forget to check out the comments section, you'll be glad you did!</span><br />
<span style="color: #33ff33;"><span style="color: red;">Latest Update : <b>22/12/2020 </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #33ff33;">;) </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-59054000426216378402013-01-20T12:51:00.001-05:002013-01-20T13:04:07.635-05:00WHEN THE MUSIC'S OVER...<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="color: red;">All posts on this blog have now been edited. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="color: red;">This site contains no working download links to material which allegedly breaches copyright.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="color: red;">As a result of Blogger.com's suspension of this site, it now only exists as a source of information about obscure vintage Hard Rock & Heavy Metal bands.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="color: red;">Thank you all for your support of the blog over the years.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: white;"><b>BFK</b></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-64994669096122335762013-01-19T12:56:00.001-05:002013-01-20T12:52:37.237-05:00LANDING A SHARKGreetings, and a happy new year to all of you who continue to visit this electronic ruin.<br />
I'd like to take the opportunity to wish you all good health and happiness in 2013.<br />
Oh, and kick arse rawk'n'roll too!<br />
Tonight i'm truly pleased to present an international batch of vintage Hard sounds to gladden the heart and stimulate the ole saliva glands as well.<br />
Let's get 2013's started without further ado, beginning with...<br />
Japanese Heavy Metal/Hard Rock quartet BOW WOW were formed in Tokyo during 1975.<br />
The group first performed live in July 1976, making a bold statement with an impromptu gig on a flatbed truck outside of a film studio in Tokyo before debuting with the "Bow Wow (Hoero!)", album in December of 1976 on the Invitation label.<br />
The band's inaugural line-up comprised vocalist/guitarist Kyoji Yamamoto, vocalist/guitarist Mitsuhiro Saito, bass player Kenji Sano and drummer Toshiri Niimi.<br />
Yamamoto proved himself early on as an accomplished guitarist famed for his hammer-on tapping technique long before Eddie Van Halen.<br />
A great deal of exposure was afforded the band whilst promoting the second album "Signal Fire", when they supported KISS on their 1977 Japanese tour, and then AEROSMITH the year after.<br />
The band's third studio album "Charge" arrived in December 1977, with their fourth, "Guarantee", released in 1978.<br />
A June 1978 concert was recorded for the "Super Live", album, which included the band's take on EDDIE COCHRANE's "Summertime Blues", which owed something to BLUE CHEER's version of the song.<br />
Kyoji Yamamoto issued his debut solo effort "Horizons", in 1980, an industrious year for the man as Bow Wow also issued three new albums in quick succession.<br />
"Glorious Road", arrived in February, "Telephone", in September and "Kumikyoku : X Bomber Suite", in November, the latter the soundtrack to an animated TV show, "X Bomber".<br />
"Hard Dog", was then issued by SMS Records in April 1981.<br />
Somehow, in the midst of all this musical activity Kyoji Yamamoto found the time to appear on 1981's HEAVY METAL ARMY album, "1", under the pseudonym of "Mr. X".<br />
Spreading their wings internationally in 1982, Bow Wow played at both the Reading Festival in Britain and the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival.<br />
Capitalising on their European exposure Roadrunner Records then picked up the band's new "Asian Volcano", album, this being the first time the band had an album issued throughout Europe.<br />
Their presence would be felt on the continent still further with the licensed releases of "Warning From Stardust", in September 1982 on Heavy Metal Records and "Holy Expedition-Live", through Roadrunner in July 1983.<br />
Both of these records drew significant media praise, initiating considerable fan support in the Western world.<br />
A further Yamamoto solo album "Electric Circus", featuring LAST FLIGHT vocalist Rob Hawthorne, found the Yamamoto's reputation growing in the West as interest in Japanese Metal began to spread.<br />
Bow Wow then morphed into VOW WOW, changing the name in order to avoid confusion with Malcolm McLaren's Pop act BOW WOW WOW, as original vocalist Mitsuhiro Saito lost his position.<br />
The band was brought back up to strength by former NOIZ vocalist Genki Hitomi plus SENSE OF WONDER and MOONDANCER keyboard player Rei Atsumi for June 1984's "Beat Of Metal Motion", album.<br />
This record showed a more commercial side to the band's sound, a trend that (sadly) continued throughout their time as Vow Wow.<br />
During their period as Vow Wow the band released 7 albums: 1984's "Beat Of Metal Motion", 1985's "Cyclone", January 1986's Tony Platt produced 'III', July 1986's "Vow Wow Live", (titled "Hard Rock Night", in Japan) and 1987's "Vow Wow V", recorded in Ibiza with producer Kit Woolven.<br />
By this time the band had relocated to London, England in order to focus on "breaking" Europe.<br />
Bassist Kenji Sano departed to make way for ex-WHITESNAKE, NATIONAL HEALTH and GARY MOORE bassist Neil Murray.<br />
Various band members somehow also found the time to contribute to TOM GALLEY's "Phenomena II" concept album during this time period.<br />
UK headline dates took place in March 1989, with the London Astoria gig filmed for the concert video "Live In The UK", prior to German concerts in May backing WARLOCK.<br />
Album output continued apace with 1989's "Helter Skelter", produced by Tony Taverner, (titled "Vibe", in Japan with a slightly different track listing).<br />
Murray quit in 1990 following "Helter Skelter", the bassman then joining BLACK SABBATH.<br />
Vow Wow continued, recruiting American bassist Mark Gould, and releasing a new album later that year entitled, "Mountain Top".<br />
"Mountain Top", proved to be a difficult recording for the band, with co-production shared between Nick Griffiths, Brian Christian and Bob Ezrin, and it ended up being the final release by Vow Wow.<br />
Vow Wow split soon after the record's release with Yamamoto creating a new band called WILD FLAG.<br />
Wild Flag released three albums between 1992 and 1994, which were only issued in Japan.<br />
Yamamoto then reverted back to the Bow Wow name for the August 1995 mini-album "Bow Wow #0".<br />
Two months later the full-length "Bow Wow #1", arrived in Japanese stores.<br />
This record was made by a much revised line-up, with Yamamoto being joined by vocalist Tetsuya Horie, second guitarist Hiroshi Yaegashi, bassist Shotaro Mitsuzono and drummer Eiji Mitsuzono.<br />
The band, bolstered by the returning Saito and with Toshihiro Niimi back on drums after a two album stint with LANCE OF THRILL, then put out "Bow Wow #2 (Led By The Sun)", in July 1996.<br />
Slimming the line-up down to a trio of just Saito, Yamamoto and Niimi, they reformed yet again during 1998, testing the waters with an April live mini-album "Still On Fire", through Tears Music.<br />
The subsequent "Back", album, released by East West, included three new songs alongside 7 Bow Wow classics.<br />
Bow Wow's energies were renewed and further releases came quick & fast during this time.<br />
Yamamoto released a new solo album, "Mind Arc", in 1998<br />
"Ancient Dreams", released in July 1999 on the Mars label, was recorded by Yamamoto, Saito, session bassist Daisuke Kitsuwa with Niimi on drums.<br />
For live work the band re-drafted original bassist Kenji Sano, with this line-up captured on "Live Explosion 1999", issued that December.<br />
Sano soon left once again and the band often employed producer Daisuke Kitsuwa to handle studio bass duties.<br />
A new Kyoji Yamamoto solo album, "Requiem", was then released in 2000.<br />
Successive releases in Japan included "Beyond", in 2000, "Another Place", in 2001, "What's Going On?", in 2002, with both "Super Live 2004", and "Era", arriving in 2005.<br />
Yamamoto's solo career picked up pace with "Solo Concert - Time", released as both a double CD and as a DVD in 2006.<br />
A further live Yamamoto DVD, "Solo Concert 21 July 2007", was then issued in 2008, as well as a compilation album called "Healing Collection".<br />
His most recent solo album is 2010's "The Life Album", which was followed by a further solo compilation, "Voyager".<br />
He also is a sometime member of BLACK SYNDROME in a live capacity, and has played with that band off and on for years, when time permits.<br />
Toshiri Niimi also played with a side project between 2000 and 2002 entitled BAD SIX BABIES.<br />
Bow Wow continue to play live in Japan, but have not released a new studio album since 2005's "Era" album.<br />
There have however been 4 live DVD's issued since that time, and a compilation of the band's material between '95 & '05 entitled "The Bow Wow II Decennium"..<br />
In 2011, co-inciding with the 35th anniversary of the band's formation, Polystar Records issued "XXXV ~Thirty Five Years of Maximum H.R.", a 4CD/1DVD Box Set.<br />
Alongside the vintage material in the box set, there were three new songs specially recorded for the set.<br />
<br />
<b>BOW WOW - Signal Fire (1977) Japan</b><br />
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<br />
Workington’s NWOBHM heroes HAMMERHEAD released one cult classic single, "Time Will Tell" b/w "Lonely Man" , in 1981, before being consigned to obscurity.The band initially formed in 1977, with it's members having cut their teeth in obscure acts like JUDAS, BITTER HARVEST & DESTROYER.<br />
A five song 1978 demo was quickly recorded, with the band then expanding from a trio to a quartet in 1979.<br />
The "Time Will Tell" single was issued in 1981, and garnered glowing reviews and cemented the band's future reputation.<br />
In 1984 the band had their song "Lochinvar", (inspired by the poem by Sir Walter Scott), included on the highly prized NWOBHM compilation LP, "It's Unheard Of".<br />
Throughout the 1980's the band continued to gig and record but no further product was forthcoming.<br />
Members pursued other musical interests, but would still occasionally come back together for the odd Hammerhead gig over the years, but the band made their final studio recordings in 1996.<br />
In 2004 the band resumed activity and began gigging and recording once again.<br />
Disparate studio tracks recorded between 1981 and 1984 and a pair from 1996 were then collated for the long overdue "Will To Survive" compilation album.<br />
There’s a guileless charm and real musical passion across the collection that makes you glad that so much time was spent piecing it together. <br />
The 9 songs of "Will To Survive" initially saw the light of day on compact disc only, released by the Sonic Age/Cult Metal Classics label in 2005.<br />
Guitarist Buzz Elliot was not 100% satisfied with the way the sleeve of the CD version turned out: <br />
"It is quite a good design, but maybe not the right style for Hammerhead, it reminds me of Marvel Comics style of drawing.<br />
I think it was loosely based around the lyrics of the title track 'Will To Survive', the song has a few lines within it referring to the aftermath of a nuclear war, hence the warrior emerging from a post apocalyptic scene.<br />
Sonic Age were supposed to let me see the design before it was produced, but in their haste and eagerness to get the project off the ground I didn't get to see it until it was too late to make any changes.<br />
The sleeves had already been printed, so what the hell, at least we're finally getting some kind of recognition for our work."<br />
The 2011 High Roller Records vinyl re-release featured an exclusive bonus track, a recent live rendition of "Mushrooms & Beer", and different cover artwork.<br />
It was released in a limited edition of 500 copies only, on heavyweight orange vinyl, and is now out-of-print.<br />
In between, a second Hammerhead album, "Headonizm", was released in 2006.<br />
It was comprised of songs written and performed by the band in the '70's & '80's, but not recorded until 2005.<br />
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<b>HAMMERHEAD - Will To Survive (1981-1996) UK</b><br />
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SIX TON BUDGIE was formed from the ashes of the post BUDGIE outfit TREDEGAR, by original Budgie & Tredegar drummer Ray Phillips, who also played with WOMAN, FREEZ & TITUS OATS in the late '70's.Six Ton Budgie was actually the original 1967 name that the first Budgie line-up went under, before eventually shortening it in the early '70's.<br />
The new Six Ton Budgie was formed in Gwent in Wales in 1992 with fellow ex-Tredegar members Jason Marsh on Bass and Sam Lees on Guitar.<br />
Following initial recording sessions, Phillips' son Justin was installed on guitar, and another ex-TREDEGAR member, and former PHANTASM bassist, Tom Prince came into the fold too.<br />
The band's first album, 1995's "Unplucked!", featured 15 songs, including five re-recorded classic BUDGIE numbers.<br />
As well as handling drums and vocals, Phillips senior also contributed Guitar and Bass parts on some of the songs.<br />
Some recordings featuring the band's original personnel were also included on the disc, which was released through the band's own Axel Records in conjunction with the NWoBHM specialist label Vinyl Tap Records.<br />
This album was followed in 1996 by their second, "Ornithology Volume 1", again released through Vinyl Tap/Axel.<br />
With both of the discs long out of print, Phillips self-released a further Six Ton Budgie album in 2007 entitled "A Bird's Eye View".<br />
This disc compiled tracks from the two original albums in remastered and remixed form, with additional instrumentation added, and also included four previously unreleased songs.<br />
This brought the curtain down on Six Ton Budgie, as the band had folded before the record's release.<br />
In 2010, as work neared completion on his debut solo album "Revelations", Ray returned to the stage with the RAY PHILLIPS BAND, a new band also featuring his former Tredegar and Six Ton Budgie band mate Tom Prince on Bass alongside hotshot young Guitarist Adam Healey.<br />
The band are now gigging extensively, and Ray's solo record, on which he plays the majority of the instruments himself, was released recently.<br />
<br />
<b>SIX TON BUDGIE - Unplucked! (1995) UK</b><br />
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DAMIEN were a four piece Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band formed by former RICOCHET bassist Neil "The Finn" Finnegan, who had opted to stay behind in Germany after the NWoBHM band toured there in 1980.Settling in Frankfurt, he set about forming a new act, recruiting two other ex-pat Brits, vocalist John Cadden and Guitarist Tony Clark, and German Drummer "Tiny" Rudy Matthies.<br />
The band set about gigging locally and writing and rehearsing the songs which they recorded for their 1982 demo tape.<br />
A second demo was then circulated in 1983, and this one grabbed the attention of several record companies.<br />
Securing a four year deal with Steamhammer Records in 1984, the band opted to debut with a Mini LP to be recorded with producer Wolfgang Eicholz at Recordland Studios in Berlin.<br />
However, before the recordings took place, vocalist John Cadden decided to leave the band and was replaced by former DEMOLITION man Mark Wederell.<br />
Wederell and guitarist Tony Clark had known each other for years and had previously played together in SAVAGE.<br />
The five song "Damien" Mini LP (also known as "Words"), was released later in '84, and was greeted with some enthusiasm by press and fans alike.<br />
Clark was the outstanding force on the Mini LP, showing off all over the place with some outstanding lead work.<br />
Contemporary reviews saw him compared favourably with then OZZY OSBOURNE axe man Jake E. Lee.<br />
The band built up a considerable reputation as a live act during this time, and completed the tour in support of the record in style, appearing before a huge crowd at the "Rhein-Main In Concert" Festival.<br />
Mark Wederell was then replaced by former DETROIT singer Andy Pyke (who had provided backing vocals on the Mini LP), during preparations for the recording of a full length album, due to be called "Cold Fingers".<br />
Wererell went on to join the Swiss Metal band MANIAC after his stint in Damien, appearing on their self-titled 1985 LP on Hot Blooded Records.<br />
Unfortunately, despite the Damien album being announced and advertised in the press, the recordings were never to be released.<br />
Damien's record deal was terminated, as sales hadn't matched the label's expectations, and in disarray, the band called it quits.<br />
During 2000 a collection of Damien rarities looked set to surface on the Heavy Rock Records label.<br />
"The Story Of Damien", was set to include rare demos alongside live material featuring Pyke, but sadly that release didn't ultimately materialise either.<br />
Post-Damien, Vocalist Andy Pyke succeeded Marco Paganini in German Hard band VIVA, but eventually returned to the UK in 1986 when this new Viva line-up failed to gel.<br />
He then joined MARSHALL LAW, fronting that band from 1987-1992 and recording 2 albums, an EP and a demo with them during this time.<br />
Marshall Law split in 1992, before again reconvening in 1995, with Pyke reinstated in the vocalist's role.<br />
A live record was followed by three further studio albums before Pyke announced his departure from the band's ranks in 2010.<br />
Pyke also found time in 1997 to provide backing vocals on "Victim Of Changes", the fourth solo album by former JUDAS PRIEST vocalist AL ATKINS.<br />
Drummer "Tiny" Rudy Matthies, found himself playing with original Damien vocalist John Cadden once again, when they both joined the Frankfurt band VANDAL in 1986.<br />
Damien bassist "The Finn" rejoined his former Ricochet band mates for 2 weeks in 2000 and re-recorded their NWoBHM classic "Midas Light" in a Coventry studio, together with some other tracks.<br />
These tracks along with vintage version were made available on CD through the Ricochet website, as the six song "Midas Light" mini-album.<br />
The band members then went their separate ways again.<br />
In 2005 "The Finn" was managing a music festival in Northampton, and with his former band-mates available, Ricochet returned to the stage playing a three song set comprising "Midas Light", "Dreadnought" and "Off The Rails".<br />
In 2010 the Ricochet band members found themselves all living once more around Birmingham, for the first time in 30 years.<br />
After meeting up for a beer it transpired that they all missed the Ricochet times and decided to give it one more throw of the dice.<br />
The revived Ricochet have recorded a new single, "The Blue Eyed Beggar & The Teenage Captain", and are reportedly working on a full length album.<br />
<br />
<b>DAMIEN - Damien Mini LP (1984) UK</b><br />
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<br />
Pauline Gillan, the younger sister of DEEP PURPLE & GILLAN frontman Ian Gillan, formed the GILLAN/DEAN project with former JERUSALEM and PUSSY singer/bassist Paul Dean in 1983.Signing to Thunderbolt Records, the duo recorded the "Rocks On!" album in a variety of studios including Ian Gillan's own Kingsway Studios, Bath and London, with additional sessions taking place in Mallorca.<br />
The reviewers of the time seemed mystified by the LP, and this combined with Thunderbolt Records poor distribution and promotion to scupper the fledgling act who folded soon after the record's release.<br />
After the Gillan/Dean project bit the dust, Pauline subsequently created PAULINE GILLAN'S NORTHERN DANCER, with ex-AVENUE guitarist Dave Bell, ex AXIS guitarist Dave Little, ex-GLACIER bassist Chris Wing and former AVENUE drummer Keeth Naylor.<br />
The band debuted with a three song self-titled EP on the Stoke based indie label Bullet Records in 1984.<br />
This group eventually became the PAULINE GILLAN BAND, signing to the Powerstation label for the release of a full blown album, "Hearts Of Fire", in 1985.<br />
After long months spent touring the record in the UK & Europe where they built up a reputation as a fine live act, the band finally took time off to write the follow up album.<br />
The new material was much darker than the debut and far harder hitting, and the record company, who had been pushing for a softer pop-rock sound, (and less clothing for Pauline), were anything but pleased.<br />
Following a set of even heavier demos recorded at Fairview Studios with producer John Spence, Powerstation finally dropped the band.<br />
By 1990 Pauline Gillan decided that she'd had enough and exited the group.<br />
The remaining band members persevered as a unit, working with MEAT LOAF vocalist Lorraine Crosby as their new vocalist.<br />
Crosby then departed to join her boyfriend's band EMERSON and was replaced by Jackie Fox.<br />
This line-up recorded an album, but were forced to scrap it because Fox was unwilling to commit to long term touring, and was thus shown the door.<br />
The vocal tracks were then re-recorded by new member Gail Hunter, but the LP still didn't see release as the group eventually fell apart.<br />
Dave Little returned to his native North East but did not pursue music again for many years.<br />
He finally returned to the scene recently with LIES OF SMILES, an excellent new project also featuring his former Pauline Gillan Band band-mate, Keeth Naylor on drums.<br />
<br />
<b>PAULINE GILLAN'S NORTHERN DANCER - Pauline Gillan's Northern Dancer EP (1984) UK</b><br />
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<br />
FUZZ were a French Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band formed in Marseille in 1979 by the 16 year old Mardirossian brothers (Norbert "Nono" on guitar and Gilles on bass and vocals).Adding Jeannot on drums, they came up with the band name and began rehearsing; mixing cover versions with the original numbers they soon started to write.<br />
The band expanded to become a quartet at this point, but the second guitar slot proved hard to fill initially with a few different players coming and going.<br />
During this time the band began to play live in the Marseille area, honing their craft on the stage in front of growing audiences.<br />
They also managed to aquire a lyricist, with Alain Le Diabat matching his words to the band's music.<br />
With permanent guitarist Ted now completing the band, 1980 saw the band record a few tracks in the studio.<br />
The songs turned out well enough for Les Productions Amicalement Vôtre to offer Fuzz a deal to put out a 7".<br />
The single, comprising "Satan's Fans" and "Renonce Pas!", is issued in 1981, with the band being presented at the Disk '81 expo in Cannes where they were feted by the hip press as a major discovery.<br />
As the toast of the town, the rest of the festival passed in a blur of cocktails, photo shoots and TV interviews.<br />
Heading back to Marseille on a high, the group went back to work and set off on tour.<br />
Their Cannes experience led Fuzz to believe that they were on the verge of a big breakthrough, but despite touring throughout 1982, they were no further forward by the year's end.<br />
In 1983, a disillusioned Fuzz split up, leaving that lone 45 as their only legacy.<br />
But what a record it is, a primitive, scratchy, fuzzed-up, MOTORHEAD-channelling gem, all snotty attitude and clumsy Motor City inspired dynamics.<br />
A triumph of cranked up amphetamine fuelled ambition, unhindered by lofty ideas like finesse or subtlety.<br />
The B-Side is slightly more musical, like a basement Acca Dacca on glue and gallic laissez-faire, with the amps set to induce nose bleeds..<br />
The record's picture sleeve shows the band members in stinky denim and leather looking glazed and lost atop a wrecked silver Rolls Royce.<br />
It's just perfect in it's thrown together style, and tells you exactly what to expect from the record's filthy grooves.<br />
Car-crash Rawk et Roll.<br />
Formidable!<br />
<br />
<b>FUZZ - Satan's Fans 7" (1981) France</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_885301898"><br /></a>
And finally, SILVERTRAIN were a four piece French Hard Rock crew utilising distinctive weaving melodies, vitriolic guitar leads and high-pitched vocals.<br />
They were formed in Strasbourg, Alsace in 1978, with all the members deciding to adopt Anglicised pseudonyms in order to make the band more appealing to an international audience.<br />
To this end, they also bucked the trend amongst French bands of the era and sang in English, which ultimately may have hurt the bands chances.<br />
This Anglicization caused many collectors to later assume that they were in fact an English band, which explains why their records show up on many NWOBHM wants lists.<br />
Musically the style of Hard Rock/Heavy Metal the band played was often very similar to that being plied by young bands on the other side of the channel.<br />
They released their only album "Which Platform Please?" in 1979 on the Omega Studio Music label.<br />
Amongst collectors, this album is considered by some to be one of the best obscure late 1970’s Hard Rock albums, with it's SCORPIONS/UFO influences combining to great effect.<br />
The band then got some great exposure opening for MOTORHEAD on the European leg of their "Bomber" tour, much impressing Lemmy who introduced them onstage at several dates.<br />
They then followed those dates by heading out on the road once again, this time in support of Antipodean rockers ROSE TATTOO on part of their first European tour.<br />
A further single, the catchy "Keep The Flame" was issued by Omega Studios in 1981, and went on to sell 10,000 copies, but the band would sadly split soon after that.<br />
<br />
<b>SILVERTRAIN - Keep The Flame 7" (1981) France</b><br />
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<br />
So there y'go, we've spanned the years 1977 to 1996, and stopped in Japan, Germany, the UK and France, surely there's at least one thing amongst tonight's sonic smorgasbord that's gonna blow your mind?I'm pretty confident that that's the case.<br />
If your mind remains resolutely unblown, p'raps you're in the wrong place.<br />
Hope you enjoy 'em, and i look forward to hearing your opinions, remembrances, ill-informed conjecture and barely concealed contempt.<br />
'til next time, adios mi amigos!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-26293298541979802572012-12-31T18:05:00.000-05:002013-01-20T12:53:22.996-05:00THE LAP OF HONOURHi folks,<br />
it's the last few hours of 2012 as i type this, another year gone in the blink of an eye.<br />
Here's to all of you who stop by this place, here's to more of the same in 2013.<br />
Up first tonight, many thanks to <span style="color: red;"><b>Anders</b></span> for hooking me up with a copy of this rare item.<br />
The compilation LP "Bonehead Crunchers Vol. 1" was released early in 2012 on the obscure Belter Records label.<br />
It was a vinyl only release, limited to just 300 numbered copies.<br />
So what do you get for your bucks if you can find a copy?<br />
14 tracks by 14 obscure US bands recorded between 1969 & 1977, released, for the most part, only on rare 7 inchers in very limited quantities.<br />
Musically this is Heavy Psych, Heavy Rock & Proto-Metal, the more unrefined and pounding the better.<br />
Or in the parlance of the Belter Records press release, you can file them all under the catch-all phrase, "Bonehead".<br />
Here's how they put it:<br />
"Welcome to Volume 1 of the primitive but essential world of Bonehead.<br />
14 Fuzz-drenched '70s bone crunchers from the USA at the cusp of Garage, Hard Rock and Proto-Metal.<br />
Loud, unrepentant and reeking of attitude; these artifacts of cool were uncovered from 45's pressed in minute quantities between 1969 and 1977.<br />
These cuts forge a direct link between Pebbles/Nuggets Garage to the blow out of '76 Punk, circumventing Progressive Rock and Singer/Songwriter putridness.<br />
These slices of pure high energy will blow the top of your head off, ingrain themselves into the remnants of your brain by way of a high octane lobotomy leaving you a blubbering mess insanely smirking at today's musical endeavours."<br />
Hyperbole aside, this is a damned fine comp of sounds from the early years at the Heavy end of the musical spectrum.<br />
Whilst not all the acts are quite as obscure as the press release would have it, (HEAVY CRUISER, LEFT END & TIN HOUSE all released at least one LP each on major labels), the music is every bit as relentless as you'd hope.<br />
The choice of songs is spot on however, it's wall to wall big, dumb, fun, all as fuzzy & Heavy as those vintage tube amps could support.<br />
In fact the compilers have gazumped me on quite a few items i was going to post here, and cherry picked the best sides to boot.<br />
Still i'm not one to bear grudges, especially when the perpetrators have such awesome musical taste.<br />
So, jump in this rickety old sonic time machine called "Bonehead Crunchers", and enjoy the ride.<br />
Incidentally, Volume 2 dropped a couple of months ago, under the title "Bonehead Crushers".<br />
Same label, same limited quantity. If anyone has a rip of it, i'd be much obliged.<br />
Let it all hang out, maaaan.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Various : BONEHEAD CRUNCHERS Vol. 1 (1969-1977) USA</b></span><br />
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<br />
Next, Pauline Gillan, the younger sister of DEEP PURPLE & GILLAN frontman Ian Gillan, formed the GILLAN/DEAN project with former JERUSALEM and PUSSY singer/bassist Paul Dean in 1983.Signing to Thunderbolt Records, the duo recorded the "Rocks On!" album in a variety of studios including Ian Gillan's own Kingsway Studios, Bath and London, with additional sessions taking place in Mallorca.<br />
Recording musicians included KARRIER guitarist Ian 'Wes' Hall, bassist Tony White, keyboard player Paul Hale, drummers Clive Deamer and Kim Brodie plus GILLAN musicians John "Gus" Gustafson and Colin Towns.<br />
A live band intended to support the album with gigging featured Dean, Gillan, bassist Robbie Vincent and ex-AVENUE drummer Keeth Naylor.<br />
An odd album, "Rocks On!" whilst well played and sung, seems to suffer from a bit of an identity crisis, with many of the more straight forward Hard Rock songs buried beneath an '80's production sheen more suited to New Wave.<br />
The variety of musicians employed also doesn't help the fledgling act, as they struggle to nail down their sound.<br />
There are also an over abundance of cover versions, which sometimes work well, ("Sunshine Of Your Love", has a clever arrangement featuring some very very nifty slide guitar), and other times fall flat, ("Light My Fire" is a gloomy synth-heavy dirge).<br />
There's also a cheeky romp through Purple's "Black Night", which whilst fun, hardly helped Pauline's chances of stepping out from beneath her older brother's long shadow.<br />
The reviewers of the time seemed similarly mystified by the LP, and this combined with Thunderbolt Records poor distribution and promotion to scupper the fledgling act who folded soon after the record's release.<br />
So whilst an interesting listen, this is probably only for Deep Purple & Gillan completists who absolutely have to hear everything connected to those bands, however tenuous the associations.<br />
Paul Dean gave up being a jobbing musician after GILLAN/DEAN, but kept himself involved in music in a production capacity.<br />
In addition to his production duties, he went on to become a professional golfer for a time, and then a golf coach.<br />
The albums he recorded in the early '70's with Jerusalem & Pussy, (both produced by Ian Gillan), have recently been remastered and re-released by Rockadrome Records.<br />
Now living in Asia, Dean is not a part of the newly reconvened version of Jerusalem who recorded 2009's "Escalator" album.<br />
After the Gillan/Dean project bit the dust, Pauline Gillan subsequently created PAULINE GILLAN'S NORTHERN DANCER, with ex-AVENUE guitarist Dave Bell, ex AXIS guitarist Dave Little, ex-GLACIER bassist Chris Wing and former AVENUE drummer Keeth Naylor.<br />
The band debuted with the "One More Time" EP on the Stoke based indie label Bullet Record before the years end.<br />
This group eventually became the PAULINE GILLAN BAND, signing to the Powerstation label for the release of a full blown album, "Hearts Of Fire", in 1985.<br />
After long months spent touring the record in the UK & Europe where they built up a reputation as a fine live act, the band finally took time off to write the follow up album.<br />
The new material was much darker than the debut and far harder hitting.<br />
The record company, who had been pushing for a softer pop-rock sound, (and less clothing for Pauline), were anything but pleased.<br />
Following a set of even heavier, far darker demos recorded at Fairview Studios with producer John Spence, Powerstation finally dropped the band.<br />
By 1990 Pauline Gillan decided that she'd had enough and exited the group.<br />
The remaining band members persevered as a unit, working with MEAT LOAF vocalist Lorraine Crosby as their new vocalist.<br />
Crosby then departed to join her boyfriend's band EMERSON and was replaced by Jackie Fox.<br />
This line-up recorded an album, but were forced to scrap it because Fox was unwilling to commit to long term touring, and was thus shown the door.<br />
The vocal tracks were then re-recorded by new member Gail Hunter, but the LP still didn't see release as the group eventually fell apart.<br />
Dave Little returned to his native North East but did not pursue music again for many years.<br />
He finally returned to the scene recently with LIES OF SMILES, an excellent new project also featuring his former Pauline Gillan Band band-mate, Keeth Naylor on drums.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>GILLAN/DEAN - Rocks On! (1984) UK</b></span><br />
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<br />
CIRITH UNGOL began with Greg Lindstrom, Robert Garven, Jerry Fogle and Pat Galligan, (who later played guitar for ANGRY SAMOANS), playing in their first band TITANIC whilst still in high school.With a desire to play heavier music, the band parted with Galligan and relaunched themselves in 1972 with Neal Beattie on vocals, as Cirith Ungol.<br />
The name came from a place in J.R.R. Tolkein's fantasy novel "Lord Of The Rings", a book the band would return to for lyrical inspiration.<br />
Robert Garven recalls, "In retrospect I wish we had picked something easier to remember because a lot of our trouble has been over our name.<br />
People couldn't pronounce it or remember it, we've been called "Sarah's Uncle" and "Serious Uncool".<br />
It was not until 1980 that they released their first album "Frost And Fire", the band by now featuring the distinctive Tim Baker on vocals.<br />
Musically, their first album was a cross between 1970's Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, with songs written by bassist Greg Lindstrom and drummer Robert Garven.<br />
From 2nd album "King Of The Dead", they played a more Progressive style of Doom infused Heavy Metal with songs primarily written by vocalist Tim Baker.<br />
Album number three, "One Foot In Hell" was issued in 1986, and saw the band play shows in support of the record with bands as diverse as ARMORED SAINT and RATT.<br />
Following their fourth album, the patchy "Paradise Lost", Cirith Ungol split up, due in part to frustrations with their new label Enigma Records and members personal and inter-personal problems.<br />
Founding guitarist Jerry Fogle sadly died from liver failure on August 20, 1998.<br />
Despite their obscurity for most of their time together as a band, Cirith Ungol's reputation has grown immensely in the time since.<br />
The now enjoy a greater degree of respect and influence than they ever did whilst they were active, thanks in part to the internet.<br />
In 2001 a new Cirith Ungol album, the 2-CD "Servants Of Chaos", was released.<br />
The album which contained old previously unreleased demos and songs, was issued by Metal Blade Records.<br />
The album was supported by both Lindstrom and Garven, but not by Tim Baker.<br />
In 2005 a tribute album, "One Foot In Fire" was released by Solemnity Music featuring a host of international bands performing Cirith Ungol cover versions.<br />
Some of the songs were originally recorded for other projects, sometimes years earlier, whilst others were created specifically for the album.<br />
The booklet for the CD contained linernotes written by Cirith Ungol co-founder Robert Garven.<br />
Garven was very impressed by the finished tribute album, saying, "I was blown away by the covers that just came out on the Cirith Ungol tribute album.<br />
I think some of their versions of our songs are better than our originals!"<br />
Greg Lindstrom now plays with a new band called FALCON, who have released two albums to date.<br />
Baker and Garven no longer play music.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b>VARIOUS ARTISTS - One Foot In Fire : A Tribute To Cirith Ungol (2005) Various</b></span><br />
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ASHHOLLOW were an unusual quintet formed in Oklahoma in the early 1970's, who mixed Hard Rock grit and Psychedelic melody with a rural Southern Rock feel.Their lone release appears to have been a six song self-titled (bootleg?) CD issued retrospectively by Limited Records in a limited edition of 1000 copies.<br />
According to the scant info in the booklet, the tracks were recorded in 1973 and originally only pressed as an acetate.<br />
At times their music brings to mind early EPITAPH or Muscle Shoals period LYNYRD SKYNYRD with a little WISHBONE ASH mixed in for good measure.<br />
Fellow Okies ASHBURY also come to mind during the quieter passages in their songs, especially in the second track, "Cat's Eye".<br />
The tight and complex jazz-flecked drumming combines beautifully with the taut basswork and subtly psychedelic guitar melodies throughout to give the band's a distinctive sound, that becomes more compulsive with each successive play.<br />
Don't expect wigged out guitar-heavy abandon, this is carefully constructed and artfully melodic stuff, but it does rock, albeit in a slightly woozy late night fashion.<br />
The band appear to have fizzled out by the mid to late '70's, a real pity as they plainly had serious musical chops and songwriting suss aplenty.<br />
Who knows how far they could have gone with the right breaks, a sympathetic producer and a supportive record label.<br />
Gary Bruce returned to playing drums with a new band called ZAZOO in the late '70's.<br />
Zazoo had a song, "Glorify It On The Screen", included on the Various Artists compilation LP, "Oklahoma City Live Vol. 1", released by Backstage Music/Producers Workshop in 1980, but appear not to have released any further music.<br />
Bruce also played on some solo recordings by Bill Kirtley, his former Ashhollow bandmate, in the early '80's.<br />
If you're open-minded in your love of obscure old-school vintage rock music, give Ashhollow a listen.<br />
They're a treat for the ears.<br />
Intriguingly, whilst researching this blurb i found another band called Ashhollow, also from Oklahoma.<br />
Only this 3 piece were formed in 2004 and play grungy Garage Rock, but they have at least one thing in common with their predecessor, a member with the surname Kirtley.<br />
I wonder if this Kirtley is following in the footsteps of his father or uncle, right down to the band name?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>ASHHOLLOW - Ashhollow (1973) USA</b></span><br />
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HAMMER WITCH was a US Heavy Metal band founded in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1985, by Bassist Wayne Abney, Guitarist & Vocalist Frankie Dee, Guitarist George David and Drummer Terry Sims.With enough songs for a complete set of their own music, the band toured the New Orleans area club circuit and occasionally opened for national acts too.<br />
After recording their first demo, (the six song "Demo '86"), the realization set in that the band needed to explore new territories and expand its horizons because their material was proving to be too Heavy for local audiences.<br />
Frankie Dee's former band mate from TRASHED, Bo Topousis had since moved to Ft. Worth, Texas and formed the band IRUN consisting of displaced Louisiana musicians seeking a more liberal metal environment.<br />
Upon seeing the scene, Bo urged his friends in Hammer Witch to "come to the promised land", which they did in late 1986.<br />
When George unexpectedly left Hammer Witch, Bo stepped in as guitarist and brought Irun’s drummer Sal Torneo in to replace Terry.<br />
Topousis left the group in February of ’88 thus beginning the 3 piece format of the band, consisting of Wayne Abney, Frankie Dee, and Sal Torneo.<br />
The band then booked time at Inside Tracks Studios in Denton, Texas with producer Randy Williams, and laid down the tracks which would become their debut on vinyl.<br />
In 1987 the band released the six song Mini LP, "Return To Salem", which perfectly showed off the band's PRIEST, WARLORD & METAL CHURCH influenced sound.<br />
Only 1000 copies of the Mini LP were pressed (on DTA Records), and it was only ever on plain black vinyl, beware the picture disc bootleg!<br />
Buoyed by positive reviews of the record and some airplay too, the band kept up a punishing live schedule over the next few years, until personal differences resulted in the exit of Frankie Dee in late 1989.<br />
Wayne took over vocals and Darrin Kobetich was brought on board as guitar player.<br />
In 1991, they released the cassette only "Legacy Of Pain" album, which saw Hammer Witch go in a totally different direction from the first release.<br />
This heavier more aggressive Groove/Thrash Metal style divided opinion amongst fans, and the badly distributed cassette sold poorly.<br />
Scott Shelby, lead guitar player from GAMMACIDE joined the line up in 1993 and helped fill out the live sound during the last year of the band’s existence.<br />
During this year the band released a final demo, "Carve Your Own Doom", which consisted solely of the title track song.<br />
1994 saw Hammer Witch split.<br />
Darrin and Sal immediately went on to form A MILLION POUNDS with Darrin's brother Adam on vox, guitar and banjo and bassist Chance Lehman.<br />
After 10 years and two recordings this band also called it quits.<br />
Sal then played with THE STINK for some time before joining MAX CADY.<br />
He also plays live with TEXAS METAL ALLIANCE.<br />
Wayne and Scott formed the short-lived NULL & VOID before Wayne put together another band, MOTHER THUMB.<br />
Hammer Witch have recently re-released their "Legacy Of Pain" album on digitally remastered CD for the first time.<br />
You can get a copy through CD Baby.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>HAMMER WITCH - Return To Salem Mini LP (1987) USA</b></span><br />
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<br />
This, the lone release by GENEVA is an odd one, it's sought after by many different types of record collector, but doesn't really fit any of the genres you see it associated with.Perhaps because of this, it changes hands for relatively small amounts of money, and copies always seem to be in circulation.<br />
I've seen unscrupulous record dealers list this one as NWOBHM, New Wave, Mod, Punk and Powerpop and at points during the record's playing time you can hear why.<br />
The best comparison i can give that would chime with NWOBHM fans is that they remind me a little of LIGHTNING RAIDERS here and there, so if you have a soft spot for their releases you might enjoy Geneva.<br />
So, to use a phrase of <span style="color: red;"><b>Nightsblood</b></span>'s, this is "borderline NWOBHM" at best, not for the purists, but a decent record nonetheless if you are musically open minded.<br />
I think Geneva (who i could find absolutely no information about), missed a trick by putting "Two Minutes Thirty", on the A-Side as i far prefer the song on the flipside.<br />
With a beefier production, and without the vocalist's Paul Weller impersonations, this track would have fitted the NWOBHM sonic blueprint quite well.<br />
That B-Side, "Geneva Street", would later appear on the retrospective 1999 Various Artists bootleg compilation LP "Powerpearls Volume 4".<br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="color: red;"><b>GENEVA - Two Minutes Thirty 7" (1980) UK</b></span><br />
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<br />
VOLTZ were an obscure American Heavy Metal quintet from the state of New Mexico.There's very little information to be found about them on the web, but here's what little i did discover about Voltz;<br />
They released just two records, both in 1982, both on the Golddust Records label.<br />
A full length album, "Shock Treatment", and a 7" single, "Rock Stomping Rock'n'Rollers", shared here courtesy of the very generous Nightsblood.<br />
Both discs are as hard to find as the gold dust that their label took it's name from, and as a consequence mucho expensive on the odd occasion when copies do surface for sale.<br />
The music sits somewhere between a couple of different styles; mixing brash US early '80's Hard Rock with a more European NWoBHM influence.<br />
The singer is something of an aquired taste, but i came to quite enjoy his slightly fey delivery after a few spins.<br />
Musically the players are very good with some particularly impressive guitarwork on both tracks, especially the harmony guitar part leading into the solo on the A-Side.<br />
Because of the low-budget nature of the recordings and production there's a certain ramshackle charm & naivety present in the overall sound that's very evocative of the times.<br />
I've never seen a pic of the band, but i'm almost certain from hearing the 45 that they owned at least one pair of stripey skintight strides, and headbands may very well have been worn.<br />
So whilst not the most original band of their era, this is definitely worthy of a place on your I-Pod, and if you luck upon an original copy at a reasonable price, your record collection.<br />
From the contents of the single I'd most certainly like to hear their full length LP.<br />
Hint hint.<br />
Much thanks to <span style="color: red;"><b>Nightsblood</b></span> for this one.<br />
Note : This band is not related to the UK band also called Voltz who released the opinion-splitting "Knight's Fall" LP in 1982.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>VOLTZ - Rock Stomping Rock'n'Rollers 7" (1982) USA</b></span><br />
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And that's it for 2012.Many thanks as always to all of you who took the time to comment, share your opinions, contribute music to the blog and your remembrances of bands of yesteryear in this year now almost gone.<br />
I'd like to take the opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013, and welcome you all back here for more vintage voltage in the new year.<br />
Here's to your very good health.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-81665768249507876552012-11-01T16:19:00.001-04:002013-01-20T12:53:55.813-05:00PUT THE OIL WHERE THE SQUEAK ISRecent events have had me thinking about the best way to proceed with this blog, and trying to come up with different slants to keep on doing what it is we've been doing here for so long.<br />
Tonight's post is a result of that thought process. <br />
A recent conversation with a friend about what will happen to Rock & Metal once the current crop of big bands retire really got me thinking.<br />
Once the likes of MAIDEN, METALLICA, PRIEST, SABBATH, KISS etc finally hang it up for good, who will take their place on the stages of the world's mega-stadia?<br />
It's a tricky one, as bands obviously no longer sell records in the kind of quantities which they once did, so the lion's share of their impetus and revenue now comes from touring and merchandise.<br />
Ergo, the bands who tour hardest and build a strong following that way are most likely to be the ones who "move on up" to become the top of the pile in the future.<br />
With that in mind i thought i'd use tonight's post as a way to showcase a few newish bands who play music that visitors to this blog are likely to enjoy, all of whom are deserving of your support and patronage.<br />
I'll still be sticking with posting vintage material here most of the time, but if i encounter a new band which moves me you'll hear about it here from time to time.<br />
If you like what you hear, please support these acts by buying their music or merch and seeing them live, it really is the only way that bands on the lower rungs of the ladder can survive and progress.<br />
Just maybe, one of these acts might wind up playing on the biggest stages and having a long lasting and sustainable career.<br />
The only way this can happen is if people get behind them and support the music they love.<br />
You never know, maybe you'll find your new favourite band in the post below.<br />
Let's get on with it.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><u><b>MOON CURSE</b></u></span><br />
<i>Doom Riff Rock Stoner Milwaukee</i><br />
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Matt Leece : Guitar, Vocals<br />
Rochelle Nason : Bass Guitar<br />
Keith Stendler : Drums, Hammond Organ<br />
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With music that is simple and to the point, yet as raging as a werewolf, Milwaukee Heavy Doom Rockers MOON CURSE have quickly made a name for themselves.<br />
Though the band has only played a few shows together, the trio shares a long history.<br />
Guitarist and vocalist Matt Leece played with bassist Rochelle Nason in the heavy psych-rock band MOTHER ORCHIS, and Leece has known drummer and Hammond organist Keith Stendler since high school, having played in bands with him off and on.<br />
The band's sound might not be revolutionary, but it's pure rock 'n' roll delivered with precision.<br />
If there's one thing that might differentiate Moon Curse from other Doom & Stoner Rock bands, it's the short and concise manner of the songs.<br />
"It's pretty much based on how catchy of a groove we can make, and make a good song out of that, as opposed to a really long, psychedelic, drawn-out thing."<br />
While he's known for adding the Hammond organ-punch to FATHER PHOENIX's later works, Stendler primarily plays the drums in Moon Curse.<br />
He's a force behind the kit, the result of touring the world with TEMPER TEMPER.<br />
On occasion, though, he still pulls out the Hammond organ.<br />
During a late night of recording for the band's debut, Stendler's work on the keys helped to flesh out the songs even more.<br />
"It was eerie because he was just sitting in the booth and playing these crazy songs on the Hammond," Leece says.<br />
"Our friend set up a microphone and got it.<br />
After that we thought it would be a good idea to put some more Hammond on the album.<br />
It's really subtle, the stuff he put down."<br />
Leece describes the recording sessions for the group's debut album as being relaxed and organic.<br />
"We recorded everything on analog tape, which we always wanted to do, and we did tit live."<br />
"We just jammed in a room like we do in practice."<br />
The band's self-titled Mini LP was released on the 5th of June this year.<br />
You can stream or purchase the Mini at this link:<br />
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<b>MOON CURSE - Moon Curse Mini LP (2012) USA</b><br />
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<a href="http://mooncurse.bandcamp.com/">http://mooncurse.bandcamp.com/</a><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><u><b>MIDNIGHT CHASER</b></u></span><br />
<i>Traditional Heavy Metal Hard Rock Pittsburgh San Francisco</i><br />
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Forged in the blast furnaces of Pittsburgh and tempered in the waters of the San Francisco Bay comes a new force in the art of bad ass ; enter MIDNIGHT CHASER!<br />
Influenced by the gods of 70’s and 80’s hard rock and heavy metal, MIDNIGHT CHASER was originally conceived of by guitarist Stephen Lauck and bassist “Texas” Josh Hunt while both still living in Pittsburgh, the Rust Belt of Pennsylvania.<br />
However it wasn’t until both rockers found themselves relocated in 2008 to the fog cloaked Bay Area of California that MIDNIGHT CHASER began to take shape.<br />
First recruiting the steam hammer drumming skills of Brandon Thomas, the pair immediately knew that they had found the missing piece of their rhythm section<br />
that they had been searching for.<br />
All that was lacking now was a voice that could suitably realize their ambitions.<br />
Unsatisfied with the pool of vocal talent in their new surroundings they imported fellow Pittsburgh native Scott Atwood in order to fill the final void and complete that which is MIDNIGHT CHASER.<br />
The line-up finally completed, the band whipped themselves into a creative furor, writing and rehearsing original material while playing shows up and down the West Coast,vrocking any venue that would have them from bars and theaters to strip clubs and basements.<br />
A five song demo "Awesome Party" was recorded, and straight away began exciting the be-denimed and the lank of lock.<br />
Fans of early Heavy Metal such as SAXON, MOTORHEAD & JUDAS PRIEST took note!<br />
They debuted with a six song self-titled EP in 2010 which immediately got a buzz going for the band in Metal circles.<br />
The CD included four original studio tracks plus a cover of “Turn Your Head Around” by NWOBHM legends TANK.<br />
The vinyl version also added a sixth song, a cover of the ZZ TOP classic "Heard It On The X".<br />
Their first full length album "Rough & Tough" received a February 2011 release on Heavy Artillery Records to rave reviews and the band hit the road in the US to promote it with a vengeance.<br />
Since the album's release the band have expanded to become a quintet with the addition of second guitarist Sven Soderlund, formerly of MERCENARY, LAAZ ROCKIT and MORDRED.<br />
With Heavy Artillery recently having been bought out by Earache Records, Midnight Chaser is now ready to hit the rest of the world like a runaway train.<br />
Here's the band's 5 song 2008 "Awesome Party" Demo to download :<br />
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<b>MIDNIGHT CHASER - Awesome Party Demo (2008) USA</b><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><u><b>VISIGOTH</b></u></span><i>Traditional Heavy Metal Power Metal Salt Lake City, Utah</i><br />
File beside : [Pharoah, Judas Priest, Blind Guardian, Nocturnal Rites]<br />
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Jake Rogers : Vocals<br />
Jamison Palmer : Guitars<br />
Leeland Campana : Guitars<br />
Matt Brotherton : Bass<br />
Mikey T. : Drums<br />
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VISIGOTH was formed in the unlikely environs of Salt Lake City, Utah by DESTRUCTINATOR guitarists Jamison Palmer & Leeland Campana.<br />
More Power Metal in style than their Thrashy prior act, they were soon joined by FOLKODIA vocalist Jake Rogers.<br />
The band's debut release, the 4 song "Vengeance" Demo was released on the 17th of November 2010 and included 3 original tracks alongside a cover of OMEN's "Battle Cry".<br />
The band's line-up was further solidified in 2011 with the arrival of bassist Matt Brotherton of Thrashers KILLBOT and drummer Mikey T. of Sludge act HULDRA.<br />
Despite their diverse musical backgrounds, the band has found common musical ground in their mutual love of Melodic 1980's Heavy Metal.<br />
This new line up was responsible for the 4 song EP "Final Spell", which was released on the 14th of August this year.<br />
Visigoth's "Final Spell" & "Vengeance" releases have also now been combined for a limited edition cassette release on Steel & Fire Records.<br />
Due in November, there will only be 100 numbered copies available, with copies 1-30 numbered in "Blood Of Your Enemy" Red Ink and 31-100 numbered in "Steel" Silver Ink.<br />
A CD release is apparently also due next year through Stormspell Records.<br />
You can listen to & buy "Final Spell" at the Visigoth bandcamp page, and the "Vengeance" demo is also available there to stream or to download for free!<br />
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<b>VISIGOTH - Vengeance Demo (2010) USA/Final Spell EP (2012) USA</b><br />
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<a href="http://visigoth.bandcamp.com/">http://visigoth.bandcamp.com/</a><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><u><b>VEKTOR</b></u></span><br />
<i>Heavy Metal Progressive Metal Thrash Phoenix, Arizona</i><br />
File Beside : Atheist, Coroner, Voivod<br />
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Conceived by front man and guitarist David DiSanto, a spark of energy gave rise to Vektor in late 2004.<br />
With the addition of lead shredder Erik Nelson, the band began playing shows around the local Phoenix area in 2005.<br />
Implementing technical, speed thrash, and progressive influences, Vektor quickly found their own unique sound, setting them apart from the rest of the Phoenix metal scene.<br />
The band soon made a name for themselves throughout the southwestern United States, playing local shows and opening for acts such as Testament, Sigh, Hirax, Dark Tranquility, Iced Earth and Municipal Waste.<br />
Vektor released their self-financed CD entitled "Demolition" in early 2006, generating a massive response throughout the metal underground and earning the band a growing contingent of die-hard fans.<br />
In 2007 the band followed up with the two-track "Hunger for Violence" demo to even greater fanfare, putting the band on the radar of many international fans for the first time.<br />
In search of the perfect rhythm section to complete their vision, Vektor's line-up continued to evolve throughout 2008, before finding drummer Blake Anderson and bassist Frank Chin, finally cementing the ideal like-up to realize their goal of galactic conquest. <br />
17th November saw the release of their first album for Heavy Artillery Records the mind-boggling "Black Future".<br />
Refusing to be pigeon-holed into any metal sub-genre, Vektor employs an array of intricacy, virtuosity and a wholly unique sound which few others can claim.<br />
2011 brought their newest & best release to date, the diabolical Space Metal of the "Outer Isolation" album.<br />
Thrash? Prog? Jazz Fusion? You decide.<br />
With Heavy Artillery recently bought out by Earache Records, Vektor are now perfectly placed to make the leap into the big leagues.<br />
Welcome to the future; prepare to have your brains melted.<br />
You can stream the whole of Vektor's "Black Future" album at the address below:<br />
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<b>VEKTOR - Black Future (2009) USA</b><br />
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So that's it for tonight's post.If you give these bands a chance i'm pretty sure you'll find at least one of them are likely to "float your boat".<br />
And if not, at least you gave a few promising young bands a chance.<br />
If you encounter any new bands that you feel could benefit from a little free exposure on the blog put a link in the comments section and if i like what i hear i'll do a little something on them for the main page at some point.<br />
Next post will be of a vintage nature, business as usual, until then i hope you enjoy these tasters of a few modern bands who carry the torch for the old school shit we all love so much.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-68383287675814795902012-08-29T21:53:00.000-04:002013-01-20T12:54:37.519-05:00TAKING HER TEMPERATURE<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Howdy mo-fo's, it's that time again after a slightly longer than anticipated break.</div>
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My apologies for that, but when the sun shines in this neck o' the woods you've got to take advantage of it.</div>
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I might not be receiving any further natural doses of Vitamins C and B12 until 2013, so i have to splash it all over when the opportunity presents itself.</div>
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Why am i telling you this?</div>
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You don't care.</div>
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You just want the music, so let's get to it shall we?</div>
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Up first, MANILLA ROAD are an American Heavy Metal band from Wichita, Kansas, founded by Vocalist/Guitarist Mark "The Shark" Shelton in 1977 with high school friends Benny Munkirs, Rick Fisher and brothers Robert and Scott Park.<br />
Their first album "Invasion" was released in 1980 on the band's own label, Roadster Records.<br />
Between this time and their next release the band recorded material for an album to be titled "Dreams Of Eschaton", however these recordings went unreleased until 2002 when the album was finally issued as "Mark Of The Beast".<br />
The next record was "Metal", which began to define the future musical direction of Manilla Road.<br />
Their "classic" sound was solidified with the release of "Crystal Logic" in 1983.<br />
The next five Manilla Road albums (along with a live release, "Roadkill"), featured new drummer Randy Foxe, who replaced Rick Fisher.<br />
Along with "Crystal Logic", the new lineup's first two albums," Open The Gates" and "The Deluge", are generally considered to be the band's classics.<br />
Next album, "Mystification" was released in 1987, and was then followed by "Out Of The Abyss", which was widely criticised at the time for showing a marked Thrash Metal influence.<br />
The band released one more album, 1990's "The Courts Of Chaos", before splitting up.<br />
In 1992 Mark Shelton recorded a new album, "The Circus Maximus" with Aaron Brown and Andrew Coss.<br />
Despite having never been intended as a Manilla Road project, the album was released under this name at the record company's insistence.<br />
At this point Shelton decided to pursue other interests outside the field of music, an absence which would last almost a decade.<br />
Manilla Road reformed in 2001 and released "Atlantis Rising", again with Mark Shelton as the only original member.<br />
On this occasion, however, the sound was much more consistent with the Manilla Road of old.<br />
The albums have continued to come, with "Spiral Castle", released in 2002, "Gates Of Fire", in 2005, and "Voyager" in 2008. <br />
These were followed by the release of an archival live set from 1979, "After Midnight - Live", which was originally recorded for a local radio station.<br />
To mark the release of their newest studio album "Playground Of The Damned", a European tour took place in 2012, with the band playing their first ever UK show on these dates.<br />
In 2007 the German label Solemnity Music released this album, "The Riddle Masters : A Tribute To Manilla Road".<br />
This double-disc release contains songs from 18 international bands including SLOUGH FEG, CRYSTAL VIPER & EMERALD, playing their versions of the Manilla Road classics.</div>
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<b>VARIOUS : The Riddle Masters : A Tribute To Manilla Road (2-CD) (2007)</b></div>
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Secondly, Born in Los Angeles, California in 1982, DIVINE RITE were a traditional Heavy Metal quartet formed by guitarist Randy Pevler and drummer Jim Hansen, who had previously played together in a band called THE RABBLE.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After many auditions, the band's original line-up was completed by Jerome "J.P." Powers on lead vocals and Joe Hall on bass.<br />
Influenced by the likes of JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN, they became a huge draw on the Sunset Strip selling out such venues as the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, The Roxy & the Troubador regularly.<br />
In 1984 Divine Rite released their self financed debut album "First Rite", which became a solid domestic seller.<br />
This led to Divine Rite signing a deal with Greenworld Records who re-released the album later in the year with a different sleeve and two extra songs added.<br />
Greenworld's distribution helped bring the band to the attention of European audiences, with the album selling particularly well in Holland.<br />
However Divine Rite hit problems the following year with Hall and Hansen leaving to pursue other projects.<br />
New blood came in the form of gifted musicians, bassist Robby Pagliari and drummer Donny Sarian, which led the band to add more progressive elements to their sound. <br />
Two albums with this lineup followed, the heavier and more complex "Divine Rite II", and the self explanatory "Divine Rite Live".<br />
Drummer Sarian left the band at the close of 1987 to form MACH 1, to be replaced by Terry Offut.<br />
This line up of Divine Rite stayed together until 1991, but at the end of that year J.P decided to leave.<br />
With Powers gone the remaining three members decided to continue with a new singer, under a new name, NOMAD RAILWAY.<br />
In 1994 with Nomad Railway having split up, guitarist Randy Pevler decided to embark on a solo career.<br />
Since then he has recorded four solo albums, "Back When I Was Sane", "Inside Looking Out", "Chrome", and "Directions", as well as recently releasing an album with his side-project band GLASSHAMMER.</div>
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<b>DIVINE RITE - First Rite (1984) USA</b></div>
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KAOS, a Canadian traditional Heavy Metal quintet were formed in 1982 in remote St. John's, Newfoundland, by a young Bavarian emigre, guitarist Rainer "Rhino" Wiechmann.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After hooking up with drummer Sandy Forbes, the fledgling band performed on a CBC TV talent show called "The Fame Game".<br />
After installing CBC voice-over artist Cindy Wiechmann as vocalist, (she soon became Rhino's wife), Kaos released the critically acclaimed "Total Kaos", Mini LP on their own Mole Records label in 1985.<br />
The highlight of the seven song self-released record is the amazing instrumental, "March of the Gremlins", a must-hear for fans of epic '80's riffing.<br />
"Total Kaos", now commands a ridiculous price-tag, with copies changing hands amongst collectors for around $200 in online auctions.<br />
In 1986 the band landed some support slots on HELIX's Canadian tour, bringing Kaos to the attention of larger audiences.<br />
A cassette only Mini album entitled "TV Eye" was released in 1987 following some line up changes within the Kaos ranks.<br />
The band's video, "Summer Of Love", then began to get airplay nationally leading to further gigs opening for acts such as HEADPINS, SASS JORDAN and CHILLIWACK.<br />
This in turn led to more widespread dates playing with international acts like ALICE COOPER, MOTORHEAD and DIO.<br />
After that round of touring ended, the band planned to move to the mainland to be better placed to take advantage of any possible future opportunities.<br />
However, one by one, the other members decided they were unwilling or unable to commit to the move, sadly bringing Kaos to an end.<br />
Undeterred, the Weichmann's moved to London, Ontario and worked in various bar acts for more than a decade, eventually opening their own recording studio.<br />
Following some Helix recording sessions at the Wiechmann's studio in London, both Wiechmann's were invited to become members of Helix.<br />
Their tenure in the veteran Canadian band lasted from 2003 to 2006.<br />
Rainer Wiechmann has also become a respected producer, working with THINE EYES BLEED, BLOOD OF CHRIST and KITTIE.<br />
The Weichmann's now have a new band called NAIL which includes another former member of Kaos in it's line up, drummer Dale Penney.<br />
To date, Nail have released two very impressive full length albums, 2007's "Nail" and 2010's "Power And Greed".<br />
The power of Cindy's awesome voice remains undiminished by the passing years, and Nail's music is an impressively muscular mix of Traditional Metal with a strong Progressive edge.<br />
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If you want to know more about the history of Kaos, check out this exhaustively detailed interview with Rhino:<br />
<a href="http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Helix-RainerWeichmann-2004.htm">http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Helix-RainerWeichmann-2004.htm</a></div>
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<b>KAOS - TV Eye Mini LP (1987) Canada</b></div>
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DIAMOND CLAW were an all female Heavy Metal quartet formed in Long Beach, California in 1984.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The band was formed in 1984 by vocalist Debra Lynn Billingsley and bassist Mary Jo Godges who was also a radio DJ on Rock N Rhythm 105.5 KNAC at the time.<br />
The line up was completed by guitarist Jenny Thornburg and Pam Reene Galloway on the drums.<br />
After building up a strong local following with their energetic live shows at venues like the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, Diamond Claw were signed to a record deal by Black Jack Records.<br />
The band's lone official release would be the excellent five song "No Hate In Paradise" Mini LP in 1987.<br />
Things did not quite work out the way Diamond Claw had hoped as the small label struggled to distribute the record effectively, and thus band and label parted ways soon after the record's release.<br />
With no new recording contract forthcoming, they self-produced a one-song demo cassette titled "Sex Thing", which was shopped around the labels in 1989.<br />
Unfortunately, no-one snapped the band up, and disappointed, Diamond Claw split up before the year's end.<br />
Singer Debra Lynn Billingsley would later join the jazz/pop band TOKEN ANGEL, releasing the 1996 album "Let It Go".<br />
Bassist Mary Jo Godges later re-appeared as a member of PHANTOM BLUE, appearing on their 1998 "Full Blown" EP.<br />
She is now a film director & a producer at Traipsing Thru Films Ltd.</div>
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<b>DIAMOND CLAW - No Hate In Paradise Mini LP (1987) USA</b></div>
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BLACK SHEEP are a relatively unknown cult Hard Rock band from Los Angeles, California, masterminded by vocalist/bassist Willie Basse, which has been a stepping-stone for several big names over the years.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Formed in the early eighties, former OZZ member Basse has been the only constant members over the years.<br />
Among the musicians to be a part of Black Sheep over the years are Slash (GUNS 'n' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER etc.), Mitch Perry (STEELER, MSG, etc.), Randy Castillo (OZZY OSBOURNE, MOTLEY CRUE, etc) and Kyle Stevens (BANG TANGO).<br />
Their debut album, 1985's "Trouble In The Streets", featured guitar leads from Paul Gilbert (Mr. BIG and RACER X) and Kurt James (STEELER) that complimented Basse's Paul Stanley-ish vocal delivery.<br />
However the album failed commercially, and Basse spent his time engineering, opening a rehearsal studio and founding Rock For Recovery, a "a non-profit prevention/awareness fundraiser for artists troubled by drug & alcohol abuse."<br />
Black Sheep finally made their comeback in 1999 by releasing the four song "Sacrifice" EP on Quicksilver Records.<br />
Basse was joined on the EP by a new line up consisting of drummer James Kottak (SCORPIONS, KINGDOM COME etc.) and Guitarists Brian Conroy and Marshall Harrison.<br />
A new album with this line-up was purportedly in the works, but it has yet to see the light of day.<br />
Now recording under his own name, Willie Basse issued his debut solo album, "The Money Grind" in 2008.<br />
It featured contributions from many guest musicians including contributions from the late Randy Castillo and former HORSE, ATOMIC ROOSTER & SPINAL TAP drummer Ric Parnell.<br />
A new solo record is due soon, to be called "Which Side R/U On?".</div>
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<b>BLACK SHEEP - Sacrifice EP (1999) USA</b></div>
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<br />This next rare slab o' vinyl goodness comes to you thanks to the generosity of<b style="color: red;"> Nightsblood</b>, who kindly decided to rip and share it with the unworthy worms who populate this place.<br />
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Bestow lofty praise upon him and buy him fine ales for his thoughtfulness.</div>
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US Traditional Heavy Metal quartet BOOTLEG were formed in Fairfax, Virginia, in the the fall of 1980.<br />
Their sole release was to be their privately pressed 1981 45, which paired "Bitch Chaser" and "Hard Up For Love", recorded at Omega Studios that January.<br />
The record is now pretty sought after by early Metal collectors, expect to pay over $100 for a copy with the cool hand stamped "picture sleeve".<br />
And the music?<br />
Charmingly naive in places, but delivered with chutzpa and the self-belief to carry off the more cliche/corny aspects of the songs and raise them above the ordinary as a result. <br />
<b style="color: red;">Nightsblood</b> puts it better than i, saying that Bootleg, "<i>could have ended up sounding cheesier than a Wisconsin Velveeta factory, but they managed to avoid that fate</i>".<br />
Bootleg continued to play live in the clubs in the Washington/Baltimore region until around the fall of 1984.<br />
Drummer Steve Vollmer and guitarist Allen Jackson then went on to play in another band called PUBLIC ENEMY, and later the pair played together again in several other projects.<br />
In June of 1996 Allen and Steve re-united with their former Bootleg bandmate, singer/guitarist Jade Tavaglione.<br />
Joe "Bassman" Belcher was recruited to replace the unavailable Mike Vogel, holding down the low end and completing the band's line up.<br />
After careful consideration they decided to call the new/old project VOLLMER rather than stick with the old Bootleg moniker.<br />
The band then recorded a full length studio album entitled "Welcome To The Rat Race", which was released in 1998 by Bark Loud Records.<br />
2002 saw Vollmer return with the follow up CD, "Motel 69", a further studio album, bolstered by a live rendition of AC/DC's "Overdose".<br />
The band have continued to play live and record, recently replacing Joe Belcher on bass with Carl "Tommy Gun" Thompson.<br />
Look for Vollmer playing live around the clubs if you live in the Washington DC area, and keep yer peepers peeled for further releases from them.<br />
This particular "Bootleg" is no relation to the band of the same name who released a 1982 single entitled "Dagdrömmar".<br />
That recording was by a Swedish band from Lund.</div>
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<b>BOOTLEG - Bitch Chaser/Hard Up For Love 7" (1981) USA</b></div>
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Finally tonight, QUASIMODO were an obscure American Heavy Metal quartet formed in Corpus Christi, Texas in the early 1980's.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Their lone release was the 1984 "Down And Out/You Want It" 7" single, released on the band's own Opus Magnum Records label.<br />
Copies of this one have started turning up in online auctions over the last couple of years, and have created a minor stir amongst collectors of obscure vintage US steel.<br />
Both tracks are of a uniformly high standard, with the band proudly wearing their NWoBHM influences on their sleeves, on both sides of the disc.<br />
Of the two tracks, the A-Side, "Down And Out", just shades it for me, with some ripping guitar work and quality vocals, but "You Want It" is a fine piece of traditional Heaviosity in it's own right.<br />
This one is unlikely to remain "reasonably" priced for long, so if you like what you hear here, you best be prepared to shell out around at least $50 (U.S.) to secure a copy, but some recent auctions have finished closer to the $100 mark.<br />
I'm pretty sure this isn't the same band who put out the 1982 "I Can Imagine" 7", but information on Quasimodo is hard to come by, so if you can clue us in with any background on the group please do.</div>
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<b> QUASIMODO - Down And Out/You Want It 7" (1984)</b></div>
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<br />So there you have it.<br />
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I think you'll agree with my (completely impartial) conclusion, that tonight's trove of rare musical treasures was more than worth the slightly-longer-than-usual wait.</div>
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If you have two working ears and a heart made of steel, that is.</div>
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As always, a brief word of thanks to those of you who regularly fill the comments section with your thoughts, humour, praise and bile.</div>
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To those of you who don't stop in there, please do, there's always some info or opinion being blurted out, and your interaction can only help keep that good stuff going.</div>
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So get to it, right now.</div>
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Take the top off your head so we can gawp at what's going on in there.</div>
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In a metaphorical sense of course.</div>
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It looks as though the promise of an Indian summer is now well and truly over, so you can expect more of the same here at more-or-less the regular interval of time.</div>
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That's 3-4 weeks from now, for those not in the know.</div>
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"See" you back here then, brothers and sisters.</div>
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-74001241821188805862012-07-21T18:58:00.000-04:002013-01-20T12:56:07.821-05:00THE FLYING HORSE<div style="text-align: left;">
Hi everybody, not much time for a preamble tonight, just wanted to say thank you to all of you who regularly take the time to comment on the stuff that gets posted here.</div>
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It's the grease that keeps my gears turning.</div>
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Up first, formed in Cincinatti Ohio in 1973 around the nucleus of vocalist Donnie Singleton and drummer Les Sharp, four piece Heavy Rock act SPIKE became the first recording band to feature the dazzling guitar of future CJSS, CHASTAIN and SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN mainstay, David T. Chastain, who joined in 1975.<br />
The band released their first single, "Porno Queen", backed with "Peaceful And Tranquil", in the late 1970's just before original vocalist Singleton departed.<br />
The frontman position would be filled by Stephen Fredrick, and with the change Spike's following began to grow even stronger.<br />
Around this time the band had the track "You Got What It Takes" featured on the "WEBN Album Project No.5" LP, an album which the Cincinnati radio station (WEBN) put together in an effort to showcase local talent.<br />
The act toured relentlessly, and even landed the opening slot for some shows with BLACK SABBATH and BLUE OYSTER CULT on their "Black & Blue" tour.<br />
They finally made another recording available with the 1981 self released "Leah" 7" single, and quickly followed this up the next year with another 45, "Just Want Your Money" on Starbound Records.<br />
After the latter single's release, singer Stephen Fredrick departed from the band, initially to join BILLY THE KID, and later recording with the likes of KENZINER, FIREWIND and KINRICK.<br />
With bassist Denny Kuller temporarily filling the vacant vocalist post, Spike recorded the track "Bad News" for 1982's "WEBN Album Project No. 7".<br />
For a brief period the band added vocalist Kurt Dobkins, but he would eventually be replaced by Mike Skimmerhorn.<br />
In 1983 the band released their only album "The Price Of Pleasure", on Starbound Records.<br />
The album showcased to dazzling effect the blazing guitar work of David T. Chastain and the powerful vocals of new singer Mike Skimmerhorn.<br />
The rhythm section of drummer Les Sharp and bassist Denny Kuller added just the right foundation to punctuate the music.<br />
This particular line up of Spike was only around for a short time.<br />
The group continued to shop material to labels but failed to get any major interest, so in late 1984 the band decided that Spike had run its course, with David going on to form CJSS and Chastain.<br />
Skimmerhorn and drummer Les Sharp, would both later appear in the ranks of CJSS, and Skimmerhorn also went on to sing and play bass with the band Chastain.<br />
SPIKE briefly reformed in 1998 for a few dates which were recorded for a prospective live album, although to date it has yet to see release.<br />
In 2001 a further Spike album was released on Leviathan Records.<br />
"The Forum Sessions", was an archival release comprised of songs recorded live in the studio at Forum Studios in Kentucky in 1981, but never previously released.</div>
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<b>SPIKE - The Forum Sessions (1981) USA</b></div>
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AMERICADE were a traditional Heavy Metal/Hard Rock quartet formed in Brooklyn USA in 1979 by brothers Gerard and P.J. De Marigny.<div style="text-align: left;">
Setting about building themselves a reputation on the live circuit, the band worked hard on their stagecraft and built a good fan base with their energetic live shows.<br />
A self-titled 4 song EP was issued in 1980, and sold mainly at the band's shows.<br />
With the band's flashy trashy semi-patriotic image it was fitting that their 1982 debut album was entitled "American Metal".<br />
Released on Adem Records, the album was not the success they had hoped for despite some very positive reviews, but undeterred they carried on, despite bassist Dave "The Beast" Spitz leaving to join BLACK SABBATH.<br />
Americade worked with producer Jeff Glixman on a second album with the working title "Rock Hard" but the band split up before having finished it.<br />
In 1989, guitarist Gerard tried to resurrect the band with a new line-up but it didn't last long.<br />
In 1995, Americade released a "new" album, "Americade.com", which consisted of various unreleased studio recordings from different eras and line-ups of the band, mainly from 1988/89, along with a newly recorded track.<br />
"Americade.com", didn't exactly set the world on fire and nothing more was heard from Americade until Retrospect Records announced the release of a 5 disc box set containing the band's complete recorded works.<br />
The box set, "Americadence", contains the albums, "First Cuts", "American Metal", "Rock Hard", "Heroes Are Back" and "Americade.com".<br />
The albums were also all issued seperately.<br />
"Rock Hard", is the third CD in Americade's "Americadence" box set, with all 15 songs being previously unreleased.<br />
The first four tracks are quality demos from 1988 that feature the incredible pipes of vocalist Mark Weitz.<br />
All of the other tracks were recorded in 1983 with the classic lineup of Walt Woodward III (drums), Dave "The Beast" Spitz (bass) and the De Marigny brothers and produced by renowned producer JEFF GLIXMAN.<br />
The track "Black Cloud" is a cover of an old song by Glenn Hughes' pre-DEEP PURPLE band, TRAPEZE.<br />
Apparently, Gerard De Marigny recorded most of his guitar tracks here through GARY MOORE's guitar rig that was set up for a recording session at a studio in Atlanta, Georgia at the time.<br />
You can really hear the killer progression of this bands musicianship and songwriting skills here.</div>
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<b>AMERICADE - Rock Hard (1983-1988) USA</b></div>
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Previously unknown Hard vintage Southern Rock alert!!!<div style="text-align: left;">
Obviously influenced by MOLLY HATCHET (just check out their name), and SKYNYRD too, this self-titled obscurity was released in a pitifully small pressing and has just come to my attention recently.<br />
There's no info on the plain white sleeve, we have just the song-titles and the band's line up on the labels to go by.<br />
I've been unable to find out where they came from or even when the damn thing was released, (1982 is an informed guess), but it seems this BOUNTY HUNTER bears no relation to any of the other bands who have used the same name who have info on the webisphere.<br />
It pisses me off to have no background to share with you despite my best efforts, but sometimes you stumble across music that just has no available back story.<br />
I knocked up the artwork you see here just for something to look at whilst the album's playing, as i said, the original sleeve is just blank.<br />
So what of the music then?<br />
Well, it's well-played Hard edged Southern Rawk, that has obvious influences, but isn't a slave to them either.<br />
As i said, Hatchet by way of Skynyrd, but there are a couple of songs that are more individual which sound mighty good to my ears too.<br />
Succinct songwriting, short snappy choons, distinguished by some superior geetar work.<br />
Personally i'd have liked those guitars higher in the mix, but it's damned fine stuff nonetheless.<br />
Have a listen, i'm sure you'll be similarly impressed if you have a liking for that vintage Southern fried sound.<br />
Total credit and much gratitude goes to OldMusicOnVinyl1 for digging this mystery record up and for sharing his original rip.<br />
Can any of you shed a little light on this one?</div>
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<b>BOUNTY HUNTER - Bounty Hunter (1982) USA</b></div>
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KAOS, a Canadian traditional Heavy Metal quintet were formed in 1982 in remote St. John's, Newfoundland, by a young Bavarian emigre, guitarist Rainer "Rhino" Wiechmann.<div style="text-align: left;">
After hooking up with drummer Sandy Forbes, the fledgling band performed on a CBC TV talent show called "The Fame Game".<br />
After installing CBC voice-over artist Cindy Wiechmann as vocalist, (she soon became Rhino's wife), Kaos released the critically acclaimed "Total Kaos", Mini LP on their own Mole Records label in 1985.<br />
The highlight of the seven song self-released record is the amazing instrumental, "March of the Gremlins", a must-hear for fans of epic '80's riffing.<br />
"Total Kaos", now commands a ridiculous price-tag, with copies changing hands amongst collectors for around $200 in online auctions.<br />
In 1986 the band landed some support slots on HELIX's Canadian tour, bringing Kaos to the attention of larger audiences.<br />
A cassette only Mini album entitled "TV Eye" was released in 1987 following some line up changes within the Kaos ranks.<br />
The band's video, "Summer Of Love", then began to get airplay nationally leading to further gigs opening for acts such as HEADPINS, SASS JORDAN and CHILLIWACK.<br />
This in turn led to more widespread dates playing with international acts like ALICE COOPER, MOTORHEAD and DIO.<br />
After that round of touring ended, the band planned to move to the mainland to be better placed to take advantage of any possible future opportunities.<br />
However, one by one, the other members decided they were unwilling or unable to commit to the move, sadly bringing Kaos to an end.<br />
Undeterred, the Weichmann's moved to London, Ontario and worked in various bar acts for more than a decade, eventually opening their own recording studio.<br />
Following some Helix recording sessions at the Wiechmann's studio in London, both Wiechmann's were invited to become members of Helix.<br />
Their tenure in the veteran Canadian band lasted from 2003 to 2006.<br />
Rainer Wiechmann has also become a respected producer, working with THINE EYES BLEED, BLOOD OF CHRIST and KITTIE.<br />
The Weichmann's now have a new band called NAIL which includes another former member of Kaos in it's line up, drummer Dale Penney.<br />
To date, Nail have released two very impressive full length albums, 2007's "Nail" and 2010's "Power And Greed".<br />
The power of Cindy's awesome voice remains undiminished by the passing years, and Nail's music is an impressively muscular mix of Traditional Metal with a strong Progressive edge.</div>
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<b>KAOS - Total Kaos Mini LP (1985) Canada</b></div>
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Those of you who regularly view my posts will know that i always endeavour to provide some background information on the music i share.<br />
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I figure that if you're anything like me that you'll enjoy reading the back story behind the bands and their releases, and if your comments are anything to go by then that appears to be the case.<br />
Every once in a while however i come across a band or release that leaves me stumped as i can find out next to nothing about them.<br />
This is the case with this record, the sole (?) release by Canada's JESTER.<br />
This Jester is no relation, as far as i can tell, to either the Montreal Hard Rock band of that name, (despite what Metal Archives says), or the Prog/AOR outfit from Ontario who also bear the Jester moniker.<br />
Here's what i do know: this 45 was released in 1981 on the Kollato Records label, and it goes for a pretty penny now.<br />
The last auction i could find saw this slab o' wax go for the better part of $200 dollars!<br />
So is it worth it, i hear you ask?<br />
Well, as ever that all depends on your tastes, and your bank balance.<br />
To me, it's a tale of two sides.<br />
The A-side, "Waiting This Way", is, by some distance, the more commercial song of the pair, bending over backwards for a little airplay.<br />
It's very well done for a private pressing from the era, with some mighty fine guitar work lifting it above the average, but it is a little too lightweight for my liking.<br />
The flipside however, is the real ace in the Jester brace.<br />
"Find Out", is a cracking little Rocker, which sounds to me like they were aiming for "Earthshaker" era Y & T, with some prime ACE FREHLEY guitar pyrotechnics sprinkled over the top.<br />
This being a 1981 private pressing however, the budget and production conspire to give us something a little different, but no less tasty.<br />
The guitarist could certainly spank that plank, and the song gels really well, getting lodged in your grey matter for ages.<br />
So on balance, i'd give the A-side a solid C, with the flip earning itself a very enjoyable B+.<br />
Anyone know any more about this bunch?</div>
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<b>JESTER - Waiting This Way/Find Out 7" (1981) Canada</b></div>
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The SOUTHERN CROSS BAND was based in Long Island, New Jersey, (a strange locale for a Southern Rock act), and were formed by the Prewitt brothers who had moved to New York from the South.<div style="text-align: left;">
Both Prewitt brothers, Joe and Sonny were accomplished singers and guitar slingers.<br />
They were very active on the live circuit from the late 1970's to the mid-1980's, building up a big live following, especially in the tri-state area.<br />
Sadly, it doesn't seem that there were any official releases from them, however there were two separate promo 45s issued in 1982.<br />
I'd previously posted the two song promo 7" of "Lady Killer"/"Outlaw (Josey Wales)".<br />
These same two songs also turned up on a few different compilation albums of local acts put together by various New York radio stations at the time.<br />
The A-side, "Lady Killer", is quite commercial, but still gutsy, with a really catchy chorus and a nice Hammond solo too.<br />
The epic flip side, "Outlaw (Josey Wales)", is excellent, sounding like a beefed up version of THE OUTLAWS, with some great tempo changes and extended soloing.<br />
It also reminds me a little of the band ASHBURY, who recorded the album "Endless Skies".<br />
Now Nightsblood has turned up the other promo, pairing "Lady Killer" (again!?), and the previously unknown/unheard "Stay Alive".<br />
More great Southern Rock with a Hard Rock base, catchy, succinct, and artfully crafted.<br />
During their time Southern Cross Band supported Southern Rock legends THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND and THE WINTERS BROTHERS BAND at shows in the NY area.<br />
Singer/guitarist Joe Prewitt is still active, having fronted a band called THE MANGOS for the last 20 years or so, apparently still playing in the Southern style, and they've just released an album called "Ain't Dead Yet".</div>
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<b>SOUTHERN CROSS BAND - Lady Killer/Stay Alive 7" (1982) USA</b></div>
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Finally tonight, in our now regular, but still un-named extra-vintage slot, the beat/harmony group GOLDSTAR BROTHERS was formed in 1962 by the Groote brothers, singer André, guitarist Henk, and drummer Ben, in Apeldoorn, Gelderland, Netherlands.<div style="text-align: left;">
In 1966 they changed their name to G-BROTHERS and recorded three 7" singles before changing their name once more to GEEBROS.<br />
As Geebros, the band recorded several 45's, with the wonderfully named "Henry The Horse", reaching the Dutch charts in late 1967.<br />
By now they played psychedelic music combined with strong close harmony singing, in songs like "Let Me Find The Sun", "She", "Ev'ry Day" and "Shadows Of Stone".<br />
They were then joined by organ player Lol Nijhuis, who was in turn replaced by Henny Backers in 1968.<br />
By this time the band's musical style had changed quite considerably, incorporating a stronger Psychedelic influence into their harmony driven Sunshine Pop.<br />
In 1969 their musical style evolved yet again, and to reflect this they chose yet another name, CRYING WOOD.<br />
By this time they were making Heavy Rock with a strong Progressive Rock flavour incorporated too.<br />
Having secured a record deal with Action Records, they entered the studio to record a 45 for them.<br />
The band's lone single, 1970's "Blue Eyed Witch/Trip", got a lot of airplay on Dutch radio but didn´t trouble the charts, leading to the loss of the Action deal.<br />
A shame, as the record was strong, with the A-side demonstrating an organ heavy driving style akin to LUCIFER'S FRIEND or URIAH HEEP, with the instrumental "Trip", on the flip, having a more progressive, jazzy flavour.<br />
Crying Wood toured intensively throughout the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, and even recorded an album in 1970, which was called "Forward In Time/Back To The Mountains".<br />
However, they were unable to secure a European record deal and so the album was only released in Canada.<br />
Apparently, the music on it is in the same Heavy vein as the single, with hints of FOCUS and PANTHEON.<br />
Shortly after recording the album however, the band fell apart and split before 1971 was over.<br />
In 1974 an attempt was made to reform Crying Wood by Ben Groote with an entirely new line-up, but despite recording demos they don't manage to release anything.<br />
The band was a successful draw on the live circuit however, touring constantly in their homeland and in Germany.<br />
After several further line-up changes, Ben Groote pulled the plug on Crying Wood in 1976, joining up with his brothers and original Crying Wood bassist Cor Mestebeld once more in a new band called AIR BUBBLE.<br />
Air Bubble were very different stylistically to Crying Wood, playing Pop/Soft Rock with a reasonable degree of success.<br />
Their first single, "Racing Car" in 1976, was a hugely popular record all over mainland Europe, and a string of records followed throughout the remainder of the '70's, with varying degrees of success.<br />
Air Bubble finally split up in 1981, with André and Henk then recording an EVERLY BROTHERS tribute album, "For Everly Yours", under the name CADILLAC!<br />
After a long time away from the stage, in recent years the brothers Groote have occassionally been treading the boards once again, billed as GEEBROS.<br />
Their current set-list includes songs from the Goldstar Brothers, Geebros, Crying Wood and Airbubble eras alongside covers of The Everly Brothers, THE BEATLES and THE BEACH BOYS.<br />
Here's hoping some enterprising reissue label will one day make that elusive Crying Wood album and the later demos available on CD.</div>
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<b>CRYING WOOD - Blue Eyed Witch/Trip 7" (1970) Holland</b></div>
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So that's it for another post.</div>
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Hope you find something amongst that little lot that excites you.</div>
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If you don't, frankly i think you're at the wrong blog.</div>
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See you back here in 3-4 weeks for more vintage voltage from the vaults, 'til then, take care o' yerselves.</div>
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-43369070823400291692012-06-22T13:04:00.001-04:002013-01-20T12:57:47.886-05:00THE RUSTY FUSEBOX WIRE GORILLA SALAD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello again my friends.</div>
My apologies for the longer than usual gap between posts here, i'll try not to let it happen again but i guarantee nothing.<br />
Between the European Championships, a spell of decent weather and that unpredictable mess which passes for life in general, the fates conspired of late to keep me otherwise occupied and therefor not sat my computer where i should have been.<br />
Hopefully tonight's mucho varied post will make up for my extended period of tardiness.<br />
For starters, AMERICADE were a traditional Heavy Metal/Hard Rock quartet formed in Brooklyn USA in 1979 by brothers Gerard and P.J. De Marigny.<br />
Setting about building themselves a reputation on the live circuit, the band worked hard on their stagecraft and built a good fan base with their energetic live shows.<br />
A self-titled 4 song EP was issued in 1980, and sold mainly at the band's shows.<br />
With the band's flashy trashy semi-patriotic image it was fitting that their 1982 debut album was entitled "American Metal".<br />
Released on Adem Records, the album was not the success they had hoped for despite some very positive reviews, but undeterred they carried on, despite bassist Dave "The Beast" Spitz leaving to join BLACK SABBATH.<br />
Americade worked with producer Jeff Glixman on a second album with the working title "Rock Hard" but the band split up before having finished it.<br />
In 1989, guitarist Gerard tried to resurrect the band with a new line-up but it didn't last long.<br />
In 1995, Americade released a "new" album, "Americade.com", which consisted of various unreleased studio recordings from different eras and line-ups of the band, mainly from 1988/89, along with a newly recorded track.<br />
"Americade.com", didn't exactly set the world on fire and nothing more was heard from Americade until Retrospect Records announced the release of a 5 disc box set containing the band's complete recorded works.<br />
The box set, "Americadence", contains the albums, "First Cuts", "American Metal", "Rock Hard", "Heroes Are Back" and "Americade.com".<br />
The albums were also all issued separately.<br />
"First Cuts", features 15 raw tracks of the band's first recordings, 11 of them previously unreleased.<br />
The last 4 tracks come from the mega rare self titled 1980 EP and feature drummer Jerry Cuccurullo (brother of ZAPPA guitarist Warren), and keyboard player Frank Antico.<br />
The rest of the tracks are from 1981/early '82, when Americade recruited Walt Woodward III (drums) and Nicky Sodano (bass) from the band RACHEL who had split when their vocalist Rhett Forrester joined RIOT.<br />
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<b>AMERICADE - First Cuts (1980-82) USA</b><br />
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ROGUE MALE was the brainchild of Northern Irish singer/guitarist Jim Lyttle, who had previously been in the punk bands VISA & PRETTY BOY FLOYD & THE GEMS.Moving to London in the early 1980's, he decided to form a band mixing punk attitude with the Metal sounds of the NWOBHM.<br />
Eventually a stable touring band was formed, whose riotous live performances gained the attentions of several record companies.<br />
Within weeks the band had secured a deal with the UK label Music For Nations and Elektra Records in the USA.<br />
Shortly afterwards, the band were invited to appear on the E.C.T. TV Show on the UK's Channel 4, where they performed live on 19th April 1985.<br />
The first Rogue Male album, "First Visit", was recorded by Jim Lyttle Guitar/Vocals, ex-DIRTY TRICKS man John Fraser-Binnie on Lead Guitar, Philippe Clark on Bass, and Steve Kingsley on Drums. <br />
Kingsley was however replaced by Danny Fury, with Clark then having his spot taken by Kev Collier.<br />
The album was well received critically, and Rogue Male toured the UK/Europe and the USA extensively in support of it.<br />
Kerrang! magazine in the UK gave the band several features, and a front cover article (issue 101) that helped gain momentum.<br />
This led to more touring, and the release of the "All Over You" 12" single.<br />
A bigger budget was now being allocated for the bands futuristic image, fuelled by Jim Lyttle's love of Science Fiction and motorbikes, and the stage clothes they wore became more extreme over time.<br />
The second album "Animal Man", was released a year later, and also gained worldwide attention, including a memorable television appearance on a French pop TV Show.<br />
Unfortunately, the band were becoming increasingly unhappy with the business dealings surrounding them and started legal proceedings against their manager.<br />
After being dropped by their labels, the band played their final show in late 1987 and went their separate ways.<br />
In 2007 "First Visit" and "Animal Man" were re-released on Metal Mind Records, shining the spotlight on the Rogue Male name once again.<br />
In 2009 Jim Lyttle decided the time was right to record a new Rogue Male album.<br />
Enlisting the help of his good friends from the band GMT, "Nail It" featured Lyttle backed by Robin Guy on drums, John McCoy on bass and guitarist Bernie Tormé.<br />
Bassist Pete D was recruited in April 2009 with original lead guitarist John Fraser Binnie rejoining that October.<br />
Jim Lyttle has now relaunched the band as a going concern and plans to tour extensively with the new lineup, now completed by ex-BLAZE drummer Larry Paterson.<br />
A new album is due later in 2012, with a single, "Liar" already available.<br />
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<b>ROGUE MALE - Nail It (2009) UK</b><br />
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In 1977, 4 teenagers aged between 15 and 16 formed one of the first Heavy Metal bands in Spain in Mislata, Valencia which they called WOLFRAM.In late 1977 new drummer Javier Hervías joined, and after changing their name to ZARPA (which translates as "Claw"), in early 1978 they recorded their first LP, "Los 4 Jinetes Del Apocalypsis" ("The 4 Horsemen Of The Apocalypse").<br />
By late 1979, the members of the band were obligated to undertake military service, and so released a demo entitled "Adictos Al Crimen" ("Addicted To Crime"), to keep the band's name alive whilst they served.<br />
In 1981 the band returned to action, focusing initially on live work by touring all over Spain.<br />
1982 saw the release of a new LP called "¿Ángeles O Demonios?" ("Angels And Demons"), on Xirivella Records label, a self-funded work recorded in just 24 hours.<br />
In 1984 the band released their next LP, "Herederos De Un Imperio" ("Heirs Of Empire"), on the larger Twins Records label.<br />
The album reached the national top 40 and Zarpa toured extensively and played several major festivals.<br />
In 1985 the group recorded a demo which was never released called "Progress".<br />
Zarpa toured Switzerland and France in 1987, and recorded their next LP in Geneva after recording a further demo, "En Ruta Hacia Europa" ("En Route To Europe").<br />
On completion of the recordings however, the band are so unhappy with the album that the recordings are discarded.<br />
In 1988, with the popularity of Heavy Metal on the wane in Spain, the group disbanded and the members went their separate ways.<br />
In 1992 Zarpa reconvened, recording the 5 song "Like A Locomotive" demo, but this is as far as their tentative reunion gets.<br />
In 2002 a new line up of Zarpa recorded another album called "Luchadores De La Paz" ("Fighters For Peace"), reintroducing the band to old and new fans alike.<br />
To celebrate the band's 25th anniversary, the following year saw the release of three (yes, three!) live albums, "En Vivo En Grilly", "En Vivo Sala Canaan" and "En Vivo Sala Garage".<br />
With the release finally of the previously abandoned 1987 "En Ruta Hacia Europa", album (albeit in remixed and partially re-recorded form), coming in 2004, Zarpa signed with the German Karthago Records label and then released a brand new album called "Infierno" ("Hell").<br />
This was the best time for Zarpa since the golden age of the group, with main man Vicente having finally found the ideal band members to realize his ever evolving musical vision. <br />
Inspired by the resurgence of interest in Zarpa, 2007 brings a great new album called "El Yunque Contra El Martillo" ("The Anvil Against The Hammer").<br />
In 2009 the band released the "Iberia" album, which garnered Zarpa some of the best reviews of their career.<br />
Here's hoping that the renewed interest in the band translates into sales and some respect for one of Spain's pioneering Heavy bands, as they're in great form just now, and it's long overdue.<br />
A brand new Zarpa album, "Las Puertas Del Tiempo", was issued in February 2012, followed by a four song EP, "En La Rueda Del Metal" in March.<br />
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<b>ZARPA - Iberia (2009) Spain</b><br />
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Formed in 1971 in Koblenz in Germany's Rheinland, FIFTH DEAD were a quintet of seventeen year old BLACK SABBATH & URIAH HEEP fans eager to emulate the sounds of their musical heroes.The first configuration of the band was Dirk Crecelius on Vocals & Guitar, Detlef Eckelt on Guitar, brothers Hans-Georg & Peter Killian on Bass and Keyboards respectively and Drummer Eckart Keller.<br />
In 1972, after reading in Music Express magazine that CCA Records were looking for new bands to record, they got in touch with the label head and arranged to travel to Osnabrück to meet with him.<br />
Despite temporarily breaking down on the autobahn en route to Osnabrück, the young musicians very much impressed Hans Werner Kuntze, the main producer at, and owner of, CCA Records.<br />
Kuntze's track record impressed the band too, over the years he had signed or produced renowned German bands such as THE PETARDS, THE SCORPIONS and THE SILHOUETTES.<br />
Kuntze and the band struck a deal to record the song, "A Special Man", which was released later in the year as one half of a split 7" single on the CCA sublabel Help Records.<br />
Strangely, the act they shared the disc with was a middle aged Schlager crooner-cum-DJ from Wuppertal who went by the unlikely stage name of ANTHONY.<br />
A definite mismatch which probably did neither party any favours.<br />
In 1974 the first of several changes took place in the Fifth Dead line up.<br />
Holger Specht first joined to take over Lead Guitar duties, enabling Dirk to concentrate on his Vocals and 12 string Guitar.<br />
Hans Fries then replaced Eckart Keller on Drums.<br />
Then Saxophonist Wolfgang Children was added to the new look line-up as well.<br />
In 1975 the group went back to visit Kuntze in Osnabrück and recorded 6 new songs in the studio with him.<br />
By now the bands style had moved on from their rather nieve beginnings, becoming a very individual hybrid of Psychedelic Acid Rock and more straight forward Hard Rock.<br />
Their music was an acquired taste, but it's a taste that's well worth acquiring.<br />
From these recordings, two songs, "Blue Sky" & "Devilking", were paired up on a 1976 7" single released on the CCA label.<br />
This was to be the only stand-alone Fifth Dead product released during the band's lifetime.<br />
The other songs recorded at that session, "Long Way", "Bumble Bee", "What Can We Do?" and "Angel & God", finally came to light many years later with their inclusion on the 1997 compilation CD "Psychedelic Gems 2".<br />
By late 1976 Peter Kilian had moved from the Keyboards to the mixer, becoming the band's sound man, with new arrival Ditmar coming aboard as additional guitarist.<br />
By this time Fifth Dead had it's own light show and P.A. system, and the band had become one of the most popular live bands on the scene.<br />
Much of 1976 was spent playing live, with the band teaming up with their friends The Scorpions for a few shows together in the Kaiserlautern region & in the Rheinland.<br />
Both bands got along very well, and for many years band members would stop by each others gigs to catch up, with the Fifth Dead guys also invited to the studio by the Scorpions whilst they were recording with Dieter Dierks in Stommeln near Cologne.<br />
At the dawn of 1982 Bassist Hans-Georg Killian decided to leave the band and was replaced by Herbert Simon.<br />
Although Simon fitted in well with his new band mates, the times were changing, and frustration was setting in at the bands lack of commercial success.<br />
Unable to catch a break, after 15 years together Fifth Dead finally went their separate ways in 1986.<br />
As their reputation has grown over the intervening years, the band decided in the 2000's to make available a limited edition CD featuring all their previously released vintage material.<br />
The seven song "Fifth Dead" compilation is now very sought after in it's own right, prompting the band to delve into the archives to create a more in depth retrospective compilation featuring much unheard material.<br />
This forthcoming compilation album is apparently scheduled for release in 2013.<br />
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<b>FIFTH DEAD - Fifth Dead (1973-1976) Germany</b><br />
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American traditional Heavy Metal quartet SACRED FEW were initially formed in Cleveland, Ohio way back in 1977.After playing every Ohio bar and club that would have them, they finally made their vinyl debut in 1983 with this self-titled 7".<br />
Released on the band's own Skull Records in a picture sleeve, "Sacred Few" is a mid-tempo wannabe anthem which is let down a little by poor production.<br />
Far better, (to my ears at any rate), is flipside "Low Rider", a memorable catchy driving Heavy Rocker, which probably sounded a little out-dated even in 1983.<br />
I'm guessing this one had been in their repertoire for quite a while, but it deserved it's place on wax.<br />
Apparently there are two sleeve variations, one with the Skull Records logo and one without.<br />
Around the time of the 7"'s release, the band also had the track "Sacred Few" featured on the semi-legendary "Cleveland Metal" LP.<br />
This compilation released on Clubside Records saw Sacred Few sharing vinyl with fellow cult Metal acts like MISTREATER, BLACK DEATH & JAGGED EDGE.<br />
Despite the favourable press garnered by the 45 & LP, 1984 saw some major line-up changes in the Sacred Few ranks.<br />
Out went singer Ray Garstruck and drummer Mike Louka, to be replaced by female vocalist Sandy Rago and percussionist Gary Estock.<br />
With this line-up Sacred Few recorded their lone album, the well regarded "Beyond The Iron Walls", in 1985.<br />
Again released by the bands Skull Records label, the 10 song LP is now something of a favourite amongst mid-'80's Metal collectors.<br />
At the time sales weren't exactly interesting Billboard, and frustrated by their lack of progress the band gradually fell apart.<br />
Drummer Mike Louka was to reappear later on as a member of HATRIX.<br />
In 1993 "Beyond The Iron Walls", was included on a bootleg split CD entitled "Hard'n'Heavy Rarities Vol. 5", released by Racer Records.<br />
The CD also included rare releases by GILGAMESJ & MANIA.<br />
Subsequently, vocalist Sandy Rago married her Sacred Few bandmate, guitarist Wolfgang Kruger.<br />
Under her married name, Sandy Kruger, she has been fronting the current reactivated line up of Greg Hicks' Black Death since 2009.<br />
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<b>SACRED FEW - Sacred Few 7" (1983) USA</b><br />
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Next up, a nice rarity which comes to you courtesy of <b><span style="color: red;">Nightsblood</span></b>, a longtime friend of NILOOB who should be praised and held in high esteem via the comments section for his generosity in sharing this and a couple of other upcoming items.To your keyboards people!<br />
Many thanks again for your shares <b style="color: red;">Nightsblood</b>, it's greatly appreciated.<br />
Formed in Cincinnati Ohio in 1973 around the nucleus of vocalist Donnie Singleton and drummer Les Sharp, four piece Heavy Rock act SPIKE became the first recording band to feature the dazzling guitar of future CJSS, CHASTAIN and SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN mainstay, David T. Chastain, who joined in 1975.<br />
The band released their first single, "Porno Queen", backed with "Peaceful And Tranquil", in the late 1970's just before original vocalist Singleton departed.<br />
The frontman position would be filled by Stephen Fredrick, and with the change Spike's following began to grow even stronger.<br />
Around this time the band had the track "You Got What It Takes" featured on the "WEBN Album Project No.5" LP, an album which the Cincinnati radio station (WEBN) put together in an effort to showcase local talent.<br />
The act toured relentlessly, and even landed the opening slot for some shows with BLACK SABBATH and BLUE OYSTER CULT on their "Black & Blue" tour.<br />
They finally made another recording available with the 1981 self released "Leah" 7" single, and quickly followed this up the next year with another 45, "Just Want Your Money" on Starbound Records.<br />
After the latter single's release, singer Stephen Fredrick departed from the band, initially to join BILLY THE KID, and later recording with the likes of KENZINER, FIREWIND and KINRICK.<br />
With bassist Denny Kuller temporarily filling the vacant vocalist post, Spike recorded the track "Bad News" for 1982's "WEBN Album Project No. 7".<br />
For a brief period the band added vocalist Kurt Dobkins, but he would eventually be replaced by Mike Skimmerhorn.<br />
In 1983 the band released their only album "The Price Of Pleasure", on Starbound Records.<br />
The album showcased to dazzling effect the blazing guitar work of David T. Chastain and the powerful vocals of new singer Mike Skimmerhorn.<br />
The rhythm section of drummer Les Sharp and bassist Denny Kuller added just the right foundation to punctuate the music.<br />
This particular line up of Spike was only around for a short time.<br />
The group continued to shop material to labels but failed to get any major interest, so in late 1984 the band decided that Spike had run its course, with David going on to form CJSS and Chastain.<br />
Skimmerhorn and drummer Les Sharp, would both later appear in the ranks of CJSS, and Skimmerhorn also went on to sing and play bass with the band Chastain.<br />
SPIKE briefly reformed in 1998 for a few dates which were recorded for a prospective live album, although to date it has yet to see release.<br />
In 2001 a further Spike album was released on Leviathan Records. "The Forum Sessions", was an archival release comprised of eleven songs recorded "live in the studio" at Forum Studios in Kentucky in 1981, but never previously released.<br />
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<b>SPIKE - Leah 7" (1980) USA</b><br />
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Last, but definitely not least, J.C. HEAVY were a UK Hard Rock quintet formed in Manchester in 1969 with the specific intent to relocate to, and work in West Germany.Initially forming under the name HEMLOCK, the band featured Josephine Massaphia on Vocals, Neil Levine on Guitar, Bassist Kenny Anders, Keyboard player Darryl Ogden and Drummer Paul Murray.<br />
Before leaving the UK for Germany in late 1969, Ogden & Murray opted to leave the band, being replaced by ex-MONEY members John Hajok and John Needham.<br />
Once in Germany, the band went to work with a vengeance, touring extensively in their converted ambulance tour bus.<br />
As well as playing dates with contemporaries like JERONIMO, PROUD FLESH, ORANGE PEEL and LITTLE FREE ROCK, they also supported larger touring acts such as Noel Redding's post-JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE group, FAT MATTRESS.<br />
Following an appearance at the Progressive Pop Festival '70 in Koln, where they played on a bill which featured DEEP PURPLE, THE KINKS & PROCUL HARUM, J.C. Heavy were offered a recording deal by Admiral Records.<br />
The first fruits of this liaison was a quickly issued 7" single which paired the songs "Mr. Deal" & "That Woman's Mind".<br />
This single was also licensed for release in other European territories such as Holland and Spain, but the Spanish Explosion Records issue switched the track order, with "That Woman's Mind", becoming the A-Side.<br />
Somehow or other, amidst all this activity, Josephine Massaphia and Neil Levine also found the time to get married.<br />
The new Mr & Mrs Levine (and band), also made time to appear at the huge Open Air Rock Circus festival, sharing a bill with heavyweights Deep Purple, STEAMHAMMER, EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND and BLACK SABBATH, and with rock'n'roll pioneers BO DIDDLEY & CHUCK BERRY.<br />
Despite healthy sales of the single release in Germany, the 45 had sunk without a trace in it's other European releases, and thus their follow-up 7" only received a German release.<br />
That second 7", which coupled "Do What You Like", with "Is This Really Me?", was issued in 1971, and found the band playing Heavier & fuzzier than the prior release, and forging a more individual sound.<br />
Sadly, it was to prove to be the band's swan song, as poor distribution scuppered sales, the gigs began to dry up, and exhausted and frustrated, J.C. Heavy called it a day in early 1972.<br />
After JC Heavy's split, guitarist Neil Levine went on to spend many years working as road manager for 10CC. He was 10CC mainman Lol Creme's cousin, and they'd played together in a '60's band called SABRES.<br />
Bassist Kenny Anders later reappeared in 1974 as a member of Manchester's PEACE OF MIND, before later joining WAYNE FONTANA & THE MINDBENDERS. He now runs Legends 60's bar in the Canary Islands<br />
Keyboard player John Hajok now lives in Bolton and runs his own accountancy business.<br />
Over the years the band's two singles have become sought after collectors items, amongst those seeking obscure Proto-Metal thrills, with the 2nd single in particular starting to command a hefty price tag, due to it's scarcity.<br />
In 1996, "Is This Really Me?", was compiled on the album "200 Feet Deep In A Purple Idea : Incredible Sound Show Stories Vol. 3", issued by Dig The Fuzz Records on vinyl LP only.<br />
In 2009, the two songs from J.C. Heavy's debut single were collected on the "Electric Asylum 2 : British Psychedelic Freakrock Rarities", compilation CD issued by Past & Present Records.<br />
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<b>J.C. HEAVY - Do What You Like 7" (1971) UK</b><br />
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And that, as they say, is that.Music from four different countries, recorded across a span of 38 years, in a variety of styles, but always with at least one foot firmly planted in the Heavy sound that helps keep us keepin' on.<br />
So i'm sure there must be something amongst that selection to get your blood pumping, and if not, you either have the world's largest record collection, no soul or you're just at the wrong darn blog.<br />
I still need a title for the vintage section of the post, so get your thinking caps on and help a brother out.<br />
My thinking cap shrunk in the wash recently.<br />
All being well, i shall return with some variation on the themes you expect from us here at NILOOB in 3 to 4 weeks.<br />
Until then, kick it 'til it breaks!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-53995860776810670412012-04-26T13:51:00.000-04:002013-01-20T12:58:31.433-05:00THE GLUE FLOWER<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi folks! It's that time again.</div>
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More dusty old Rawk & Metal, exhumed from the tomb for the benefit of your ears, hearts & souls.</div>
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Before we get started i'd like to give a quick shout out to <b style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span>Weaselkin1</b>.</div>
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I just got yo<span style="background-color: white;"></span>ur message and will be in touch soon mate. Thanks again for all you've done.</div>
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Shall we proceed?</div>
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DOWN are a Heavy Metal quartet formed in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1991, initially just intended as a part time jam session between longstanding friends.<br />
The material and vibe were so strong that they spawned demo recordings, which caused a widespread buzz in tape-trading circles.<br />
Encouraged by the response, the band decided to record an album.<br />
DOWN's 1995 debut album, "N.O.L.A.", a collision of dense groove, Southern harmony and huge riff distortion, inadvertently gained the status of a timeless Metal masterpiece.<br />
Down was initially intended as a side project of PANTERA's vocalist Phil Anselmo and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY guitarist Pepper Keenan.<br />
Guitarist Kirk Windstein is a member of CROWBAR and played the bass parts on the debut album too.<br />
Drummer Jimmy Bower also plays with EYEHATEGOD and is a founder member of Crowbar.<br />
Crowbar guitarist Todd Strange was the bass player for the band's earliest live shows.<br />
Down, now with Anselmo's former Pantera colleague Rex Brown on bass, would return in March of 2002 with a new album, "Down II: A Bustle In Your Hedgerow".<br />
The album debuted on the Billboard charts at No. 44, selling over 30,000 copies in it's first week of sale.<br />
DOWN would also be a late addition to the 2002 Ozzfest touring festival, putting in their own headline performances along the way.<br />
Phil Anselmo virtually retired from public view in the wake of the onstage murder of his erstwhile PANTERA comrade Darrell 'Dimebag' Abbott on 8th December 2004.<br />
Speculation as to Anselmo's well-being raged throughout the year, the singer eventually revealing he had been suffering from extreme back problems that required surgery and a lengthy recuperation.<br />
Anselmo marked his return to public performance with a March 10th 2006 concert for VH1 Classic's 'Decades Rock Live!' tribute to HEART.<br />
A reunited ALICE IN CHAINS, would be joined by the vocalist and GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER bassist DUFF McKAGAN, on second guitar.<br />
Down went back out on another high profile US tour in 2007, packaged with headliners HEAVEN & HELL and MOTORHEAD in March.<br />
Down issued album No. 3, "Over The Under" in Spring 2007, and, as well as playing at many European Festivals, also toured Australasia with Heaven & Hell & MEGADETH.<br />
The band then landed the coveted support slot on the 2008 METALLICA North American tour.<br />
Anselmo underwent further surgery in April 2009, this time to repair damage to his knee.<br />
European festival performances took the band through the summer, including a show stealing performance at the UK's Download Festival at Castle Donington.<br />
Down parted company with Rex Brown last year, and he is now in a new band called KILL DEVIL HILL, alongside former BLACK SABBATH/Heaven & Hell/AXIS drummer Vinnie Appice.<br />
His replacement in Down is Pat Bruders from Crowbar.<br />
A new Down EP (likely to feature 6 or 7 songs), has been recorded and is due to be released in the Summer of 2012.<br />
This is the first release in a projected series of four EPs which the band plan to release over the next two years.<br />
What we have here is a great-sounding 12 song collection of pre-production demo tracks recorded before the "Over The Under", album in 2006.<br />
10 of the twelve tracks here were re-recorded for the album proper, and a further one appeared as a bonus track on the Japanese issue.<br />
The remaining song, "This Work Is Timeless", has apparently been reworked and re-recorded for that upcoming new EP.<br />
These recordings are great, showing the band at their best, stripped of some of the production frills, with a raw energy and fire in their bellies.<br />
You might even end up preferring this to the finished album, i know i do.</div>
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<b>DOWN - Over The Under Demos (2006) USA</b><br />
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In 1977, 4 teenagers aged between 15 and 16 formed one of the first Heavy Metal bands in Spain in Mislata, Valencia which they called WOLFRAM.In late 1977 new drummer Javier Hervías joined, and after changing their name to ZARPA (which translates as "Claw"), in early 1978 they recorded their first LP, "Los 4 Jinetes Del Apocalypsis" ("The 4 Horsemen Of The Apocalypse").<br />
By late 1979, the members of the band were obligated to undertake military service, and so released a demo entitled "Adictos Al Crimen" ("Addicted To Crime"), to keep the band's name alive whilst they served.<br />
In 1981 the band returned to action, focusing initially on live work by touring all over Spain.<br />
1982 saw the release of a new LP called "¿Ángeles O Demonios?" ("Angels And Demons"), on Xirivella Records label, a self-funded work recorded in just 24 hours.<br />
In 1984 the band released their next LP, "Herederos De Un Imperio" ("Heirs Of Empire"), on the larger Twins Records label.<br />
The album reached the national top 40 and Zarpa toured extensively and played several major festivals.<br />
In 1985 the group recorded a demo which was never released called "Progress".<br />
Zarpa toured Switzerland and France in 1987, and recorded their next LP in Geneva after recording a further demo, "En Ruta Hacia Europa" ("En Route To Europe").<br />
On completion of the recordings however, the band are so unhappy with the album that the recordings are discarded.<br />
In 1988, with the popularity of Heavy Metal on the wane in Spain, the group disbanded and the members went their separate ways.<br />
In 1992 Zarpa reconvened, recording the 5 song "Like A Locomotive" demo, but this is as far as their tentative reunion gets.<br />
In 2002 a new line up of Zarpa recorded another album called "Luchadores De La Paz" ("Fighters For Peace"), reintroducing the band to old and new fans alike.<br />
To celebrate the band's 25th anniversary, the following year saw the release of three (yes, three!) live albums, "En Vivo En Grilly", "En Vivo Sala Canaan" and "En Vivo Sala Garage".<br />
With the release finally of the previously abandoned 1987 "En Ruta Hacia Europa", album (albeit in remixed and partially re-recorded form), coming in 2004, Zarpa signed with the German Karthago Records label and then released a brand new album called "Infierno" ("Hell").<br />
This was the best time for Zarpa since the golden age of the group, with main man Vicente having finally found the ideal band members to realize his ever evolving musical vision. <br />
Inspired by the resurgence of interest in Zarpa, 2007 brings a great new album called "El Yunque Contra El Martillo" ("The Anvil Against The Hammer").<br />
In 2009 the band released their "Iberia" album, which garnered Zarpa some of the best reviews of their career.<br />
A new album "Las Puertas Del Tiempo" was released on Pure Steel Records in February of this year.<br />
Here's hoping that the renewed interest in the band translates into sales and some respect for one of Spain's pioneering Heavy bands, as they're in great form just now, and it's long overdue.<br />
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<b>ZARPA - Luchadores De La Paz (2002) Spain</b><br />
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NWOBHM quartet RICOCHET were formed in Birmingham in the late '70s.The band's sole release during their life-time was the excellent "Midas Light" 7" single, released in 1980.<br />
The single was recorded at Ginger Studios, Aldridge (where WITCHFINDER GENERAL recorded "Burning A Sinner"), and released as a "double B-side" with the nowhere-near-as-good flip-side, "Off The Rails".<br />
Just 500 copies of the single were pressed, most of which were sold at their gigs.<br />
Later that year Ricochet toured Germany.<br />
At the end of the tour bassist "The Finn" opted to stay on in Germany.<br />
The other three members returned to England and formed a brand new band called THE CANERS. <br />
"The Finn" went on to form a new band called DAMIEN, who got a German record deal.<br />
Over the years "Midas Light" became a highly regarded classic NWOBHM single, much sought after by collectors.<br />
Ricochet got back together for 2 weeks in 2000 and re-recorded "Midas Light" in a Coventry studio, together with some other tracks.<br />
These tracks along with vintage version were made available on CD through the band's website, as the six song "Midas Light" mini-album.<br />
However the band members then went their separate ways again.<br />
In 2005 "The Finn" was managing a music festival in Northampton, where he arranged for Ricochet to make a guest appearance.<br />
They played "Midas Light", "Dreadnought" and "Off The Rails", and went down a storm.<br />
In 2010 the band members converged to live on the outskirts of Birmingham, for the first time in 30 years.<br />
After meeting up for a beer it transpired that they all missed the Ricochet times and decided to give it one more throw of the dice.<br />
The revived band have recorded a new single, "The Blue Eyed Beggar & The Teenage Captain", and are reportedly working on a full length album.<br />
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<b>RICOCHET - Midas Light Mini LP (1980/2000) UK</b><br />
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DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS were an infamous London based band formed in 1981 by ardent biker "Dumpy" Dunnell, a character who had previously been a member of THE RIVVITS.Renowned over the years for their many appearances at biker festivals, the group was originally titled DUMPY'S DIRT BAND and the transition to DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS came in 1981 when the frontman was joined by Mac McKenzie on bass and drummer Chris Hussey, both previously members of NUTHIN' FANCY.<br />
Debuting on vinyl with the well received "Boxhill Or Bust" 7", the band took to the road and stayed there, playing up and down the UK constantly.<br />
Unbelievably the band had to change its name to DUMPY'S RUSTY BOLTS to secure airplay for the 1982 "Just For Kicks" single when DJ's deemed the original band name too lewd.<br />
Sometime afterwards, Mac McKenzie left to rejoin NUTHIN' FANCY (much later ending up as manager of THUNDER) and was replaced by Jeff Brown, although he lasted for only a short period of time before making way in 1983 for Kerry Langford.<br />
The band suffered a severe setback in 1984 when their record label suddenly folded.<br />
The advertised "Rock The Nation" EP never surfaced commercially although mysteriously copies came to light much later.<br />
By 1985 the band included former TANK drummer Mark Brabbs, and this is the line-up featured on the double live "Somewhere In England", album.<br />
This release kept the band in the public eye and is a great representation of their high energy (and very funny) live act.<br />
This was then followed by the six-song studio "Hot Lover" Mini LP, released by Gas Music Limited Records in early 1986.<br />
However, Brabbs then quit after just over a year's membership and left the fold with Langford in early 1986.<br />
The pair were promptly replaced by bassist Alan Fish and drummer Mick Kirton, both ex-GROUNDHOGS.<br />
Fish was also a veteran of NWoBHM band ZORRO, a founder member of TREDEGAR and was involved with AUTOLAND COMMAND.<br />
The band's line-up remained ever fluid, even at one point seeing bassist Alan Davey and drummer Danny Thompson on temporary leave from HAWKWIND, Fish having departed to form EGYPT.<br />
Ex CLOVEN HOOF guitarist Mick Grafton was also enlisted for a short stint, whilst yet another bassist, Graham Le Mon, joined in 1987 , the same year that the "Get Out On The Road" album was issued.<br />
This record also featured HAWKWIND mainman DAVE BROCK as a guest artist, who later tapped Kirkton to join him in that band.<br />
In 1991 the band released a cover version of JO JO GUNNE's "Run, Run' Run" as a single, but while DUMPYS RUSTY NUTS are still a going concern, no further product has surfaced.<br />
Dumpy himself is also now a sometime member of the venerable psychedelic institution we know as HAWKWIND.<br />
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<b>DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS - Hot Lover Mini LP (1986) UK</b><br />
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Formed in the wake of RIOT's initial folding in 1984, NARITA (originally named MARK REALE PROJECT), featured Riot`s main man Mark Reale, and three former S.A. SLAYER members, bassist Don Van Stavern, Steve Cooper on vocals and drummer Dave McLain.Recording a three song demo tape, Narita got strong radio exposure in the middle part of the USA and from their hometown (San Antonio, Texas) station 99.5 KISS-FM, that led to a very successful string of live shows.<br />
This demo and project serves as a bridge between the more traditional Hard Rockin' Metal of Riot's early years (1975-1984) and the speedier Power Metal of the "Thundersteel" album.<br />
What makes this demo especially noteworthy is that two of the songs, "The Feeling Is Gone" and "Liar," were never re-recorded to appear on a Riot album. <br />
This is especially important, because these should definitely have made it onto a record.<br />
Both are more commercial tunes, with melodic choruses, driving verses, and synthesizers.<br />
They are both strong songs, but the highlight of the demo is a rendition of a song familiar to every Riot fan, the title track of their 1988 album, "Thundersteel."<br />
The version here is absolutely crushing.<br />
The tempo is blazing, and McLain's drums push to the floor and dominates the song. <br />
A fantastic track, and a thrilling performance.<br />
Overall, this is essential listening for Riot fans, as well as anyone who enjoys quality Heavy Metal.<br />
Mark Reale was convinced to resurrect Riot in early 1986, with only bassist Don Van Stavern joining him in the new line up from Narita.<br />
Narita vocalist Steve Cooper later fronted Juggernaut on their 1987 "Trouble Within" album.<br />
Cooper sadly passed away from kidney failure in 2006. He was just 47 years old.<br />
Drummer Dave McLain also briefly passed through Juggernaut's ranks, before joining CATALEPSY in late 1986.<br />
After Catalepsy's 1988 dissolution, McLain passed through the ranks of MINISTERS OF ANGER, before joining MURDERCAR.<br />
From 1991-1997 McLain was a member of SACRED REICH, appearing on the "Independent" and "Heal" albums.<br />
Since 1997, McLain has been a member of San Francisco's MACHINE HEAD.<br />
I dug this demo out to upload after hearing the sad news that Mark Reale sadly passed away on January 25th, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas due to complications arising from Crohns Disease.<br />
R.I.P. Mark.<br />
Shine On.<br />
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<b>NARITA - Narita Demo (1985) USA</b><br />
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To be honest, i have been able to find out almost nothing about the obscure NWOBHM act, THE STEVE CROWTHER BAND.The Internet has very little available information, so just about everything i have discovered about them has come from the record's label itself.<br />
For starters, they were a trio made up of (surprise, surprise), Steve Crowther (Vocals, Bass & Keyboards), Kev Prockter (aka "Kevin Gibb"), on Guitar & Keyboards and Drummer M. Saggers.<br />
They appear to have hailed from either London, or from nearby Essex.<br />
They released just this one uber-scarce 7" single, a 1982 release featuring two songs, "Red Herring" and "My Machine", on SMK Records.<br />
It's one of those odd releases which sounds quite unlike any other band under the NWOBHM umbrella, but is definitely heavy enough to warrant the tag.<br />
"Samantha's picking flowers in the minefields again", they sing, and it's not too long before you find yourself singing along.<br />
Trust me, this isn't a Powerpop or Prog release tagged as "NWOBHM" by unscrupulous record dealers, it's the real, but very odd, deal.<br />
However, i can't think of any other band with a sound quite like the refined and unique audio-thuggery peddled by The Steve Crowther Band.<br />
After the demise of the band, guitarist Kev Prockter changed his surname to "Gibb", and passed through the ranks of THE RAVE, RITUAL, NO SWEAT, MAYHEM DERANGED and FIXATER over the years.<br />
He appears to be the only member of the band who carried on making music, and is still playing to this day.<br />
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<b>THE STEVE CROWTHER BAND - Red Herring/My Machine 7" (1982) UK </b><br />
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Finally, i'm pleased to bring you something a little different, from a little further back in time and even rarer than usual.As the previous posts of stuff like PROUD FLESH and THE UP went down so well with you all, (terrible pun intended), i'm gonna try to make it a regular feature to delve back into the mists of time to bring you some uber-rare early Heavyosity.<br />
We'll be lifting the lid on all things Proto-Metal to bring you some real obscurities and oddities from the late '60's & early '70's.<br />
Every genre of music has it's unsung pioneers and trailblazers who never get their due, and the world of Rock & Metal is no different in that respect.<br />
I think it's about time that someone sings the praises of some of those acts who planted the seeds from which the genre blossomed.<br />
As no-one else is volunteering their services, it looks like that "someone" is gonna have to be me.<br />
To begin this new feature properly i thought i'd introduce you all to J.C. HEAVY.<br />
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. <br />
J.C. HEAVY were a UK Hard Rock quintet formed in Manchester in 1969 with the specific intent to relocate to, and work in West Germany.<br />
Initially forming under the name HEMLOCK, the band featured Josephine Massaphia on Vocals, Neil Levine on Guitar, Bassist Kenny Anders, Keyboard player Darryl Ogden and Drummer Paul Murray.<br />
Before leaving the UK for Germany in late 1969, Ogden & Murray opted to leave the band, being replaced by ex-MONEY members John Hajok and John Needham.<br />
Once in Germany, the band went to work with a vengeance, touring extensively in their converted ambulance tour bus.<br />
As well as playing dates with contemporaries like JERONIMO, PROUD FLESH, ORANGE PEEL and LITTLE FREE ROCK, they also supported larger touring acts such as Noel Redding's post-JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE group, FAT MATTRESS.<br />
Following an appearance at the Progressive Pop Festival '70 in Koln, where they played on a bill which featured DEEP PURPLE, THE KINKS & PROCUL HARUM, J.C. Heavy were offered a recording deal by Admiral Records.<br />
The first fruits of this liason was a quickly issued 7" single which paired the songs "Mr. Deal" & "That Woman's Mind".<br />
This single was also licensed for release in other European territories such as Holland and Spain, but the Spanish Explosion Records issue switched the track order, with "That Woman's Mind", becoming the A-Side.<br />
Somehow or other, amidst all this activity, Josephine Massaphia and Neil Levine also found the time to get married.<br />
The new Mr & Mrs Levine (and band), also made time to appear at the huge Open Air Rock Circus festival, sharing a bill with heavyweights Deep Purple, STEAMHAMMER, EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND and BLACK SABBATH, and with rock'n'roll pioneers BO DIDDLEY & CHUCK BERRY.<br />
Despite healthy sales of the single release in Germany, the 45 had sunk without a trace in it's other European releases, and thus their follow-up 7" only received a German release.<br />
That second 7", which coupled "Do What You Like", with "Is This Really Me?", was issued in 1971, and found the band playing Heavier & fuzzier than the prior release, and forging a more individual sound.<br />
Sadly, it was to prove to be the band's swan song, as poor distribution scuppered sales, the gigs began to dry up, and exhausted and frustrated, J.C. Heavy called it a day in early 1972.<br />
After JC Heavy's split, guitarist Neil Levine went on to spend many years working as road manager for 10CC. He was 10CC mainman Lol Creme's cousin, and they'd played together in a '60's band called SABRES.<br />
Bassist Kenny Anders later reappeared in 1974 as a member of Manchester's PEACE OF MIND, before later joining WAYNE FONTANA & THE MINDBENDERS. He now runs Legends 60's bar in the Canary Islands<br />
Keyboard player John Hajok now lives in Bolton and runs his own accountancy business.<br />
Over the years the band's two singles have become sought after collectors items, amongst those seeking obscure Proto-Metal thrills, with the 2nd single in particular starting to command a hefty price tag, due to it's scarcity.<br />
In 1996, "Is This Really Me?", was compiled on the album "200 Feet Deep In A Purple Idea : Incredible Sound Show Stories Vol. 3", issued by Dig The Fuzz Records on vinyl LP only.<br />
In 2009, the two songs from J.C. Heavy's debut single were collected on the "Electric Asylum 2 : British Psychedelic Freakrock Rarities", compilation CD issued by Past & Present Records.<br />
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<b>J.C. HEAVY - Mr. Deal 7" (1970) UK</b><br />
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<br />
And i think that's more than enough goodies for you to be getting on with!If things look a little different on the page, it's because Blogger has just had
an extensive update and overhaul, and i now have no idea what i'm doing
as a result.<br />
It was always tricky glitchy software to work with, so in time the overhaul may prove to have significant benefits, but at the moment i have to admit that i'm more or less just groping in the dark, utterly clueless. <br />
<br />
I think the new "ultra-vintage" section needs a catchy title, but the ole grey matter just ain't sparking at the moment. Any suggestions gratefully received. I'd turn it into a competition if i had anything to give away as a prize, but i don't.<br />
Just for your information, and to save me getting whined at, the links on this post at Mirrorcreator <u>do not</u> have a Mediafire option.<br />
It's not my doing (or Mirrorcreator's for that matter), rather Mediafire have withdrawn from their arrangement because their site is currently inundated with huge amounts of traffic in the wake of what happened to Megaupload, Filesonic etc.<br />
I know that Mediafire had rapidly become the host of choice lately, but many other hosting sites are every bit as good.<br />
I've spread the uploads around the remaining options available through Mirrorcreator, so in the interest of getting the best service here, could you try one or two of the more obscure hosts and let me know which ones work best and worst, so i can tailor my mirror options to the most user-friendly options?<br />
Many thanks.<br />
Thanks as always to everyone who takes the time to comment on the posts here.<br />
I very much enjoy reading what you have to say, both positive and negative, about the work we do here, please keep the feedback coming.<br />
Phew, i'm done for now, see you back here in 3-4 for more more more.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-64984735262471980682012-04-01T18:46:00.002-04:002013-01-20T13:00:08.160-05:00LIKE A TRAMP'S ALARM CLOCK<span style="color: #66ffff; font-style: italic;">Say You Missed Me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #66ffff; font-style: italic;">Say It Like You Mean It.</span><br />
Howdy folks!<br />
It's nice to be back again, after such an extended period of blogging inaction.<br />
I've got a mega-super-duper bumper post up my sleeve for you to thank you all for your loyalty and patience whilst i've been "away".<br />
For the benefit of those of you who may have missed a few items from the last full post before the internet went to shit, i've included a couple of select re-uploads too.<br />
Enough of the waffle, let's get to the Rawk.<br />
The history of Oakland Hard Rockers DRUNK HORSE is a long and complex one, so please bear with me whilst i try to separate fact from legend.<br />
As well as having one of the finest band names ever, the Horse are one of the tightest combos ever to crank tube amps and shake lank locks.<br />
Imagine if you will, a collision between '70's ZZ TOP, classic THIN LIZZY and something along the lines of SIR LORD BALTIMORE, then add a little FRANK ZAPPA and leave to simmer.<br />
Low slung riffing, disconcerting time changes, unexpected key switches, and the finest in tongue in cheek lyrics.<br />
You'll be in Heavy Rawk heaven when you take a ride on this Horse.<br />
Formed in 1998, the band released their classic self-titled debut album on Frank Kozik's legendary Man's Ruin Records the following year.<br />
2001 saw the release of their second full-length, the ambitious and cod-conceptual, "Tanning Salon/Biblical Proportions".<br />
Later that year a 7" called "Bambi/Dirty Mind" was released by Wantage Records, which comprised a pair of PRINCE cover versions (!).<br />
2002 brought a further 7", "Unearthed Gems Volume 2", on Unknown Controller Records.<br />
The two songs featured on this hunk o' plastic were apparently also covers, but i suspect that they were actually Horse originals, a further example of the band's odd sense of humour.<br />
Following the death of the Man's Ruin label, Drunk Horse found themselves a new home at Tee Pee Records, for whom they recorded the more streamlined "Adult Situations" album in 2003.<br />
That same year they contributed a killer version of "Kings & Queens", to the Small Stone Records Compilation album, "Right In The Nuts: A Tribute to Aerosmith".<br />
2004 began with another 7" release, this time it was a split with THE FEATHER on Delboy Records, with DH contributing the exclusive "Independent Type".<br />
A further album for Tee Pee, 2005's "In Tongues", saw the band getting a lot of positive press, touring Europe and impressing the hell out of all comers with their appearance at SXSW.<br />
It looked like the stars were aligning and the time was ripe for Drunk Horse to step up on to bigger stages.<br />
Then it all went curiously quiet.<br />
I've no idea as to what order things happened in next, but over the next few years, members of the band began moonlighting in other acts.<br />
Singer/Guitarist Eli Eckert, Guitarist Joel Robinow and Bassist Cyrus Comiskey all passed through the ranks of the neo-Psychedelic HOWLIN' RAIN, but not necessarily at the same time or in that order.<br />
But Drunk Horse continued to play live during this time, until Comiskey joined up with the more Metallic SAVIOURS full-time.<br />
Robinow & Eckert then both briefly passed through the ranks of COLOSSAL YES, before resurrecting the Horse for more live work.<br />
The band has continued to play local shows, with the most recent batch of gigs being as recently as last year, but no further recordings have surfaced as yet.<br />
It looks as though the band may have become a part-time endeavour, with Robinow also playing with the likes of EAST BAY GREASE, TOTAL B.S., ROOTS OF ORCHIS, ESTRADASPHERE & JOEL ROBINOW'S EXPLOSION.<br />
I continue to hope for new material from the band, but fear the chances of this happening are growing slimmer.<br />
For those who already know how great this band are/were, here's a real treat, a very rare live bootleg album entitled "Live - Dennis Hopper's Walkman".<br />
For those of you as yet untouched by the might of Horse-power, this should provide you with an excellent primer and motivator to seek out more of their material.<br />
Recorded mainly at Knoxville, Tennessee's Pilot Light Club in 2006, it captures Drunk Horse at the height of their powers in their natural setting, sweating out the rawk like gods before a small but fanatical crowd.<br />
There are also a couple of bonus tracks from San Fran's Great American Music Hall in 2004 and that same city's El Rio Club from 2011.<br />
A further bonus track (a cover of GOBLIN's "Profundo Rosso" theme), is also included in the rar, but if you're burning this collection to CD, leave this song off, coz it won't all fit on a standard CD-r.<br />
The album takes in tracks from each of the band's four studio albums as well as a couple of rare cover versions of songs by NEIL YOUNG and MAGMA.<br />
The world needs more bands of the quality of the inebriated equine, if you like what you hear here, go buy one of their albums.<br />
Let's tempt the Horse out of the stable and get it back out on the road!<br />
If anyone out there knows any more about the strange case of Drunk Horse, please share the knowledge!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">DRUNK HORSE - Live : Dennis Hopper's Walkman (2006) USA</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/8193/drunkhorsehopperfrunt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/8193/drunkhorsehopperfrunt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><a href="http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/0BDC014Q/DRUNK_HORSE_-_Dennis_Hopper__s_Walkman_-_Live_%28USA-2006%29.rar_links">http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/0BDC014Q/DRUNK_HORSE_-_Dennis_Hopper__s_Walkman_-_Live_%28USA-2006%29.rar_links</a><br />
<br />
STRAPPS were a London based Hard Rock act founded in 1975 by former EPISODE SIX, QUATERMASS, SAMMY and PEACE drummer Mick Underwood and Australian singer/guitarist Rod Stagg.<br />
Stagg had previously tried to make his way as a solo artist, releasing a lone single, "I'll Never Be A Star (But I Might)", on the Dawn label in 1974.<br />
After adding Bassist Joe Read and Keyboard player Noel Scott, the band was complete, and were signed to the Harvest Records label.<br />
Their self-titled 1976 debut album was produced by ex-Episode Six & DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover, and appeared in a striking fetish inspired sleeve.<br />
The band then found themselves on tour as special guests on Deep Purple's ill starred "Come Taste The Band" tour, Purple's last hurrah until their 1980's reformation.<br />
The "Strapps" album went on to find some success with very good sales in the American South, and was a genuine hit in Japan despite failing to even chart in the UK.<br />
Chris Kimsey was brought aboard as producer for the band's second album, 1977's "Secret Damage", which again sold very well in Japan.<br />
Strapps then found themselves on tour again, this time as guests to Underwood's former Episode Six bandmate in the IAN GILLAN BAND on the "Clear Air Turbulence" tour.<br />
A single from the album, the glam inflected "Child In The City", was a minor UK hit single, after the band performed the song live on the "Supersonic" TV show.<br />
1978 proved to be a problematic year for the band, with their 3rd album, entitled "Sharp Conversation", only issued in the U.S. and a few European territories.<br />
In Japan, where Strapps' stock was still high, the album was released under the title "Prisoner Of Your Love".<br />
A fourth album "Ball Of Fire", was recorded early in 1979 but was only issued in Japan, under the modified ROSS STAGG & STRAPPS name.<br />
Thereafter, finding themselves without a record deal, and deep in debt, Strapps went their separate ways, with Underwood accepting an invitation to join GILLAN.<br />
Underwood remained with Gillan for the duration of that band's lifespan, and also appeared on a few of IAN GILLAN's later solo albums.<br />
He then worked as a session drummer, before forming QUATERMASS II in 1997, recording an album with them entitled "Long Road".<br />
Underwood is now a member of RAW GLORY, to date they have issued one album, 2007's "City Life".<br />
Ross Stagg eventually returned to Australia, where he now works as a music and entertainment lecturer at NSW TAFE (New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission).<br />
In 2008 Angel Air Records released a vintage Stapps live performance on CD, "Live At The Rainbow 1977".<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">STRAPPS - Prisoner Of Your Love [aka "Sharp Conversation"] (1978) UK</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1134/strappsprisfrunt01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1134/strappsprisfrunt01.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
IMPERIAL STATE ELECTRIC is a Hard Rock band formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 2009 by Nicke Anderson, former front man of THE HELLACOPTERS.<br />
After the break-up of The Hellacopters in 2008, Andersson had begun work on what was intended to be his first solo album, recording all the vocals and instruments for eight songs by himself, before changing his mind and deciding that it would be better to form a band.<br />
To this end, Andersson recruited THE DATSUNS bassist/vocalist Dolf De Borst, Guitarist/Vocalist Tobias Egge and drummer Thomas Eriksson.<br />
De Borst, Egge & Eriksson had previously worked with Andersson in COLD ETHYL, a covers band he formed shortly after the break-up of The Hellacopters.<br />
During the recording of the band's self titled debut album Andersson also enlisted help from several old friends, including BACKYARD BABIES guitarist Dregen, ex-Hellacopter Anders "Boba Fett" Lindström and THUNDER EXPRESS/DEATH BREATH guitarist Robert Pehrsson.<br />
A non-album limited edition 7" single, "That's Where It's At", preceded the release of the band's self-titled debut album in 2010.<br />
Another single, this time culled from the album, "Resign", followed the album's release.<br />
Towards the end of the year ISE issued a further 7", a split affair with tour-mates THE BLOODLIGHTS.<br />
2011 saw the release of two further 7" singles, "Wail Baby Wail" & "You Don't Want To Know", and an exclusive one song CD single, "Rock Science", which was only available with the game of the same name.<br />
A six-song studio mini album, confusingly titled "In Concert", also saw the light of day in 2011.<br />
A new single, "Sheltered In The Sand", was released in January of this year, before the band's second full length album, "Pop War", arrived in February.<br />
Here you'll find all of the band's non-album tracks, twelve in all, culled from the 7"'s, the split, and the cd single, alongside three songs recorded for Swedish TV, two live, one unplugged.<br />
Now go and get a ticket to see Imperial State Electric live, or buy the new album, or at least get a tee-shirt.<br />
They're very much deserving of your adoration and support, cop an earful here and you'll see what i mean.<br />
<br style="color: red; font-weight: bold;" />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">IMPERIAL STATE ELECTRIC - Non-Album Tracks (2010-2012) Sw</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">eden</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3159/isefrunt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3159/isefrunt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Irishman Bernie Tormé is a hugely talented guitarist renowned for some particularly wild axework and theatrics.<br />
Such showmanship brought him close to 'guitar hero' status whilst in GILLAN in the late '70's & early '80's.<br />
After a spell in Dublin Hard Rock band URGE, Tormé relocated to London from Ireland, forming SCRAPYARD in 1976.<br />
A Hard Rock trio of Tormé, bassist Bernie Hagley, and drummer Roger Hunt, Scrapyard gigged solidly throughout the London area.<br />
Hagley was to depart and the band were swiftly brought back up to strength with the addition of former ZZEBRA bassist John McCoy.<br />
However, this union lasted only a matter of months with Tormé striking out on his own as THE BERNIE TORMÉ BAND.<br />
McCoy meanwhile soldiered on with Paul Samson on guitar as Scrapyard became McCOY.<br />
The Bernie Torme Band managed to release two singles and contributed tracks to the Punk compilation album "Live At The Vortex".<br />
The Bernie Torme Band, still a trio, then put in some British supports to Gillan, the headline act now featuring McCoy on bass.<br />
An album was recorded for Jet Records but remains unreleased.<br />
Disillusioned, Tormé took up his old colleague John McCoy's offer to hook up with Gillan.<br />
After leaving Gillan in 1981, Tormé joined ATOMIC ROOSTER, appearing on their "Headline News", album and undertaking two tours of Germany and Italy.<br />
Whilst trying to assemble another solo band, Tormé was asked to fill in for Randy Rhoads in OZZY OSBOURNE's band following the American guitarist's tragic death.<br />
Torme's stint on Ozzy's American tour lasted but two weeks, with the pressure being too much for the Irishman.<br />
Returning to London with Osbourne's blessing, Tormé, set back to work on his own band ELECTRIC GYPSIES.<br />
The "Turn Out The Lights" album, released under the "Bernie Torme" name, featured future SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Phil Spalding and Bernie's ex-Gillan partner Colin Towns on keyboards.<br />
For live work Electric Gypsies consisted of Tormé handling both vocals and guitar, Everton Williams on bass and drummer Frank Noon, the latter being on temporary loan from STAMPEDE.<br />
In 1982 Tormé appeared on ex-Gillan keyboard player Colin Towns' solo LP 'Making Faces', which only saw a Japanese release.<br />
The "Live", album, (released during 1984), featured original IRON MAIDEN member Ron "Rebel" Matthews on drums.<br />
A later British tour saw the addition of bassist Chris Heilmann, later to turn up in US act SHARK ISLAND, and ex-FRAMED drummer Ian Whitewood with vocalist Kef.<br />
In 1984 former GIRL vocalist Phil Lewis joined the band on a temporary basis following vocalist Kef's sudden departure before joining on a full time basis.<br />
Two albums (using the TORMÉ handle rather than Electric Gypsies) and successive British touring kept the band in the press, but momentum seemed to be waning.<br />
Lewis then relocated to Los Angeles to join American act L.A. GUNS.<br />
Tormé formed the shortlived RUSSIAN HIPPIES in 1988 with Bennet, vocalist Gary Owens and ex-BOMBSHELLS bassist Marc Russell.<br />
However, progress was minimal so Tormé and Russell travelled to America at the request of former TWISTED SISTER vocalist DEE SNIDER to join the vocalist's DESPERADOS outfit.<br />
The DESPERADO project of Tormé, Snider, Russell and ex-IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr initially scored a huge deal with Atlantic Records.<br />
However, after more than two years the band had switched to Elektra and, having laid down an album, discovered the label had no intention of releasing it.<br />
The DESPERADO album was finally released posthumously on an independent label at a much later date.<br />
Although Snider offered Tormé a position in a new act he was putting together, WIDOWMAKER, the Irishman opted to return to London.<br />
Upon his return Tormé put in a guest guitar appearance on guitarist RENE BERG's "The Leather, The Loneliness & Your Dark Eyes", album in 1991.<br />
Another project band was titled MUTANT with Blacken and Magpie of MOURNBLADE.<br />
The year 1994 saw another solo album release, "Demolition Ball".<br />
Early 1997 found the guitarist involved in Mick Underwood's reformation of the cult act QUATERMASS.<br />
Although Tormé wrote material for the album, "Long Road", he was to opt out before recording of the album.<br />
The guitarist's own solo album of that year, "Wild Irish", recorded with Pearce and Jones, came out limited to merely 500 numbered copies.<br />
Maintaining this renewed momentum a further studio album was issued in 1999, one track including lead vocal from Dee Snider.<br />
Torme returned to the band format for the 'all star' SILVER project.<br />
The band also witnessed a welcome return to action by former MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Gary Barden.<br />
Joining Torme and Barden would be H-BLOCKX drummer Marco Minnemann and MAD MAX, CASANOVA and DEMON DRIVE bassist Michael Voss.<br />
Keyboards were in the hands of as true veteran, Don Airey of RAINBOW, OZZY OSBOURNE and DEEP PURPLE fame.<br />
in 2007 Torme formed GMT with his former Gillan colleague bassist John McCoy with drums handled by Robin Guy of RACHEL STAMP and the BRUCE DICKINSON band.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">BERNIE TORMÉ BAND - Weekend EP (1979) UK</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4204/bernieweekend.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4204/bernieweekend.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
and, as a wee bonus for those who missed it...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">BERNIE TORMÉ BAND - I'm Not Ready 7" (1978) UK</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5738/berniereadyfront.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5738/berniereadyfront.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
VALLEY OF THE ADVERSARY were a four piece American Traditional Heavy Metal band, formed as a side project in Lexington, Kentucky in 2006.<br />
The band was initially the brainchild of BLADE OF THE RIPPER vocalist, Adam Neal (aka "The Rock'n'Roll Outlaw"), and his mysterious bass playing partner-in-crime, known only as "Mystery".<br />
Later Neal draughted in his Blade Of The Ripper bandmate, former STARKILLER guitarist Christian Tonegawa, who in turn brought in his BUFFALO BILL bandmate, drummer Kent O'Bryan, to complete the line-up.<br />
The band recorded a self titled three song demo in 2007, but then went on indefinite hiatus shortly thereafter.<br />
By this time Blade Of The Ripper was effectively over too, as Neal had decided to resurrect his best known act, THE HOOKERS, after a five year break.<br />
Since then The Hookers have toured the U.S.A. relentlessly, released several 7" singles, a split EP, and earlier this year, following a European Tour, issued a brand new studio album called "Horror Rises From The Tombs".<br />
Tonegawa and O'Bryan returned to their regular gig playing with Buffalo Bill, with Tonegawa also finding time to guest with LORDS and to play with MOTHER BRAIN too.<br />
Valley Of The Adversary bassist, "Mystery", later re-emerged in a project entitled DIRTY BITCH.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">VALLEY OF THE ADVERSARY - Valley Of The Adversary Demo (2007) USA</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1958/votam.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1958/votam.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><a href="http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/0CBBT7EC/VALLEY_OF_THE_ADVERSARY_-_Valley_Of_The_Adversary_Demo_%28USA-2007%29.rar_links">http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/0CBBT7EC/VALLEY_OF_THE_ADVERSARY_-_Valley_Of_The_Adversary_Demo_(USA-2007).rar_links</a><br />
<br />
I'll let DeathRiderDoom from Metal Archives describe this next one, because his review tells it like it is.<br />
<br />
"THRUSTER boosted into action in ’83, and formed part of the Ohio scene that included ATTAXE and AXTION amongst others.<br />
Their legacy was a full length in ’86 and this separately released debut single released in ’85.<br />
Their sound is pretty radical pounding Heavy Metal some what similar to Attaxe.<br />
This debut single bursts on to the scene with some pretty big riffs retaining a good deal of IRON MAIDEN-ish NWOBHM to the sound.<br />
Both tracks on this one are solid – with rip-roaring, Iron Maiden-ish riffs and great leads leading the way.<br />
"Excellerator", is a high-octane, fast number which sounds somewhat like a roaring JUDAS PRIEST track from the same time.<br />
Very cool stuff.<br />
Dell McFarland’s vocals have a cool throaty growl to them, and the sound has a nice, triumphant, all-conquering vibe to it, which retains a lot of that classic Middle-American sound to it, akin to other Ohio/Illinois area bands.<br />
"Back in Time", also has traces of ealy ‘80s Judas Priest in it – check the radical intro guitars, and the vocals of the first verse by McFarland.<br />
Big squealing solos and smooth screamed chorus vocals are the climax of this memorable cut.<br />
Very cool debut single here that will appeal to fans of Judas Priest, Attaxe, GLACIER, LIZZY BORDEN, ARMED FORCES and the like.<br />
An awesome style that is slightly Judas Priestish US metal, akin to MALICE or PHANTOM, though as an early single is not quite as refined.<br />
Very rockin' Heavy Metal that is pretty hard to not like.<br />
Fans of the old rare stff would be advised to check it out."<br />
<br />
Aside from the single, the band's only other release was a 1986 album, "M.I.A.", which was only released on cassette at the time.<br />
Later it was reissued as a CDR by the band, before finally being issued on vinyl by Fils Du Metal in 2009 with new artwork, in a limited edition of 500 numbered and signed copies.<br />
Of the 500 copies, 405 were pressed on black heavy vinyl, with 95 on grey heavy vinyl with an original copy of the "Back In Time/Excellorater" 7" enclosed.<br />
After Thruster's demise in the late '80's, Guitarist Clark Connley and Drummer Jimmy Brink formed a new act called NAKED TRUTH.<br />
Naked Truth released a seven song, self-titled "EP" in 1990, and followed that the next year with a three song demo.<br />
Finally in 1994, a full length Naked Truth album, "Stand Where I Stand" was released, but the band folded shortly thereafter.<br />
Connley then joined Cincinatti covers band SWIMSUIT MODELS, and still plays with them to this day.<br />
His fellow ex-Thruster guitarist Russ Willoughby, has released two solo albums, "Riveted" and "Behind The Velvet Rope".<br />
Thruster have reformed their entire "Back In Time/M.I.A." line up, and have been playing reunion shows in the Ohio area since 2005.<br />
They are currently working on material for a new studio album to be titled "Forever".<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">THRUSTER - Back In Time/Excellorater 7" (1985) USA</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/5030/thrusterz.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/5030/thrusterz.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Singer STEVIE LANGE (aka Stevie Vann, Stevie Vann-Lange) was born Stevie Van Kerken in Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.<br />
In the mid-'70's Vann had a group, BONES, before she married producer Robert "Mutt" Lange.<br />
In the late 1970's Vann met Chris Thompson whilst performing backing vocals on a MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND album.<br />
Thompson approached Vann to form a band, which eventually became NIGHT.<br />
Night were moderately successful, releasing 2 albums and appearing in the tongue-in-cheek Vincent Price horror movie "The Monster Club".<br />
She is now best known as a vocal coach, lending her services to the likes of DEF LEPPARD's Joe Elliot & ATOMIC KITTEN.<br />
She still tours with other artists, and has sung live with BRYAN ADAMS, ELTON JOHN, JOE COCKER & BRIAN MAY.<br />
Stevie also sang backing vocals on the version of Def Leppard's "When Love And Hate Collide" on their "Vault" compilation.<br />
Additionally, she has sung studio backup for MANFRED MANN, THE SWEET, TREVOR RABIN, UFO & RICK WAKEMAN.<br />
In 1995, she recorded a self-titled solo album, which produced by her ex-husband, "Mutt" Lange, who also sang background vocals.<br />
Now i know what you're thinking, that's all well & good, but why have you brought her to our attention?<br />
Well, because, for rockers of a certain vintage, Stevie was the mysterious voice behind the naked cartoon chick in the Limara body spray commercial in the early '80's.<br />
You remember the one?<br />
Cartoon animals (and plants), crowded round to watch a girl bathing under a waterfall, whilst a female singer instructed us to "Remember My Name", over a raunchy Hard Rock choon.<br />
It was my favourite advert in 1980, and i often wondered where i could find the song, and who that singer was.<br />
It turns out it was Stevie Lange, and the song in the ad, "Remember My Name", was rushed out as a single in 1981 to capitalise on the adverts success.<br />
Except, somehow, the record sank without a trace.<br />
And, after the ad stopped airing, so did Limara body spray.<br />
Then one day, a few years ago, i saw the image on this picture sleeve on a long gone blog, and the memory of "that song", came flooding back.<br />
One quick download later, and i was transported back to the early '80's, and found the song had stood the test of time rather nicely.<br />
It's a catchy Hard Rocker, not unlike something STEVIE NICKS might have done at the time, but with more balls to it, and Mrs Lange's raspy delivery fits it perfectly.<br />
So here it is, for those of you with long memories, with thanks to the original uploader.<br />
I'd give the flip a miss if i was you, it's sappy lightweight fluffy nonsense.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">STEVIE LANGE - Remember My Name 7" (1981) </span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Rhodesia</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4118/stevielangefront.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4118/stevielangefront.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
And now those re-uploads i was talking about, for the benefit of you Johnny come latelys.<br />
<br />
Mid '70s Los Angeles Hard Rock quartet THE BOYZ were managed by the notorious maverick figure of Kim Fowley.<br />
A three song demo was recorded in 1975 with producer Paul Ratajack.<br />
The tape brought the band to the attention of KISS bassist Gene Simmons who auditioned the band with a view to managing them, but in the end passed on The Boyz.<br />
The group were constant fixtures on the L.A. club circuit, being supported by both VAN HALEN and QUIET RIOT and conversely supporting THE RUNAWAYS amongst others.<br />
With no record deal for The Boyz forthcoming, guitarist George Lynch, bass player Monte Zufelt and drummer Mick Brown left to form XCITER in 1977.<br />
Ex-The Boyz singer MICHAEL WHITE later went on to form LA ROX with future W.A.S.P. man Randy Piper, THE WHITE with guitarist Lanny Cordola, then fronted LONDON for a stint, before going solo for a 1987 album.<br />
After recruiting talented singer Gregg "Greeg" Sanford, XCiter recorded a four song demo tape at Orion Studios with producer Phil Bateman.<br />
The material showed a talented band who sounded like a cross between early JUDAS PRIEST and VAN HALEN if you can imagine such a thing.<br />
The demo led the band onto the Sunset Strip venue merry-go-round, with XCiter regular performers at clubs such as The Starwood, The Whiskey-A-Go-Go and The Troubador.<br />
Singer Sanford departed in early 1979, and was replaced by a female vocalist, the extraordinarily named Lisa Furspanker.<br />
The new material written with Furspanker saw XCiter move in a slightly more commercial direction than before, but Lynch's incendiary guitarwork kept things sounding tough.<br />
Lynch's fretboard skills then brought him to the attention of the newly solo OZZY OSBOURNE.<br />
Auditioning for Ozzy's band, Lynch lost out ultimately to former Quiet Riot axe man Randy Rhoads.<br />
Xciter then recorded a further four song demo with producer Tony Eubanks, recorded this time at Phallanx Studios.<br />
In late '79, Furspanker was shown the door and replaced by the returning Sanford.<br />
However, fate interveined in 1980, when Don Dokken extended an invitation to Lynch and Brown to join DOKKEN who had just secured a record deal thanks to a demo which they had both guested on.<br />
Both felt they'd given XCiter their best shot, and so split the band in order to join forces with Dokken.<br />
Xciter didn't officially release any material during their lifetime, but in 2006 Wounded Bird Records combined the band's demos to issue a self-titled album.<br />
It's a fascinating snap-shot of that period of time before Brown and Lynch hit the big time with Dokken, and includes a 1977 take on "Paris Is Burning", which Dokken later recorded.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">XCITER - XCiter (1977-1979) USA</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/5491/xciter0003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/5491/xciter0003.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
Formed in Manchester in 1981, Hard Rock/NWOBHM band SAM THUNDER were a five piece band formed by Guitarists Steve Ferguson and Nick Bennett and Bass player Rob Naylor.<br />
After numerous personnel changes the band stabilised their line up in early 1982 with the arrival of ex-ARAGORN drummer Chris Dadson and recorded a 3 song demo tape.<br />
The tape brought them positive reviews in the music press and helped create a strong buzz about the band.<br />
Kerrang! magazine were enthusiastic, describing Sam Thunder in their "Armed & Ready" section as purveyors of "Hard-edged class Rock’n'Roll."<br />
After time spent gigging, more personnel changes saw Will Glover arrive on Vocals and Andy Chemney on Drums.<br />
Chemney replaced Chris Dadson, who left to join CHATEAUX, appearing on their "Fire Power" and "Highly Strung" albums.<br />
The French based Bullet Records (home of GEDDES AXE, LE GRIFFE & TRAITOR'S GATE), approached the band in 1983 to record an EP for the label.<br />
The three song EP, "Don't Take Forever", was released in early 1984, and sold well enough for Bullet to opt to fund a full album.<br />
Before recording on the LP began Mike Hepplestone was added to the band as Keyboard player.<br />
The resulting album, the ten song "Manoeuvres", was released later that same year, in the picture disc format only.<br />
The addition of prominent keyboards give many of the songs a Pomp/Prog/AOR flavour, but the underlying Hard Rock feel remains the same under all the window dressing.<br />
Unfortunately, Bullet Records went belly up soon after, and unable to secure a new deal, Sam Thunder followed suit in 1985.<br />
<br style="color: red; font-weight: bold;" />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">SAM THUNDER - Manoeuvres (1984) UK</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3083/samthunderfrunt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3083/samthunderfrunt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
After Seattle Hard Rock/Heavy Metal cult legends TKO broke up in 1987, Vocalist Brad Sinsel recorded an album's worth of demos in Hawaii as "Native Tongues", with producer Rick Keefer.<br />
Dissatisfied with the more commercial direction of "Native Tongues", Sinsel then teamed up with his former MOJO HAND & TKO band mate, Q5 guitarist Rick Pierce.<br />
This liason resulted in the formation of a short-lived new band which was eventually christened SUICIDE SQUAD.<br />
Rounding out the band's line up were bassist Rick Bradley and former FASTBACKS drummer Pilchard Stuverud.<br />
The bands demos led to a deal with the European Music For Nations record label who had previously released albums by TKO and Q5.<br />
Suicide Squad's lone release turned out to be the 4 song 1988 "Live It While You Can" EP.<br />
After the record's release Sinsel relocated to Los Angeles, joining a band featuring Suicide Squad drummer Pilchard Stuverud, which became WAR BABIES.<br />
War Babies signed a deal with Columbia Records, recording a lone self-titled album which finally emerged in 1992.<br />
War Babies lost their deal in 1993, and split up soon afterwards.<br />
Sinsel now fronts AMERICAN STANDARD.<br />
Post-Suicide Squad, Rick Pierce formed NIGHTSHADE with fellow ex Q5 member, vocalist Jonathan K.<br />
An album, "Dead Of Night" surfaced in 1991 through Music For Nations, before personnel problems forced the band to take a long hiatus.<br />
With a new rhythm section on board, a second Nightshade album, "Men Of Iron", was released through Hellion Records in 2001.<br />
Suicide Squad's drummer, Pilchard Stuverud, went on to a short stint with FIFTH ANGEL, before joining LUV Co., which featured former War Babies and MOTHER LOVE BONE members.<br />
He later teamed up with PEARL JAM bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Robbi Robb of TRIBE AFTER TRIBE in the experimental project THREE FISH.<br />
To date Three Fish have released two albums, a self titled 1996 debut and 1999's "The Quiet Table", as well as a single, "Laced".<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">SUICIDE SQUAD - Live It </span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">While You Can EP (</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">1988) U</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">SA</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1602/suicidesquadfrunt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1602/suicidesquadfrunt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 460px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 460px;" /></a><br />
<br />
And that, brothers & sisters, is that.<br />
Hope you find that tonight's sonic smorgasbord of vintage voltage was worth the wait.<br />
As per usual, i'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the stuff i've posted tonight.<br />
Make sure you use that "comments" button to share your grumbles, praises, thoughts, suggestions, requests and remembrances, or even just to say "howdy".<br />
Whilst i remember, i know many of you who visit this blog are also members over at <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">The Corroseum forum</span>, and are probably missing your Corro-fix since the site went down a few weeks back.<br />
The website has now returned, and with it came the following encouraging message from <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">DaN</span> </span>about the future of the forum:<br />
<span style="color: #33ffff; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 100%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I've hired a guy who's working on repairing the forum database.<br />This will cause some downtime during the next week or 2.<br />Watch this space for more updates on the matter...<br /> /aDmiNistructor</span><br />
Hopefully this bodes well for a speedy return for the Corro-forum.<br />
I'll be back with more of the same but different, in about three weeks time.<br />
Until then, take care out there.<br />
Y'hear?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-62446638896856357362012-02-09T18:47:00.002-05:002012-02-09T18:54:37.917-05:00TESTING...TESTING...STEP UP TO THE MIKEJust a quick post to try out this uploading site i'm looking at using.<br />Could you have a go at grabbing it to let me know how it works from a downloading perspective.<br />Please use the comments section to let me know if it works okay.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VARIOUS - New York Metal II (1990) USA</span><br />Rockcity Records RC-004<br /><br />192kbps<br /><br />01. DEVIAS - Bad Girls (3:39)<br />02. ROCKSLIDE - Crazy Lady (4:29)<br />03. GRIMM JACK - Downtown (3:04)<br />04. HANG 'EM HIGH - Paradise (3:10)<br />05. STREET PIRATES - Hells Kitchen (4:14)<br />06. CANNON - Coming Down On You (3:49)<br />07. KIDD BLAST - Rockin' Horse Rock (3:47)<br />08. MAJENTA - Gone Tomorrow (3:35)<br />09. 3 DAYZ DIRTY - I Want It, You Got It (3:39)<br />10. DIRTY HANDS - The Score (2:36)<br />11. JUSTICE - Freedom (3:47)<br />12. PRANCER - Like It (2:56)<br /><br />Rockcity Records was a label run by Lou Vetere, former vocalist for TEAZER.<br />The label released the 1984 compilation LP "New York Metal - 84", which featured the likes of VIRGIN STEELE, OVERKILL and BLACK LACE.<br />1990 saw the label's final release, a belated follow up to the earlier compilation, the cleverly titled, "New York Metal II".<br />By this time Rockcity had moved away from its pure Metal roots, though as a Hard Rock compilation this album is rather good.<br /><br />Here's a track-by-track review of the album by Keir from http://www.thecorroseum.com/comps/<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DEVIAS</span> - Bad Girls : Glammy Hard Rock with some great Metal guitars that remind me of LIZZY BORDEN's more mainstream work. Features the vocals of Frank Vestry who sang on the debut LP by BURNING STARR.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ROCKSLIDE</span> - Crazy Lady : Good melodic Metal with a bit of a LILLIAN AXE feel to it.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">GRIMM JACK</span> - Downtown : Decent Hard Rock/Sleaze.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HANG 'EM HIGH</span> - Paradise : Bluesy Hard Rock in the style of BADLANDS.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">STREET PIRATES</span> - Hell's Kitchen : Awkward Sleaze, though I can hear some influence from heavier artists such as OZZY OSBOURNE.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CANNON</span> - Coming Down On You : Early '80s style American Hard Rock/Heavy Metal with an end of the decade commercial edge.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">KIDD BLAST</span> - Rockin' Horse Rock : This is basically TAKASHI with Lou Vetere himself on vocals (under the pseudonym Vixx Vett). Unfortunatly they play lame Sleaze/Party Rock on this track.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MAJENTA</span> - Gone Tomorrow : Odd mix of Progressive Metal and mainstream Hard Rock like QUEENSRYCHE meets Y&T.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3 DAYZ DIRTY</span> - I Want It, You Got It : Boring Glam/Sleaze.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DIRTY HANDS</span> - The Score : Heavily distorted guitars and gravelly vocals usually indicate Metal, but when you strip those away it's just old fashioned Rock and Roll.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">JUSTICE</span> - Freedom : Good but sloppy US Metal.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PRANCER</span> - Like It : Female fronted Hard Rock, like a less metallic BLACK LACE.<br /><br />art & txt included<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">VARIOUS - New York Metal II (1990) USA</span><br /><br /><a href="http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/2760/nymetaliifrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/2760/nymetaliifrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/1I6CKM4B/VARIOUS_-_New_York_Metal_II_%28USA-1985%29.rar_links">http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/1I6CKM4B/VARIOUS_-_New_York_Metal_II_%28USA-1985%29.rar_links</a><br /><br />no pw<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-65197829730695142082012-02-02T18:07:00.002-05:002012-02-02T18:13:33.892-05:00THE STILLBORN STOATIn the aftermath of the recent actions undertaken against filehosting sites, there won't be any new posts at this blog for a while.<br />I want to wait and see how the cards fall once the dust settles before deciding which filehost best serves my needs, or if indeed there's any real future in uploading to filehosting sites.<br />Perhaps a better alternative will emerge.<br />I'm pretty gutted that 2 years worth of uploads were wiped out in a flash by the actions of the FBI, but i'll get over it.<br />Thanks for your continued interest & support, it's much appreciated.<br />Don't worry, i'll be back in action in some shape or form before too long.<br />Rawk on,<br />Bigfootkit<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-44429450095917267992012-01-02T16:33:00.002-05:002012-01-02T17:12:58.479-05:00PAINTING THE NURSERYA Happy New Year to you all!<br />Here's hoping that 2012 brings us all good health, wisdom and happiness.<br />I done got me a new fangled computer for my Xmas, and have been trying to get all my old shit onto my new hd ever since. Hence the delay in bringing you this latest post.<br />Think of it as a belated Xmas present.<br />Up first, formed in Manchester in 1981, Hard Rock/NWOBHM band SAM THUNDER were a five piece band formed by Guitarists Steve Ferguson and Nick Bennett and Bass player Rob Naylor.<br />After numerous personnel changes the band stabilised their line up in early 1982 with the arrival of ex-ARAGORN drummer Chris Dadson and recorded a 3 song demo tape.<br />The tape brought them positive reviews in the music press and helped create a strong buzz about the band.<br />Kerrang! magazine were enthusiastic, describing Sam Thunder in their "Armed & Ready" section as purveyors of "Hard-edged class Rock’n'Roll."<br />After time spent gigging, more personnel changes saw Will Glover arrive on Vocals and Andy Chemney on Drums.<br />Chemney replaced Chris Dadson, who left to join CHATEAUX, appearing on their "Fire Power" and "Highly Strung" albums.<br />The French based Bullet Records (home of GEDDES AXE, LE GRIFFE & TRAITOR'S GATE), approached the band in 1983 to record an EP for the label.<br />The three song EP, "Don't Take Forever", was released in early 1984, and sold well enough for Bullet to opt to fund a full album.<br />Before recording on the LP began Mike Hepplestone was added to the band as Keyboard player.<br />The resulting album, the ten song "Manoeuvres", was released later that same year, in the picture disc format only.<br />The addition of prominent keyboards give many of the songs a Pomp/Prog/AOR flavour, but the underlying Hard Rock feel remains the same under all the window dressing.<br />Unfortunately, Bullet Records went belly up soon after, and unable to secure a new deal, Sam Thunder followed suit in 1985.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SAM THUNDER - Manoeuvres (1984) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/3083/samthunderfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/3083/samthunderfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E3DSQ82F">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E3DSQ82F</a><br /><br />Mid '70s Los Angeles Hard Rock quartet THE BOYZ were managed by the notorious maverick figure of Kim Fowley.<br />A three song demo was recorded in 1975 with producer Paul Ratajack.<br />The tape brought the band to the attention of KISS bassist Gene Simmons who auditioned the band with a view to managing them, but in the end passed on The Boyz.<br />The group were constant fixtures on the L.A. club circuit, being supported by both VAN HALEN and QUIET RIOT and conversely supporting THE RUNAWAYS amongst others.<br />With no record deal for The Boyz forthcoming, guitarist George Lynch, bass player Monte Zufelt and drummer Mick Brown left to form XCITER in 1977.<br />Ex-The Boyz singer MICHAEL WHITE later went on to form LA ROX with future W.A.S.P. man Randy Piper, THE WHITE with guitarist Lanny Cordola, then fronted LONDON for a stint, before going solo for a 1987 album.<br />After recruiting talented singer Gregg "Greeg" Sanford, XCiter recorded a four song demo tape at Orion Studios with producer Phil Bateman.<br />The material showed a talented band who sounded like a cross between early JUDAS PRIEST and VAN HALEN if you can imagine such a thing.<br />The demo led the band onto the Sunset Strip venue merry-go-round, with XCiter regular performers at clubs such as The Starwood, The Whiskey-A-Go-Go and The Troubador.<br />Singer Sanford departed in early 1979, and was replaced by a female vocalist, the extraordinarily named Lisa Furspanker.<br />The new material written with Furspanker saw XCiter move in a slightly more commercial direction than before, but Lynch's incendiary guitarwork kept things sounding tough.<br />Lynch's fretboard skills then brought him to the attention of the newly solo OZZY OSBOURNE.<br />Auditioning for Ozzy's band, Lynch lost out ultimately to former Quiet Riot axe man Randy Rhoads.<br />Xciter then recorded a further four song demo with producer Tony Eubanks, recorded this time at Phallanx Studios.<br />In late '79, Furspanker was shown the door and replaced by the returning Sanford.<br />However, fate intervened in 1980, when Don Dokken extended an invitation to Lynch and Brown to join DOKKEN who had just secured a record deal thanks to a demo which they had both guested on.<br />Both felt they'd given XCiter their best shot, and so split the band in order to join forces with Dokken.<br />Xciter didn't officially release any material during their lifetime, but in 2006 Wounded Bird Records combined the band's demos to issue a self-titled album.<br />It's a fascinating snap-shot of that period of time before Brown and Lynch hit the big time with Dokken, and includes a 1977 take on "Paris Is Burning", which Dokken later re-recorded.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">XCITER - XCiter (1977-1979) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4620/xciterfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4620/xciterfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=28CTIRI8">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=28CTIRI8</a><br /><br />And now, i'm happy to bring you two vintage BBC live sets courtesy of the redoubtable <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span>. Thanks again for your generosity in sharing these!<br />Southern Rockers THE OUTLAWS, known to their fans as 'The Guitar Army', were formed by former DAVE & THE DIAMONDS, ROGUE and FOUR LETTER WORDS vocalist/guitarist Hughie Thomasson.<br />Prior to the band's first album the OUTLAWS had been led by Frank Guidry and included ex-DAVE & THE DIAMONDS personnel Dave Dix and Herbie Pino.<br />The band recruited Thomasson and drummer Billy Jones but shortly after fell apart when Guidry opted out of the music business.<br />Thomasson decided to keep the name with Guidry's approval.<br />The new unit saw Jones switch instruments to become a guitar player, Thomasson took vocals and guitar, bass was in the hands of Frank O'Keefe, Monte Yoho became the drummer and ex-SIENNA man Henry Paul came in on vocals.<br />Soon the new look band was under the business guidance of ex-LYNYRD SKYNYRD manager Alan Walden.<br />A showcase gig as guests to LYNYRD SKYNYRD secured the OUTLAWS a deal with major label Arista Records.<br />Arista was a brand new label and interest in their first signing was high.<br />Their self-titled debut 1975 album, produced by Paul A. Rothchild, and accompanying single "There Goes Another Love Song", were both hits.<br />In 1976 the OUTLAWS hit the road with a vengeance as the opening act on LYNYRD SKYNYRD's American tour.<br />The band also toured in the States as guests to THE ROLLING STONES, (on their "Black And Blue" tour), LITTLE FEAT, MARSHALL TUCKER BAND and also made their first foray into Europe as support to THE WHO.<br />The band remained stable until 1977's Bill Szymczyk produced "Hurry Sundown", which saw O'Keefe's departure, his place being filled by Harvey Dalton Arnold.<br />The OUTLAWS were by now evolving their sound, combining a distinctive Southern guitar flavour with vocal harmonies.<br />Paul opted out following this release, creating the HENRY PAUL BAND, releasing four albums for Atlantic Records, gradually moving in a more AOR vein.<br />Their "Bring It Back Alive", live album, recorded on the band's 1977 American tour at shows in Chicago, Miami, San Diego and Santa Monica heralded further new members in guitarist/vocalist Freddie Salem, formerly with THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS, and returning drummer David Dix.<br />The OUTLAWS first live album gave the band a hard earned gold record.<br />The 1978 album "Playin' To Win", was produced by Mutt Lange, although by now the band was struggling to maintain sales despite still being a concert draw nationwide.<br />Arnold was to leave to join THE HENRY PAUL BAND following the 1979 Johnny Sandlin produced "In The Eye Of The Storm", album and the OUTLAWS drafted in Rick Cua as substitute.<br />The record included the ELVIS COSTELLO written 'Miracle Man' and sales started to pick up once again.<br />Gary Lyons took the production reins for the next Outlaws album, 1980's "Ghost Riders".<br />The record revitalized the band's career with both single and album charting.<br />1982's "Los Hombres Malo" renewed the production partnership with Lyons and saw songwriting contributions from SURVIVOR's Jim Peterik and SAMMY HAGAR.<br />The album saw the departure of Jones who took to a career in medicine, (sadly committing suicide some years later).<br />Cua also quit the band after this effort to pursue what would be a rather successful career as a Christian Rock artist.<br />Jones also left at the same juncture.<br />Salem hooked up with the legendary Ohio biker band THE GODZ following a lone album as FREDDIE SALEM AND THE WILDCATS.<br />The OUTLAWS reformed in 1986 for a new recording, the "Soldiers Of Fortune" album.<br />The line-up saw Thomasson and Dix reunited with Henry Paul and with new members bassist Chuck Glass and guitarist Steve Grisham.<br />Guitarist JON BUTCHER added backing vocals and keyboards came courtesy of Randy Bishop.<br />Grisham was succeeded by Chris Hicks after the album was released.<br />Prior to the tour ex-MOTHER'S FINEST, MOLLY HATCHET and ILLUSION man Barry "B.B." Borden joined on drums<br />The group appeared at the Reading Festival that year, the group's first gig in Britain since 1977.<br />The band persevered but only Thomasson, Borden and Hicks remained.<br />For the 1993 live "Hittin' The Road", record they were joined by Timothy Cabe on guitar & Jeff Howell on bass.<br />Cabe left before the 1994 studio album "Diablo Canyon", which saw guest sessions from LYNYRD SKYNYRD's Gary Rossington and Billy Powell.<br />Thomasson joined LYNYRD SKYNYRD during 1996 and stayed with the band until his premature death on the 9th of September 2007 at just 55 years old.<br />During his time with Skynyrd, Thomasson played on 4 studio albums, ("Twenty", "Edge Of Forever", "Christmas Time Again" and "Vicious Cycle"), and on 3 live albums.<br />Chris Hicks teamed up with THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND in 1997 and released a solo album "Funky Broadway", the following year which featured Borden on drums.<br />Barry Borden was to drum on THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND's 1998 record "Face Down In The Blues", and their 1999 "Gospel", outing.<br />During early 2004 Henry Paul formed the SOUTHERN ROCK RENEGADES, an all-star celebration of Southern Rock featuring an elite cast of players.<br />Fronted by Paul and WET WILLIE vocalist Jimmy Hall, guitars were supplied by an illustrious trio of LYNYRD SKYNYRD veteran Ed King, 38 SPECIAL's Jeff Carlisi and the MARSHALL TUCKER BAND's George McCorkle.<br />Guest vocals came courtesy of Alison Heafner whilst ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION's Robert Nix delivered the drums.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE OUTLAWS - BBC In Concert - Reading Festival (1986) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/5141/outlawsreading86front.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/5141/outlawsreading86front.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GTUOYVSQ">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GTUOYVSQ</a><br /><br />DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS were an infamous London based band formed in 1981 by ardent biker "Dumpy" Dunnell, a character who had previously been a member of THE RIVVITS. Renowned over the years for their many appearances at biker festivals, the group was originally titled DUMPY'S DIRT BAND and the transition to DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS came in 1981 when the frontman was joined by Mac McKenzie on bass and drummer Chris Hussey, both previously members of NUTHIN' FANCY.<br />Unbelievably the band had to change its name to DUMPY'S RUSTY BOLTS to secure airplay for the debut 1982 'Just For Kicks' single when DJ's deemed the original band name too lewd. Sometime afterwards, Mac McKenzie left to rejoin NUTHIN' FANCY (much later ending up as manager of THUNDER) and was replaced by Jeff Brown, although he lasted for only a short period of time before making way in 1983 for Kerry Langford.<br />The band suffered a severe setback in 1984 when their record label folded. The advertised 'Rock The Nation' EP never surfaced commercially although mysteriously copies came to light much later.<br />By 1984 the band included former TANK drummer Mark Brabbs, and this was the line up responsible for the "Somewhere In England" album, a 16-track 2-LP vinyl set recorded live at the London Marquee Club, where they were a regular and popular attraction. Brabbs quit and left the fold with Langford in early 1986 and the pair were promptly replaced by bassist Alan Fish and drummer Mick Kirton, both ex-GROUNDHOGS. Fish was also a veteran of NWoBHM band ZORRO, a founder member of TREDEGAR and involved with AUTOLAND COMMAND.<br />The band's line-up remained ever fluid, even at one point seeing bassist Alan Davey and drummer Danny Thompson on temporary leave from HAWKWIND with Fish having departed to form EGYPT. Ex CLOVEN HOOF guitarist Mick Grafton also enlisted for a short stint, whilst yet another bassist, Graham Le Mon, joined in 1987 , the same year that the 'Get Out On The Road' album was issued. The record featured HAWKWIND mainman DAVE BROCK as a guest. Kirton was later to leave to join HAWKWIND.<br />In 1991 the band released a cover version of JO JO GUNNE's 'Run, Run' Run' as a single, but while DUMPYS RUSTY NUTS are still a going concern, no further product has surfaced. Dumpy is also now a sometime member of the venerable psychedelic institution we know as HAWKWIND.<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Here he is playing with his nuts at a holiday camp at the Kerrang! Wooargh! Weekender Festival, held in Caister, Great Yarmouth, in October 1984.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Organised by Kerrang and featuring bands such as Motorhead, Spider, Nazareth, Phil Lynott's Grand Slam, Waysted and prog band Twelfth Night.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Hawkwind connection is alive and well here too with Nik Turner guesting with the band on 'Cross Keys'. Enjoy!</span>" <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS - BBC In Concert : Live At The Kerrang! Wooargh! Weekender Festival (1984) UK</span><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5Q3HZWBD"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/6191/dumpyfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/6191/dumpyfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5Q3HZWBD">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5Q3HZWBD</a><br /><br />The "Friday Rock Show" was a radio show in the United Kingdom that was broadcast on BBC Radio 1 from 10pm to midnight on Friday nights from 1978 to 1993.<br />Throughout most of its run it was hosted by DJ Tommy Vance.<br />Ostensibly for the genre of rock in general, it was most closely associated with heavy metal.<br />In the early 1980's it was the only nationally available outlet for this genre of music, and Vance's enthusiasm for showcasing new bands and his rapport with fans made the show essential listening for rockers.<br />For most of its run, its intro and closing theme tune was the DIXIE DREGS instrumental "Take It Off The Top", and the quiz in the show "the Friday Night Connection" used the VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR track "Theme One", other jingles were written and performed by ROSE TATTOO, SAMSON and VOW WOW.<br />The show generally included a studio session or live performance each week, arguably being the main reason fans tuned in.<br />Many of these studio sessions were engineered, mixed and produced by Dave Dade, who worked closely with show producer Tony Wilson.<br />Also featured were recordings from the BBC radio archives, both live and studio-sessions, from as far back as the late 1960s.<br />This material included bands such as LED ZEPPELIN, DEEP PURPLE, JETHRO TULL, URIAH HEEP, RUSH & GENESIS, among others.<br />At the time the majority of this material was not available on general release and even today, some remains unavailable to the general public, mainly because Tony Wilson took the tapes with him when he left the BBC.<br />Other features included "The Friday Night Connection", a quiz in which listeners had to identify three pieces of music and the connection between them, and the "Rock War" (later renamed "Rock Challenge" during the 1991 Gulf War), in which listeners were asked to vote for the best of three demo tapes sent in by aspiring bands.<br />Another feature was the listeners' all-time chart, which took place once a year on the show's anniversary/birthday (Now We Are 1, Now We Are 2, etc.), during which were played the most popular rock tracks, as voted for by the listeners.<br />(This invariably finished with Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" at #1.)<br />The show played a significant role in the rise of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal.<br />It had the additional good fortune of being able to "borrow" the 88-91 MHz FM transmitters of BBC Radio 2, allowing listeners to enjoy the music in the best available quality for the time, before Radio 1 finally acquired its own FM frequency in 1988.<br />Before this happened, the show was temporarily given an extra hour from 2100 to 2200.<br />This was heard on mediumwave only except in London and parts of the south east, where it was relayed by BBC Radio London's FM transmitter.<br />After Radio 1's move to 24-hour FM broadcasting, the show's time slot was put back half an hour to 2230 to 0030.<br />By 1993 the introduction into Britain of a much wider choice of television and radio channels had made heavy metal more accessible and the show less important, and Tommy Vance left Radio 1 to join the original line-up of Virgin Radio.<br />The show was taken over by Claire Sturgess, but ceased soon after.<br />The die-hard fans saw the appointment of Sturgess to front the programme as 'cancellation by the back-door'.<br />The format of the programme fundamentally changed when she took over, firmly setting out its stall in the 'contemporary thrash' genre and ignoring the programme's strengths, which lay in a balance between the classic and the contemporary.<br />The death knells of the Friday Rock Show were already sounding prior to the programme being moved to a slot on Sunday afternoon.<br />Recently there has been a comeback with Bruce Dickinson of IRON MAIDEN, who fronts the new Friday Rock Show on BBC 6 Music between 9 pm and 12 midnight.<br />In 1982 Polydor Records released an EP entitled "Radio 1 Rock Show Themes", featuring (as the title suggests), the theme music from the various rock shows on Radio 1.<br />It featured the themes from "The Friday Rock Show" (by Dixie Dregs), "Rock On" (by Whitesnake), and "The John Peel Show" (by Grinderswitch).<br />For this post, i've bolstered the original 3 song EP with 2 further bonus tracks from the Friday Rock Show, "Theme One", by Van Der Graaf Generator and the "T.V., Play That Rock'n'Roll" jingle by Rose Tattoo.<br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VARIOUS - Radio 1 Rock Show Themes EP (1982) Various</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/6416/r1rstfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/6416/r1rstfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=51AUBRF8">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=51AUBRF8</a><br /><br />After Seattle Hard Rock/Heavy Metal cult legends TKO broke up in 1987, Vocalist Brad Sinsel recorded an album's worth of demos in Hawaii as "Native Tongues", with producer Rick Keefer.<br />Dissatisfied with the more commercial direction of "Native Tongues", Sinsel then teamed up with his former MOJO HAND & TKO band mate, Q5 guitarist Rick Pierce.<br />This liason resulted in the formation of a short-lived new band which was eventually christened SUICIDE SQUAD.<br />Rounding out the band's line up were bassist Rick Bradley and former FASTBACKS drummer Richard Stuverud.<br />The bands demos led to a deal with the European Music For Nations record label who had previously released albums by TKO and Q5.<br />Suicide Squad's lone release turned out to be the 4 song 1988 "Live It While You Can" EP.<br />After the record's release Sinsel relocated to Los Angeles, joining a band featuring Suicide Squad drummer Richard Stuverud, which became WAR BABIES.<br />War Babies signed a deal with Columbia Records, recording a lone self-titled album which finally emerged in 1992.<br />War Babies lost their deal in 1993, and split up soon afterwards.<br />Sinsel now fronts AMERICAN STANDARD.<br />Post-Suicide Squad, Rick Pierce formed NIGHTSHADE with fellow ex Q5 member, vocalist Jonathan K.<br />An album, "Dead Of Night" surfaced in 1991 through Music For Nations, before personnel problems forced the band to take a long hiatus.<br />With a new rhythm section on board, a second Nightshade album, "Men Of Iron", was released through Hellion Records in 2001.<br />Suicide Squad's drummer, Richard Stuverud, went on to a short stint with FIFTH ANGEL, before joining LUV Co., which featured former War Babies and MOTHER LOVE BONE members.<br />He later teamed up with PEARL JAM bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Robbi Robb of TRIBE AFTER TRIBE in the experimental project THREE FISH.<br />To date Three Fish have released two albums, a self titled 1996 debut and 1999's "The Quiet Table", as well as a single, "Laced".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SUICIDE SQUAD - Live It While You Can EP (1988) USA</span><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TPTVOP8W"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/1602/suicidesquadfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/1602/suicidesquadfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TPTVOP8W">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TPTVOP8W</a><br /><br />Irishman Bernie Tormé is a hugely talented guitarist renowned for some particularly wild axework and theatrics.<br />Such showmanship brought him close to 'guitar hero' status whilst in GILLAN in the late '70's & early '80's.<br />Tormé relocated to London from Ireland, forming SCRAPYARD in 1976.<br />A Hard Rock trio of Tormé, bassist Bernie Hagley, and drummer Roger Hunt, Scrapyard gigged solidly throughout the London area.<br />Hagley was to depart and the band were swiftly brought back up to strength with the addition of former ZZEBRA bassist John McCoy.<br />However, this union lasted only a matter of months with Tormé striking out on his own as THE BERNIE TORMÉ BAND.<br />McCoy meanwhile soldiered on with Paul Samson on guitar as Scrapyard became McCOY.<br />The Bernie Torme Band managed to release two singles and contributed tracks to the Punk compilation album "Live At The Vortex".<br />The Bernie Torme Band, still a trio, then put in some British supports to Gillan, the headline act now featuring McCoy on bass.<br />An album was recorded for Jet Records but remains unreleased.<br />Disillusioned, Tormé took up his old colleague John McCoy's offer to hook up with Gillan.<br />After leaving Gillan in 1981, Tormé joined ATOMIC ROOSTER, appearing on their "Headline News", album and undertaking two tours of Germany and Italy.<br />Whilst trying to assemble another solo band, Tormé was asked to fill in for Randy Rhoads in OZZY OSBOURNE's band following the American guitarist's tragic death.<br />Torme's stint on Ozzy's American tour lasted but two weeks, with the pressure being too much for the Irishman.<br />Returning to London with Osbourne's blessing, Tormé, set back to work on his own band ELECTRIC GYPSIES.<br />The "Turn Out The Lights" album, released under the "Bernie Torme" name, featured future SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Phil Spalding and Bernie's ex-Gillan partner Colin Towns on keyboards.<br />For live work Electric Gypsies consisted of Tormé handling both vocals and guitar, Everton Williams on bass and drummer Frank Noon, the latter being on temporary loan from STAMPEDE.<br />In 1982 Tormé appeared on ex-Gillan keyboard player Colin Towns' solo LP 'Making Faces', which only saw a Japanese release.<br />The "Live", album, (released during 1984), featured original IRON MAIDEN member Ron "Rebel" Matthews on drums.<br />A later British tour saw the addition of bassist Chris Heilmann, later to turn up in US act SHARK ISLAND, and ex-FRAMED drummer Ian Whitewood with vocalist Kef.<br />In 1984 former GIRL vocalist Phil Lewis joined the band on a temporary basis following vocalist Kef's sudden departure before joining on a full time basis.<br />Two albums (using the TORMÉ handle rather than Electric Gypsies) and successive British touring kept the band in the press, but momentum seemed to be waning.<br />Lewis then relocated to Los Angeles to join American act L.A. GUNS.<br />Tormé formed the shortlived RUSSIAN HIPPIES in 1988 with Bennet, vocalist Gary Owens and ex-BOMBSHELLS bassist Marc Russell.<br />However, progress was minimal so Tormé and Russell travelled to America at the request of former TWISTED SISTER vocalist DEE SNIDER to join the vocalist's DESPERADOS outfit.<br />The DESPERADO project of Tormé, Snider, Russell and ex-IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr initially scored a huge deal with Atlantic Records.<br />However, after more than two years the band had switched to Elektra and, having laid down an album, discovered the label had no intention of releasing it.<br />The DESPERADO album was finally released posthumously on an independent label at a much later date.<br />Although Snider offered Tormé a position in a new act he was putting together, WIDOWMAKER, the Irishman opted to return to London.<br />Upon his return Tormé put in a guest guitar appearance on guitarist RENE BERG's "The Leather, The Loneliness & Your Dark Eyes", album in 1991.<br />Another project band was titled MUTANT with Blacken and Magpie of MOURNBLADE.<br />The year 1994 saw another solo album release, "Demolition Ball".<br />Early 1997 found the guitarist involved in Mick Underwood's reformation of the cult act QUATERMASS.<br />Although Tormé wrote material for the album, "Long Road", he was to opt out before recording of the album.<br />The guitarist's own solo album of that year, "Wild Irish", recorded with Pearce and Jones, came out limited to merely 500 numbered copies.<br />Maintaining this renewed momentum a further studio album was issued in 1999, one track including lead vocal from Dee Snider.<br />Torme returned to the band format for the 'all star' SILVER project.<br />The band also witnessed a welcome return to action by former MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Gary Barden.<br />Joining Torme and Barden would be H-BLOCKX drummer Marco Minnemann and MAD MAX, CASANOVA and DEMON DRIVE bassist Michael Voss.<br />Keyboards were in the hands of as true veteran, Don Airey of RAINBOW, OZZY OSBOURNE and DEEP PURPLE fame.<br />in 2007 Torme formed GMT with his former Gillan colleague bassist John McCoy with drums handled by Robin Guy of RACHEL STAMP and the BRUCE DICKINSON band.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BERNIE TORMÉ BAND - I'm Not Ready 7" (1978) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5738/berniereadyfront.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5738/berniereadyfront.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2OOA1CCA">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2OOA1CCA</a><br /><br />So that's yer lot for tonight.<br />Hope there's something amongst tonight's selection to get your 2012 off to a good start.<br />Keep the comments, requests, remembrances, praise and hate mail coming, it's the food and drink which keeps the blog going, just use that "comments" button and let yer fingers do the talkin'.<br />Much love to ma homiez,<br />BFK<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-78295734765998452622011-12-05T15:31:00.006-05:002011-12-05T16:16:58.380-05:00THE BRIDESMAID'S LUNCHHi again folks.<br />Thank you all for your good wishes last time. My back's much improved, but still aches if i sit here too long, so without further ado, i'll let the music do the talking.<br />For starters, former KIDZ Vocalist Brad Sinsel formed the Hard Rock band TKO in Seattle, Washington in 1977 with guitarist Rick Pierce.<br />TKO released their debut LP, "Let It Roll", two years later on the Infinity Records label.<br />It sold well in their home state, but soon after the album's release Infinity Records went bust, leaving TKO without a deal.<br />By 1981, the band was headlining large shows in Seattle and touring as the opening act for the likes of AC/DC, VAN HALEN, HEART, THE KINKS, ANGEL and CHEAP TRICK.<br />TKO went through several personnel changes during the early 1980's, with Sinsel being the sole survivor from the "Let It Roll" line up by 1981.<br />In collaboration with the Hawaii based producer Rick Keefer, the band recorded the classic "In Your Face" album in 1981.<br />The band released a single, "Give Into The Night" through Sea West Records in 1982, which showed TKO now boasted a tougher, leaner sound than in their early days.<br />However, the "In Your Face" album went un-released until 1984, by which time the entire band that had recorded it, bar Sinsel, had moved on to other things.<br />By the time the album was released, guitarist Adam Brenner had gone solo re-billed as ADAM BOMB to cut his "Fatal Attraction" album, first released in Japan before Brenner inked a deal in America with Geffen.<br />Bassist Evan Sheely and Drummer Gary Thompson joined forces with another ex-TKO member, guitarist Rick Pierce in Q5.<br />Q5 achieved a modest degree of success, releasing two albums, "Steel The Light" and "When The Mirror Cracks".<br />Combat Records had signed TKO and released "In Your Face", licensing the album to Music For Nations for Europe, where it sold well and got great reviews.<br />In order for the band to continue Sinsel hired former CULPRIT guitarist Kjartan Kristofferson and bassist Scott Earl along with ex STRIKE and RANDY HANSEN BAND drummer Ken Mary.<br />After Sinsel contributed vocals to THRASHER's "Burning At The Speed Of Light" album, TKO started work on a new album.<br />That album, "Below The Belt", was issued in 1986, featuring, like it's predecessor, Brad's gorgeous wife Suzie Sinsel on the cover.<br />"Below The Belt", continued in the same tough Hard Rock vein as the previous album, but also showed a more melodic side on occassion.<br />Ken Mary then left the band to join first CHASTAIN, then FIFTH ANGEL, subsequently hooking up with HOUSE OF LORDS and ALICE COOPER.<br />TKO sadly broke up in 1987, with Sinsel then recording an album's worth of demos as "Native Tongues", with producer Rick Keefer.<br />Abandoning the more commercial direction of "Native Tongues", Sinsel then teamed up with Rick Pierce once again in the short-lived SUICIDE SQUAD, releasing the 4 song 1988 "Live It While You Can" EP.<br />Around this time, ex-TKO guitarist Adam Brenner aka Adam Bomb, formed a new act with ex-DOGS D'AMOUR bassist Steve James. Called LAST BANDITS, they recorded a one off album in 1991.<br />Meanwhile Brad Sinsel's new band WAR BABIES had signed a deal with Columbia Records, recording a lone self-titled album in 1992, featuring the tracks "Hang Me Up" and "Cry Yourself To Sleep", co-written by Sinsel and KISS frontman Paul Stanley.<br />Ironically for Seattle legend Sinsel, the War Babies album was released just as "Grunge" hit big, and as a result the album didn't get the attention (or sales) it deserved.<br />War Babies lost their deal in 1993, and split up soon afterwards.<br />In 1997, TKO reunited for a one-off performance as part of Seattle's "Pain In The Grass" concert series.<br />After this show, Brenner underwent another transformation becoming "Pink Gibson" for his new band GET ANIMAL<br />In 2001, an archive 2-CD TKO album entitled "In Your Face & Up Your Ass" was issued by Metal Mayhem Music.<br />The first disc featured earlier rawer versions of the tracks from the "In Your Face" album alongside previously unheard songs.<br />Disc 2 was comprised of 15 vintage live recordings, including LED ZEPPELIN, ROLLING STONES & STEPPENWOLF covers, alongside the TKO originals.<br />To launch the CD's release, a one-off Northwest Passage reunion show was a celebration of the legendary Seattle band's best works.<br />Sinsel now fronts AMERICAN STANDARD alongside former FLIPP guitarist Brynn Arens.<br />Sorry about having to split this archive into 4 parts, when i originally tried to upload it as just 2 halves my connection kept on dropping around the 80 per cent mark, so i made the archives smaller to make sure they got uploaded.<br />Well worth your time though, TKO rawk!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TKO - In Your Face & Up Your Ass (2-CD) (1981-1984) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1299/tkofrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1299/tkofrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Part 1 : </span><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=220NOYAX">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=220NOYAX</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 :</span> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WB1D7IKP">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WB1D7IKP</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 3 :</span> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QD5BRX2P">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QD5BRX2P</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 4 :</span> <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PQECK6QL">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PQECK6QL</a><br /><br />SPEED QUEEN were a Hard Rocking French quintet originally formed in Mulhouse, Alsace in 1974 under the name BLACK RAT.<br />Heavily influenced by the Heavy Rocking style of AC/DC, once they were joined by leather lunged vocalist "Stewy" (aka Martine Himburg), in 1977, they soon changed their name to Speed Queen.<br />Their first vinyl appearance came on the Crypto Records compilation album, "Rock D'Ici Vol. 2" in 1978.<br />They contributed two tracks, "Be Bad Man" and "One Of These Days".<br />In 1979 they played some dates on MOTORHEAD's French tour and Lemmy was so impressed by the band that he invited them to do a couple dates in England also.<br />They recorded their first album in September 1979 at the Chateau d'Herouville, where the ROLLING STONES had produced "Exile On Main Street".<br />The album was released in January 1980, and was a moderate success on mainland Europe.<br />On the sleeve the track "Not To Sell" was dedicated to Lemmy, who was instrumental in Speed Queen being offered a deal with Bronze Records in the UK.<br />Unfortunately, the band were unable to take advantage of Bronze's offer because they were involved in legal wranglings with Crypto Records at the time.<br />In 1982, a further album, confusingly also called "Speed Queen", was released by the band on new label CBS Records.<br />Most of the songs on this record had French lyrics and titles, and overall Speed Queen sounded a bit slicker than on the debut LP.<br />Lemmy even found the time to appear on the album, contributing vocals to a song called "Revanche".<br />The record didn't sell as well as the band had hoped, and Speed Queen split up in early 1983.<br />Post-Speed Queen Stewy reappearred with a 1984 solo album "Gypsy", recorded under the name of STEVIE.<br />Her label hoped for an international hit, and to this end they hired some American musicians & songwriters.<br />Bruce Kulick (KISS, BLACKJACK) plays guitar on most of the album and Michael Bolton did some back up vocals too.<br />Half of the songs were sung in English and the rest in French.<br />Although very commercial, the album failed to sell, and after one further album, 1986's "Seemann", Stewy/Stevie was dropped by the label.<br />Later she re-emerged as a member of TOUCH! alongside her husband, former TRUST guitarist Norbert "Nono" Krief.<br />They released a lone 1994 album, "Marche Avec Moi", on the French wing of the EMI Records label.<br />She then sang with UN MONDE A L'ENVERS who released a self-titled album in 2005, before guesting on BIG BEN's 2008 "Sur Invitation", album.<br />Former Speed Queen drummer Bernard "Speedy" Reischtat now plays with GENS DE LA LUNE.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SPEED QUEEN - Speed Queen (II) (1982) France</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/774/speedqueenii.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/774/speedqueenii.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9JVGR9TR">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9JVGR9TR</a><br /><br />Irishman Bernie Tormé is a hugely talented guitarist renowned for some particularly wild axework and theatrics.<br />Such showmanship brought him close to 'guitar hero' status whilst in GILLAN in the late '70's & early '80's.<br />Tormé relocated to London from Ireland, forming SCRAPYARD in 1976.<br />A Hard Rock trio of Tormé, bassist Bernie Hagley, and drummer Roger Hunt, Scrapyard gigged solidly throughout the London area.<br />Hagley was to depart and the band were swiftly brought back up to strength with the addition of former ZZEBRA bassist John McCoy.<br />However, this union lasted only a matter of months with Tormé striking out on his own as THE BERNIE TORMÉ BAND.<br />McCoy meanwhile soldiered on with Paul Samson on guitar as Scrapyard became McCOY.<br />The Bernie Torme Band managed to release two singles and contributed tracks to the Punk compilation album "Live At The Vortex".<br />The Bernie Torme Band, still a trio, then put in some British supports to Gillan, the headline act now featuring McCoy on bass.<br />An album was recorded for Jet Records but remains unreleased.<br />Disillusioned, Tormé took up his old colleague John McCoy's offer to hook up with Gillan.<br />After leaving Gillan in 1981, Tormé joined ATOMIC ROOSTER, appearing on their "Headline News", album and undertaking two tours of Germany and Italy.<br />Whilst trying to assemble another solo band, Tormé was asked to fill in for Randy Rhoads in OZZY OSBOURNE's band following the American guitarist's tragic death.<br />Torme's stint on Ozzy's American tour lasted but two weeks, with the pressure being too much for the Irishman.<br />Returning to London with Osbourne's blessing, Tormé, set back to work on his own band ELECTRIC GYPSIES.<br />The "Turn Out The Lights" album, released under the "Bernie Torme" name, featured future SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Phil Spalding and Bernie's ex-Gillan partner Colin Towns on keyboards.<br />For live work Electric Gypsies consisted of Tormé handling both vocals and guitar, Everton Williams on bass and drummer Frank Noon, the latter being on temporary loan from STAMPEDE.<br />In 1982 Tormé appeared on ex-Gillan keyboard player Colin Towns' solo LP 'Making Faces', which only saw a Japanese release.<br />The "Live", album, (released during 1984), featured original IRON MAIDEN member Ron "Rebel" Matthews on drums.<br />A later British tour saw the addition of bassist Chris Heilmann, later to turn up in US act SHARK ISLAND, and ex-FRAMED drummer Ian Whitewood with vocalist Kef.<br />In 1984 former GIRL vocalist Phil Lewis joined the band on a temporary basis following vocalist Kef's sudden departure before joining on a full time basis.<br />Two albums (using the TORMÉ handle rather than Electric Gypsies) and successive British touring kept the band in the press, but momentum seemed to be waning.<br />Lewis then relocated to Los Angeles to join American act L.A. GUNS.<br />Tormé formed the shortlived RUSSIAN HIPPIES in 1988 with Bennet, vocalist Gary Owens and ex-BOMBSHELLS bassist Marc Russell.<br />However, progress was minimal so Tormé and Russell travelled to America at the request of former TWISTED SISTER vocalist DEE SNIDER to join the vocalist's DESPERADOS outfit.<br />The DESPERADO project of Tormé, Snider, Russell and ex-IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr initially scored a huge deal with Atlantic Records.<br />However, after more than two years the band had switched to Elektra and, having laid down an album, discovered the label had no intention of releasing it.<br />The DESPERADO album was finally released posthumously on an independent label at a much later date.<br />Although Snider offered Tormé a position in a new act he was putting together, WIDOWMAKER, the Irishman opted to return to London.<br />Upon his return Tormé put in a guest guitar appearance on guitarist RENE BERG's "The Leather, The Loneliness & Your Dark Eyes", album in 1991.<br />Another project band was titled MUTANT with Blacken and Magpie of MOURNBLADE.<br />The year 1994 saw another solo album release, "Demolition Ball".<br />Early 1997 found the guitarist involved in Mick Underwood's reformation of the cult act QUATERMASS.<br />Although Tormé wrote material for the album, "Long Road", he was to opt out before recording of the album.<br />The guitarist's own solo album of that year, "Wild Irish", recorded with Pearce and Jones, came out limited to merely 500 numbered copies.<br />Maintaining this renewed momentum a further studio album was issued in 1999, one track including lead vocal from Dee Snider.<br />Torme returned to the band format for the 'all star' SILVER project.<br />The band also witnessed a welcome return to action by former MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Gary Barden.<br />Joining Torme and Barden would be H-BLOCKX drummer Marco Minnemann and MAD MAX, CASANOVA and DEMON DRIVE bassist Michael Voss.<br />Keyboards were in the hands of as true veteran, Don Airey of RAINBOW, OZZY OSBOURNE and DEEP PURPLE fame.<br />in 2007 Torme formed GMT with his former Gillan colleague bassist John McCoy with drums handled by Robin Guy of RACHEL STAMP and the BRUCE DICKINSON band.<br />This vintage BBC live set was recorded at the Paris Theatre, London on 11/06/82 and comes to you courtesy of the awesome <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BERNIE TORMÉ'S ELECTRIC GYPSIES - BBC In Concert (1982) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5535/bernietormebbcfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5535/bernietormebbcfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U5XVLV3H">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U5XVLV3H</a><br /><br />This next one comes to us courtesy of another friend of the blog turned contributer, namely <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Chatzial</span>. Your generosity is appreciated mate.<br />DESTINY were a short lived American quartet who hailed from from the state of Ohio, forming in the early 1980's.<br />Their only release was the five song "Back On The Streets" Mini LP, issued by Bent Back Records in 1985.<br />Information on the band has proved extremely difficult to turn up, with one of the few mentions of the band on the net being this review by Vaggelis Fotakis from http://www.metalpage.de/<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">This band from Ohio released one of the most interesting private Metal/Hard Rock records in this state.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Back On The Streets", "Think It Over Lover" and "Fantasy" are so</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ngs you won't easily forget, with nice solos and choruses.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I would say this</span> DESTINY (<span style="font-style: italic;">no relation to any other band with the same name</span>) <span style="font-style: italic;">is one of the most underestimated US bands.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Its name is spoken very rarely in collectors' circles and I real</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ly can't get why... maybe due to its obscurity... as it was one of the top rarities some years ago.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Don't ignore it if you come across a copy, especially if you like acts like </span>MC BLADE, RUFFKUT, RAZORMAID, INSANE & DARK STARR."<br />To me "Back On The Streets", is firmly in the Hard Rock/AOR field, and i don't really hear the comparisons that the reviewer makes with those other bands.<br />It sounds more to me more like "High'n'Dry" era DEF LEPPARD, with the hooks well and truly to the fore.<br />If you enjoy that style at all, then you should find much to admire here, with the excellent guitar work of Jeff Ward and the strong vocals of Bran Silveous setting Destiny apart from the many acts who laboured in obscurity in this field of music.<br />I believe this one changes hands for silly money on occassion, often hyped as a "private press Metal monster", which it isn't, but it's well worth a listen regardless.<br />Bassist John Castetter is still active in music, having been a member of TRILOGY, MEDICINE HAT, THE MENUS and RATTLESNAKIN' DADDIES to name but a few, whilst Vocalist/Guitarist Bran Silveous is now a Christian minister.<br />Many thanks to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Chatzial</span> for ripping and sharing this rare record with us, it's very appreciated.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DESTINY - Back On The Streets Mini LP (1985) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1492/destinyfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1492/destinyfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U7IZ3BLM">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=U7IZ3BLM</a><br /><br />And now, another one from <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span>.<br />He's spoiling you.<br />SCORCHED EARTH were a five piece NWOBHM band formed in Birmingham in 1978.<br />Maintaining a solid line up from the outset, they built up a loyal following on the Midlands live circuit over the next few years.<br />The replacement of drummer Tim Kristic in 1983 with former DIRTY TRICKS and GRAND PRIX drummer Andy Bierne brought the band to the attention of Carrere Records.<br />Carrere were at the time experiencing success in the Rock/Metal market with SAXON, RAGE and ROSE TATTOO, and keen to add to their roster, signed Scorched Earth.<br />Their lone release for the label was the four song "Tomorrow Never Comes" EP, which was probably too cultured and subtle to attract an audience at the time of it's release.<br />Despite good reviews, poor sales lead to the band being dropped by their label.<br />A four song demo (confusingly, also titled "Tomorrow Never Comes"), surfaced later in the year, but with no breakthrough in sight, Bierne accepted an offer to join the much fancied LIONHEART.<br />After Bierne's departure the remainder of the band struggled to regain momentum and soon called it quits.<br />Guitarist Paul Bodley later became a music teacher in Stourbridge, whilst Bierne stayed active as a respected session drummer.<br />This is their BBC Radio 1 "Friday Rock Show" session from back on the 14th of June 1983 and it's a good 'un.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SCORCHED EARTH - BBC Friday Rock Show Session (1983) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/6933/scorchedearth.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/6933/scorchedearth.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H3380Z4P">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H3380Z4P</a><br /><br />DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS were an infamous London based band formed in 1981 by ardent biker "Dumpy" Dunnell, a character who had previously been a member of THE RIVVITS.<br />Renowned over the years for their many appearances at biker festivals, the group was originally titled DUMPY'S DIRT BAND and the transition to DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS came in 1981 when the frontman was joined by Mac McKenzie on bass and drummer Chris Hussey, both previously members of NUTHIN' FANCY.<br />Unbelievably the band had to change its name to DUMPY'S RUSTY BOLTS to secure airplay for the debut 1982 'Just For Kicks' single when DJ's deemed the original band name too lewd.<br />Sometime afterwards, Mac McKenzie left to rejoin NUTHIN' FANCY (much later ending up as manager of THUNDER) and was replaced by Jeff Brown, although he lasted for only a short period of time before making way in 1983 for Kerry Langford.<br />The band suffered a severe setback in 1984 when their record label folded.<br />The advertised 'Rock The Nation' EP never surfaced commercially although mysteriously copies came to light much later.<br />By 1984 the band included former TANK drummer Mark Brabbs, and this was the line up responsible for the "Somewhere In England" album, a 16-track 2-LP vinyl set recorded live at the London Marquee Club, where they were a regular and popular attraction.<br />Brabbs quit and left the fold with Langford in early 1986 and the pair were promptly replaced by bassist Alan Fish and drummer Mick Kirton, both ex-GROUNDHOGS.<br />Fish was also a veteran of NWoBHM band ZORRO, a founder member of TREDEGAR and involved with AUTOLAND COMMAND.<br />The band's line-up remained ever fluid, even at one point seeing bassist Alan Davey and drummer Danny Thompson on temporary leave from HAWKWIND with Fish having departed to form EGYPT.<br />Ex CLOVEN HOOF guitarist Mick Grafton also enlisted for a short stint, whilst yet another bassist, Graham Le Mon, joined in 1987 , the same year that the 'Get Out On The Road' album was issued.<br />The record featured HAWKWIND mainman DAVE BROCK as a guest.<br />Kirton was later to leave to join HAWKWIND.<br />In 1991 the band released a cover version of JO JO GUNNE's 'Run, Run' Run' as a single, but while DUMPYS RUSTY NUTS are still a going concern, no further product has surfaced.<br />Dumpy is also now a sometime member of the venerable psychedelic institution we know as HAWKWIND.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DUMPY - Rock The Nation EP (1984) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6247/drtnfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/6247/drtnfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QKDYYY4U">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QKDYYY4U</a><br /><br />Okay, finally this evening, what we have here is one of those uber-rare one-off items, which attracts interest from both NWoBHM and Punk fans alike.<br />Next to nothing is known about the band behind it, UNDERDOG, aside from the fact that they appear to have nothing to do with the myriad of other bands who used that selfsame name.<br />What we can say for sure, because of it's scarcity, is that it seems to have had a very low number of copies pressed.<br />As a result of it's rarity, it's now a very highly prized collectors piece, and as such, it commands ridiculous money when it does occasionally crop up for sale.<br />Side A, "Blue Water, White Death", is a 6:00 minute tour-de-force, and is very much in the NWoBHM mould.<br />The great guitarwork is the highlight of the song for me, and overall this is pretty Heavy stuff for 1979.<br />The flipside, "Life At 21", is less obviously influenced by Rock/Metal, with a catchy Punk/New Wave styled chorus being the obvious hook here.<br />However, repeated plays reveal some accomplished musicianship behind the bluster, making me wonder if this song was an attempt at a bit of bandwagon jumping by some experienced old hands.<br />Whatever the truth behind the band, you are unlikely to ever hold a copy of this record in your hands, so give it a d/l and hear it for yourself.<br />It's a record that deserves to be better known, and unlike oh so many over-hyped big money rarities, this one actually has some worthwhile music in it's grooves.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">UNDERDOG - Blue Water, White Death/Life At 21 7" (1979) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5607/underdogr.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 420px; height: 420px;" src="http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5607/underdogr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8PK7OE1X">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8PK7OE1X</a><br /><br />So that's that for another couple o' weeks.<br />Hope you enjoy tonight's selection.<br />Remember to share your thoughts, remembrances, praise and ire in the comments section.<br />Also please remember to doff yer caps in the direction of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Chatzial</span> & <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Weaselkin1</span> for their great work and extreme kindness in sharing their collections with us here.<br />I'm off to lie down for 2-3 weeks, 'til next time, be awesome.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-65447326993752550462011-11-13T14:50:00.004-05:002011-12-03T13:56:27.172-05:00SMUGGLING A TUSKSorry for the delay between posts, but i've been unable to sit @ the computer for long recently, thanks to the searing torment of:<br /><b style="font-style: italic;">Sciatica.</b><br />Let's get on with it shall we?<br />SPEED QUEEN were a Hard Rocking French quintet originally formed in Mulhouse, Alsace in 1974 under the name BLACK RAT.<br />Heavily influenced by the Heavy Rocking style of AC/DC, once they were joined by leather lunged vocalist "Stewy" (aka Martine Himburg), in 1977, they soon changed their name to Speed Queen.<br />Their first vinyl appearance came on the Crypto Records compilation album, "Rock D'Ici Vol. 2" in 1978.<br />They contributed two tracks, "Be Bad Man" and "One Of These Days".<br />In 1979 they played some dates on MOTORHEAD's French tour and Lemmy was so impressed by the band that he invited them to do a couple dates in England also.<br />They recorded their first album in September 1979 at the Chateau d'Herouville, where the ROLLING STONES had produced "Exile On Main Street".<br />The album was released in January 1980, and was a moderate success on mainland Europe.<br />On the sleeve the track "Not To Sell" was dedicated to Lemmy, who was instrumental in Speed Queen being offered a deal with Bronze Records in the UK.<br />Unfortunately, the band were unable to take advantage of Bronze's offer because they were involved in legal wranglings with Crypto Records at the time.<br />In 1982, a further album, confusingly also called "Speed Queen", was released by the band on new label CBS Records.<br />Most of the songs on this record had French lyrics and titles, and overall Speed Queen sounded a bit slicker than on the debut LP.<br />Lemmy even found the time to appear on the album, contributing vocals to a song called "Revanche".<br />The record didn't sell as well as the band had hoped, and Speed Queen split up in early 1983.<br />Post-Speed Queen Stewy reappearred with a 1984 solo album "Gypsy", recorded under the name of STEVIE.<br />Her label hoped for an international hit, and to this end they hired some American musicians & songwriters.<br />Bruce Kulick (KISS, BLACKJACK) plays guitar on most of the album and Michael Bolton did some back up vocals too.<br />Half of the songs were sung in English and the rest in French.<br />Although very commercial, the album failed to sell, and after one further album, 1986's "Seemann", Stewy/Stevie was dropped by the label.<br />Later she re-emerged as a member of TOUCH! alongside her husband, former TRUST guitarist Norbert "Nono" Krief.<br />They released a lone 1994 album, "Marche Avec Moi", on the French wing of the EMI Records label.<br />She then sang with UN MONDE A L'ENVERS who released a self-titled album in 2005, before guesting on BIG BEN's 2008 "Sur Invitation", album.<br />Former Speed Queen drummer Bernard "Speedy" Reischtat now plays with GENS DE LA LUNE.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SPEED QUEEN - Speed Queen (1980) France</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/5261/sqfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/5261/sqfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YV7E3T86">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YV7E3T86</a><br /><br />WINTERKAT were a Hard Rock/Pomp Rock band formed in San Antonio, Texas in 1982.<br />The group rose from the ashes of LIQUID SKY, a band that had appeared on the "KISS Homegrown" radio station compilation LP in 1981.<br />Guitarist Jonathan Grell had appeared in that group and formed WINTERKAT with vocalist Ric Swanson, drummer Gerado Ramirez and bassist Dean Vallecillo, the latter pair both being ex-HEYOKA members.<br />The following year saw the band release a self-titled five song Mini LP on their own Winterkat Records label.<br />Although Gerado Ramirez played keyboards on the album, MYTH man Ruben Castaneda was used for live shows.<br />Ric Swanson left to form AOR band NIGHTWORK in 1985, releasing a self-titled album in 1986.<br />He was replaced at the Winterkat microphone by Michael Steele Grothues, another former Heyoka member.<br />A further Mini LP, "The Struggle", was issued on Monument Records in 1986, featuring a cover of JIMI HENDRIX's "Little Wing", alongside six originals.<br />The band struggled on until the early '90's, but by this time many of the band's key players had moved on to other projects.<br />Bassist Dean Vallecillo went on to join Minneapolis band DARE FORCE, performing on their 1989 "Firepower" album.<br />Jonathan Grell founded DIRTY WATER with singer Rhett Forrester, formerly of RIOT.<br />This band demoed material but the project came to a screeching halt in 1994 when Rhett was tragically murdered.<br />After Winterkat, Grell founded SUITE 16, an alliance with ex-S.A. SLAYER and RIOT members Bobby Jarzombek and Don Van Stavern.<br />John Grell later went on to join the Southern Rock group MUDPIE, which included former members of MSG, SALTY DOG and STEELHOUSE LANE, releasing a self-titled CD in 2002.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WINTERKAT - The Struggle (1985) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4143/winterkat2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4143/winterkat2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K1MTVALP">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K1MTVALP</a><br /><br />And now, three excellent contributions from the redoubtable <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span>.<br />You sir, are a star.<br />EXPORT were a classy AOR/Hard Rock act formed in Liverpool in 1979 by ex HARD STUFF vocalist Harry Shaw.<br />The following year saw the band release their debut self titled self financed album on His Master's Vice Records.<br />The band spent the rest of the year touring the UK, with glowing reviews of the album helping to swell the club audiences they played to.<br />1981 saw the release of the "You Gotta Rock" 7" single, and more live work supporting the likes of WILD HORSES.<br />The band's show at London's Paris Theatre in June 1981 was recorded by the BBC and broadcast on Radio 1's "In Concert" programme.<br />All this activity brought Export to the attention of the American arm of Epic Records who signed the band.<br />The first fruit of this liason was to be 1984's more overtly AOR styled "Contraband" album.<br />1986 saw the band release their third and final album, the critically acclaimed, Lance Quinn produced "Living In Fear Of The Private Eye".<br />Despite the album's quality, Epic decided to drop the band at the years end, as sales didn't match the label's expectations.<br />Sadly, this in turn then hastened the band's 1987 demise.<br />Guitarist Steve Morris then went on to produce the debut TORINO album, and later joined ex DEEP PURPLE vocalist IAN GILLAN's band.<br />Drummer Lou Rosentahl later formed 2 AM with ex RAGE & NUTZ vocalist Dave Lloyd.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">EXPORT - BBC In Concert (1981) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/462/exportbbcfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/462/exportbbcfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IHQMD40J">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IHQMD40J</a><br /><br />MOLLY HATCHET is a Southern Rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1975.<br />The band, founded by guitarists Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland, took its name from a prostitute who mutilated and decapitated her clients.<br />The band signed with Epic Records in 1977, with LYNYRD SKYNYRD front man Ronnie Van Zant slated to produce their first album, having helped in writing arrangements and directing rehearsals.<br />Sadly, this never transpired as Van Zant died in a tragic airplane crash.<br />Molly Hatchet had actually cut their first demos in Lynyrd Skynyrd's 8-track recording studio using their equipment.<br />Prior to the band's signing with Epic Records, they often toured the Florida roadhouse and bar circuit.<br />Hlubek has stated that the demise of Lynyrd Skynyrd – who were at the height of their success – opened the door for Molly Hatchet.<br />Combining Boogie, Blues and Hard Rock, Molly Hatchet's sound was differentiated from more Country-influenced Southern acts such as THE OUTLAWS.<br />The band recorded and released its first album, "Molly Hatchet" in 1978, followed by "Flirtin' with Disaster" in 1979.<br />Danny Joe Brown, whose gruff voice and tough persona had defined the act to that point, then left the band in 1980, only to return two years later.<br />When Brown left the group to form The DANNY JOE BROWN BAND with future Molly Hatchet guitarist Bobby Ingram, he was replaced by vocalist Jimmy Farrar, coming from the cover band Raw Energy out of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.<br />Along with Farrar came a new approach to the band's sound.<br />The earlier albums feature more variation in guitar tone and style and exhibit a distinct Southern cultural influence – which changed with the addition of Farrar on vocals.<br />Farrar's new vocal style, mixed with the new harder-rocking sound saw Molly Hatchet enjoy a rise in popularity in the early 1980s.<br />With the success of the Harder-Rocking "Beatin' The Odds" release, the band ventured farther away from their original sound.<br />By 1981, Molly Hatchet had almost completely abandoned their original style of 1978 for a straight-ahead Rock style exhibited on the "Take No Prisoners" release of the same year.<br />This album received a less-than-warm reception from many of the fans of the original sound and, while the band was still successful on the touring circuit, bass-player Banner Thomas left in late 1981 and was replaced by Riff West, while Farrar left the act in May 1982.<br />Brown rejoined the band in 1982 and B.B. Borden (ex of MOTHERS FINEST) replaced Crump on drums.<br />In 1983, a new album was released entitled "No Guts... No Glory".<br />Steve Holland left in 1984 and the band recruited keyboard player John Galvin.<br />This period saw the band return to the more overt Southern style it had displayed on its debut record in 1978.<br />However, with the addition of keyboards into the mix, the band managed to take this sound to an even more orchestrated approach on some songs such as "Fall of the Peacemakers".<br />Critics hailed "No Guts...No Glory" as a true return to form, but Southern Rock no longer enjoyed the widespread appeal it had previously.<br />As a result, the record went largely unnoticed, in contrast to the glory years, but did rejuvenate interest from the band's fan base, who had started to drift after the uncharacteristic "Take No Prisoners" album.<br />In 1984 came the release of a new album "The Deed Is Done" for which Bruce Crump returned to ultimately replace B. B. Bordan on drums.<br />Then in 1985, the double live album "Double Trouble Live" was released.<br />The greatest hits collection "Greatest Hits" was also released in 1985 and was the last Molly Hatchet album to achieve gold status.<br />Hlubek left in early 1987 to recover from his drug addiction.<br />In 1989, the album "Lightning Strikes Twice" was released, featuring Hlubek's replacement Bobby Ingram.<br />1990 saw the announcement of Molly Hatchet's final show in Ohio.<br />By the mid-1990s, a new version of Molly Hatchet began working on a new studio album.<br />In 1996, after a stroke and a worsening of his chronic diabetes, Brown had to leave the band, who brought in lead singer Phil McCormack to finish the album "Devil's Canyon" in 1996.<br />During the rest of the 1990's, the band's line-up contained not a single member who had performed in Molly Hatchet prior to 1984.<br />1998 brought a further album, "Silent Reign of Heroes".<br />In 2000, the album "Kingdom of XII" was recorded and released in Europe, surfacing in the United States in 2001.<br />"Locked And Loaded, 25th Anniversary: Best Of Re-Recorded" (2003) and "Warriors Of The Rainbow Bridge" (2005) followed.<br />In January 2005, Hlubek was invited to rejoin Molly Hatchet. He remains in the band to this day.<br />Danny Joe Brown sadly died on March 10, 2005. He was 53.<br />On June 19, 2006, founding guitarist Duane Roland also died at the age of 53.<br />Former Molly Hatchet members Steve Holland, Bruce Crump, Jimmy Farrar and Riff West still perform together in a group called GATOR COUNTRY.<br />Original guitarist Duane Roland also played in this group until his death, whereupon he was replaced by ex-LONE STAR, UFO & WAYSTED six-stringer Paul "Tonka" Chapman.<br />To date, Gator County have released a live album, the imaginatively named "Live", and a single, "Oh Atlanta".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MOLLY HATCHET - BBC In Concert - Reading Festival (1979) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9628/mollyfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9628/mollyfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=B00WA85X">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=B00WA85X</a><br /><br />The Birmingham based Hard Rock/NWOBHM band STARFIGHTERS signed to Jive Records in 1980.<br />The band's debut line-up consisted of vocalist Steve Burton, guitarist Stevie Young, a nephew of AC/DC's Angus and Malcolm, guitarist Pat Hambley, bassist Doug Dennis and ex-FLYING HAT BAND drummer Barry 'Spence' Scrannage.<br />The latter was soon replaced by former HOLLY AND THE ITALIANS drummer Steve Bailey, Scrannage going on to create THE ALLIANCE.<br />Prior to the formation of the STARFIGHTERS, Steve Burton was previously vocalist with THE SUBURBAN STUDS, and very briefly a member of GLENN TIPTON's FLYING HAT BAND and Hard Rock outfit CRYER.<br />After debuting with the independently released 'I'm Falling' 7" single, on the Motorcity Rhythm label, the band was thrown straight in at the deep end supporting AC/DC in 1980.<br />Subsequent rumours suggested that Burton had been offered the job of replacing the late Bon Scott in AC/DC, but had turned the opportunity down on the grounds of health, fearing his own vices would lead towards a similar fate.<br />Following the release of the well received debut Tony Platt produced album for Jive in 1981, the STARFIGHTERS opened for MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP on a British tour, TRUST on a French tour and then landed the honour of opening for OZZY OSBOURNE in North America.<br />The band hooked up with KROKUS manager Butch Stone and released 'In Flight Movie' in 1983, again produced by Tony Platt, as a creditable follow up to the debut, but inexplicably they were then dropped by Jive.<br />There followed a lengthy hiatus before the STARFIGHTERS reformed in the late '80's and the group were quick to build up their local following in the Birmingham area, but despite some notorious live performances the STARFIGHTERS failed to gain label attention.<br />The AC/DC connection would crop up once more in the STARFIGHTERS story as Stevie Young was asked to deputise for Malcolm Young for dates on the 'Blow Up Your Video' World tour in 1988.<br />Stevie's first payment for this job was a new front tooth he had previously lost to a baseball bat in a brawl with a night club doorman.<br />After the final STARFIGHTERS split, Young went on to form WORLD WAR III with Steve Redvers, guitarist Nick Slater and erstwhile BAJJON vocalist Ivan Norris.<br />The outfit soon adopted the name LITTLE BIG HORN and signed to AC/DC's management.<br />Live work was undertaken and demos recorded, but this band failed to issue commercial product.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STARFIGHTERS - BBC Friday Rock Show Session (1981) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1526/starfighterfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1526/starfighterfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XK8UXT31">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XK8UXT31</a><br /><br />How d'ya fancy two previously unreleased and uncirculated KISS studio tracks from 1975 bootlegged for your listening pleasure, right here, right now.<br />You wanted the best and you got it!<br />"Smoke" is a cracking little Rocker which thuds along beautifully before arriving at the ultra-catchy, "It's not the smoke that burns ya, it's the fiiiiire", chorus.<br />Nice upfront phased guitar work from the Space Ace on this one too.<br />He's from the planet Jendell don'tcha know.<br />Oh, and Paul & Gene both sing on the chorus, which makes me feel like i'm 10 years old again.<br />I've no idea why this song never saw release, as it shits all over some of the stuff that they issued at the time.<br />Anyone remember "Hooligan", for instance?<br />The flipside is "A Mistake", which sees the band in an altogether mellower frame of mind.<br />I'm guessing that the guys were listening to THE ROLLING STONES "Exile On Main Street", a lot around this time, as this comes off as an attempt at that records loose slightly countrified vibe.<br />It's not quite as obvious as "Hard Luck Woman", for instance, but shares a similar sound.<br />Again, much stronger than much of the material which sometimes slipped on to Kiss studio albums at the time.<br />"Two Timer", anyone?<br />I wish i knew more about these songs, but i'm afraid that's as i can tell you.<br />I've seen these tracks pop up on a few sites recently, but the sound quality on this rip here is the best i've come across.<br />Thanks to the original ripper/poster and to the Slseeker who shared it with me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">KISS - Smoke/A Mistake 7" (1975) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9785/kisssmokefruntr.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/9785/kisssmokefruntr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K3XRFL2J">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K3XRFL2J</a><br /><br />Irishman Bernie Tormé is a hugely talented guitarist renowned for some particularly wild axework and theatrics.<br />Such showmanship brought him close to 'guitar hero' status whilst in GILLAN in the late '70's & early '80's.<br />After a stint with Dublin Hard Rockers URGE, Tormé relocated to London from Ireland, forming SCRAPYARD in 1976.<br />A Hard Rock trio of Tormé, bassist Bernie Hagley, and drummer Roger Hunt, Scrapyard gigged solidly throughout the London area.<br />Hagley was to depart and the band were swiftly brought back up to strength with the addition of former ZZEBRA bassist John McCoy.<br />However, this union lasted only a matter of months with Tormé striking out on his own as THE BERNIE TORMÉ BAND.<br />McCoy meanwhile soldiered on with Paul Samson on guitar as Scrapyard became McCOY.<br />The Bernie Torme Band managed to release two singles and contributed tracks to the Punk compilation album "Live At The Vortex".<br />The Bernie Torme Band, still a trio, then put in some British supports to Gillan, the headline act now featuring McCoy on bass.<br />An album was recorded for Jet Records but remains unreleased.<br />Disillusioned, Tormé took up his old colleague John McCoy's offer to hook up with Gillan.<br />After leaving Gillan in 1981, Tormé joined ATOMIC ROOSTER, appearing on their "Headline News", album and undertaking two tours of Germany and Italy.<br />Whilst trying to assemble another solo band, Tormé was asked to fill in for Randy Rhoads in OZZY OSBOURNE's band following the American guitarist's tragic death.<br />Torme's stint on Ozzy's American tour lasted but two weeks, with the pressure being too much for the Irishman.<br />Returning to London with Osbourne's blessing, Tormé, set back to work on his own band ELECTRIC GYPSIES.<br />The "Turn Out The Lights" album, released under the "Bernie Torme" name, featured future SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Phil Spalding and Bernie's ex-Gillan partner Colin Towns on keyboards.<br />For live work Electric Gypsies consisted of Tormé handling both vocals and guitar, Everton Williams on bass and drummer Frank Noon, the latter being on temporary loan from STAMPEDE.<br />In 1982 Tormé appeared on ex-Gillan keyboard player Colin Towns' solo LP 'Making Faces', which only saw a Japanese release.<br />The "Live", album, (released during 1984), featured original IRON MAIDEN member Ron "Rebel" Matthews on drums.<br />A later British tour saw the addition of bassist Chris Heilmann, later to turn up in US act SHARK ISLAND, and ex-FRAMED drummer Ian Whitewood with vocalist Kef.<br />In 1984 former GIRL vocalist Phil Lewis joined the band on a temporary basis following vocalist Kef's sudden departure before joining on a full time basis.<br />Two albums (using the TORMÉ handle rather than Electric Gypsies) and successive British touring kept the band in the press, but momentum seemed to be waning.<br />Lewis then relocated to Los Angeles to join American act L.A. GUNS.<br />Tormé formed the shortlived RUSSIAN HIPPIES in 1988 with Bennet, vocalist Gary Owens and ex-BOMBSHELLS bassist Marc Russell.<br />However, progress was minimal so Tormé and Russell travelled to America at the request of former TWISTED SISTER vocalist DEE SNIDER to join the vocalist's DESPERADOS outfit.<br />The DESPERADO project of Tormé, Snider, Russell and ex-IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr initially scored a huge deal with Atlantic Records.<br />However, after more than two years the band had switched to Elektra and, having laid down an album, discovered the label had no intention of releasing it.<br />The DESPERADO album was finally released posthumously on an independent label at a much later date.<br />Although Snider offered Tormé a position in a new act he was putting together, WIDOWMAKER, the Irishman opted to return to London.<br />Upon his return Tormé put in a guest guitar appearance on guitarist RENE BERG's "The Leather, The Loneliness & Your Dark Eyes", album in 1991.<br />Another project band was titled MUTANT with Blacken and Magpie of MOURNBLADE.<br />The year 1994 saw another solo album release, "Demolition Ball".<br />Early 1997 found the guitarist involved in Mick Underwood's reformation of the cult act QUATERMASS.<br />Although Tormé wrote material for the album, "Long Road", he was to opt out before recording of the album.<br />The guitarist's own solo album of that year, "Wild Irish", recorded with Pearce and Jones, came out limited to merely 500 numbered copies.<br />Maintaining this renewed momentum a further studio album was issued in 1999, one track including lead vocal from Dee Snider.<br />Torme returned to the band format for the 'all star' SILVER project.<br />The band also witnessed a welcome return to action by former MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Gary Barden.<br />Joining Torme and Barden would be H-BLOCKX drummer Marco Minnemann and MAD MAX, CASANOVA and DEMON DRIVE bassist Michael Voss.<br />Keyboards were in the hands of as true veteran, Don Airey of RAINBOW, OZZY OSBOURNE and DEEP PURPLE fame.<br />in 2007 Torme formed GMT with his former Gillan colleague bassist John McCoy with drums handled by Robin Guy of RACHEL STAMP and the BRUCE DICKINSON band.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BERNIE TORMÉ - My Baby Loves A Vampire 7" (1984) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/828/berniemybaby.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/828/berniemybaby.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OMKNLV4U">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OMKNLV4U</a><br /><br />Without further ado, because my back is still killing me, i shall now quickly fugg awf.<br />Hope you enjoy tonight's selection.<br />Thanks to all of you who took the time to send your good wishes and advice concerning my malady, i was genuinely touched folks.<br />You're very nice people.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-79313654307480717362011-10-20T13:15:00.003-04:002011-10-20T13:54:22.257-04:00THE WEREWOLF WHISTLEHowdy people.<br />We're back again with some more excellently edifying excavations from the deepest recesses of the vintage Rawk mine.<br />Grab your picks and rock hammers & dig in!<br />For starters, EXPORT were a classy Hard Rock/NWOBHM act formed in Liverpool in 1979 by ex HARD STUFF vocalist Harry Shaw.<br />The following year saw the band release their debut self titled self financed album on His Master's Vice Records.<br />The band spent the rest of the year touring the UK, with glowing reviews of the album helping to swell the club audiences they played to.<br />1981 saw the release of the "You Gotta Rock" 7" single, and more live work supporting the likes of WILD HORSES.<br />The band's show at London's Paris Theatre in June 1981 was recorded by the BBC and broadcast on Radio 1's "In Concert" programme.<br />All this activity brought Export to the attention of the American arm of Epic Records who signed the band.<br />The first fruit of this liaison was to be 1984's more overtly AOR styled "Contraband" album.<br />1986 saw the band release their third and final album, the critically acclaimed, Lance Quinn produced "Living In Fear Of The Private Eye".<br />Despite the album's quality, Epic decided to drop the band at the years end, as sales didn't match the label's expectations.<br />Sadly, this in turn then hastened the band's 1987 demise.<br />Guitarist Steve Morris then went on to produce the debut TORINO album, and later joined ex DEEP PURPLE vocalist IAN GILLAN's band.<br />Drummer Lou Rosentahl later formed 2 AM with ex RAGE & NUTZ vocalist Dave Lloyd.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">EXPORT - Export (1980) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6340/exportfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6340/exportfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=43SAA1XY">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=43SAA1XY</a><br /><br /><br />Irishman Bernie Tormé is a hugely talented guitarist renowned for some particularly wild axework and theatrics.<br />Such showmanship brought him close to 'guitar hero' status whilst in GILLAN in the late '70's & early '80's.<br />After a spell with the Dublin based URGE, Tormé relocated to London from Ireland, forming SCRAPYARD in 1976.<br />A Hard Rock trio of Tormé, bassist Bernie Hagley, and drummer Roger Hunt, Scrapyard gigged solidly throughout the London area.<br />Hagley was to depart and the band were swiftly brought back up to strength with the addition of former ZZEBRA bassist John McCoy.<br />However, this union lasted only a matter of months with Tormé striking out on his own as THE BERNIE TORMÉ BAND.<br />McCoy meanwhile soldiered on with Paul Samson on guitar as Scrapyard became McCOY.<br />The Bernie Torme Band managed to release two singles and contributed tracks to the Punk compilation album "Live At The Vortex".<br />The Bernie Torme Band, still a trio, then put in some British supports to Gillan, the headline act now featuring McCoy on bass.<br />An album was recorded for Jet Records but remains unreleased.<br />Disillusioned, Tormé took up his old colleague John McCoy's offer to hook up with Gillan.<br />After leaving Gillan in 1981, Tormé joined ATOMIC ROOSTER, appearing on their "Headline News", album and undertaking two tours of Germany and Italy.<br />Whilst trying to assemble another solo band, Tormé was asked to fill in for Randy Rhoads in OZZY OSBOURNE's band following the American guitarist's tragic death.<br />Torme's stint on Ozzy's American tour lasted but two weeks, with the pressure being too much for the Irishman.<br />Returning to London with Osbourne's blessing, Tormé, set back to work on his own band ELECTRIC GYPSIES.<br />The "Turn Out The Lights" album, released under the "Bernie Torme" name, featured future SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Phil Spalding and Bernie's ex-Gillan partner Colin Towns on keyboards.<br />For live work Electric Gypsies consisted of Tormé handling both vocals and guitar, Everton Williams on bass and drummer Frank Noon, the latter being on temporary loan from STAMPEDE.<br />In 1982 Tormé appeared on ex-Gillan keyboard player Colin Towns' solo LP 'Making Faces', which only saw a Japanese release.<br />The "Live", album, (released during 1984), featured original IRON MAIDEN member Ron "Rebel" Matthews on drums.<br />A later British tour saw the addition of bassist Chris Heilmann, later to turn up in US act SHARK ISLAND, and ex-FRAMED drummer Ian Whitewood with vocalist Kef.<br />In 1984 former GIRL vocalist Phil Lewis joined the band on a temporary basis following vocalist Kef's sudden departure before joining on a full time basis.<br />Two albums (using the TORMÉ handle rather than Electric Gypsies) and successive British touring kept the band in the press, but momentum seemed to be waning.<br />Lewis then relocated to Los Angeles to join American act L.A. GUNS.<br />Tormé formed the shortlived RUSSIAN HIPPIES in 1988 with Bennet, vocalist Gary Owens and ex-BOMBSHELLS bassist Marc Russell.<br />However, progress was minimal so Tormé and Russell travelled to America at the request of former TWISTED SISTER vocalist DEE SNIDER to join the vocalist's DESPERADOS outfit.<br />The DESPERADO project of Tormé, Snider, Russell and ex-IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr initially scored a huge deal with Atlantic Records.<br />However, after more than two years the band had switched to Elektra and, having laid down an album, discovered the label had no intention of releasing it.<br />The DESPERADO album was finally released posthumously on an independent label at a much later date.<br />Although Snider offered Tormé a position in a new act he was putting together, WIDOWMAKER, the Irishman opted to return to London.<br />Upon his return Tormé put in a guest guitar appearance on guitarist RENE BERG's "The Leather, The Loneliness & Your Dark Eyes", album in 1991.<br />Another project band was titled MUTANT with Blacken and Magpie of MOURNBLADE.<br />The year 1994 saw another solo album release, "Demolition Ball".<br />Early 1997 found the guitarist involved in Mick Underwood's reformation of the cult act QUATERMASS.<br />Although Tormé wrote material for the album, "Long Road", he was to opt out before recording of the album.<br />The guitarist's own solo album of that year, "Wild Irish", recorded with Pearce and Jones, came out limited to merely 500 numbered copies.<br />Maintaining this renewed momentum a further studio album was issued in 1999, one track including lead vocal from Dee Snider.<br />Torme returned to the band format for the 'all star' SILVER project.<br />The band also witnessed a welcome return to action by former MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Gary Barden.<br />Joining Torme and Barden would be H-BLOCKX drummer Marco Minnemann and MAD MAX, CASANOVA and DEMON DRIVE bassist Michael Voss.<br />Keyboards were in the hands of as true veteran, Don Airey of RAINBOW, OZZY OSBOURNE and DEEP PURPLE fame.<br />in 2007 Torme formed GMT with his former Gillan colleague bassist John McCoy with drums handled by Robin Guy of RACHEL STAMP and the BRUCE DICKINSON band.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BERNIE TORMÉ - Turn Out The Lights (1982) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/3946/bernielightsfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/3946/bernielightsfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MZ85ZDSV">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MZ85ZDSV</a><br /><br />Next, we bring you another contibution courtesy of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span>, as always, many thanks!<br />Leamington Spa's CHEVY were a five piece NWOBHM band best known for appearing on the "Metal For Muthas II", compilation album.<br />Founded in 1979, this is not the same Chevy that released the obscure "Out On The Street", 7" single the same year, even though for many years some publications led everyone to believe it was.<br />As they demonstrated on their lone album, 1980's "The Taker", Chevy were a little older, wiser and classier than many of the bands lumped in with the NWOBHM.<br />More of a Hard Rock band with Metallic leanings, they proved to be a formidable live proposition, touring hard in 1980 and '81 with the likes of WILD HORSES and HAWKWIND.<br />Their label, Avatar Records, released 3 Chevy singles during these years, and the band were also broadcast live on BBC Radio 1's "In Concert" programme twice.<br />In September 1981 both Steve Walwyn and Andy Chaplin quit, to be replaced by guitarist Barry Eardley and drummer Ted Duggan.<br />A projected second album was recorded, but the tapes were never finished and the band split.<br />In 1987 Poole, Cure, Shanahan and Duggan re-emerged to form RED ON RED with ex-BADFINGER guitarist Bob Jackson and keyboard player Mark Stead.<br />Whereas Walywn went on to become a member of perennial R&B rockers Dr. FEELGOOD.<br />Later Bob Poole was a member of NAZARETH guitarist Billy Rankin's BILLY RANKIN BAND, before emigrating to Germany where he now performs a solo act.<br />Chevy reformed in 2010 to play a one off charity show in Leamington Spa in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.<br />It was never intended to be any more than a one off event, and despite the overwhelmingly positive reception they received, they went their separate ways again after the gig.<br />This show is <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">NOT</span> the commonly circulated 1st BBC concert that was broadcast as the second half of the programme where Chevy shared the 1981 bill with TYGERS OF PAN TANG.<br />This is their recently unearthed 6 song 1982 show, their second and final appearance on the BBC's "In Concert" show.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CHEVY - BBC In Concert (1982) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1462/chevybbcfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1462/chevybbcfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=43ILVHDB">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=43ILVHDB</a><br /><br />WINTERKAT were a Hard Rock/Pomp Rock band formed in San Antonio, Texas in 1982.<br />The group rose from the ashes of LIQUID SKY, a band that had appeared on the "KISS Homegrown" radio station compilation LP in 1981.<br />Guitarist Jonathan Grell had appeared in that group and formed WINTERKAT with vocalist Ric Swanson, drummer Gerado Ramirez and bassist Dean Vallecillo, the latter pair both being ex-HEYOKA members.<br />The following year saw the band release a self-titled five song Mini LP on their own Winterkat Records label.<br />Although Gerado Ramirez played keyboards on the album, MYTH man Ruben Castaneda was used for live shows.<br />Ric Swanson left to form AOR band NIGHTWORK in 1985, releasing a self-titled album in 1986.<br />He was replaced at the Winterkat microphone by Michael Steele Grothues, another former Heyoka member.<br />A further Mini LP, "The Struggle", was issued on Monument Records in 1986, featuring a cover of JIMI HENDRIX's "Little Wing", alongside six originals.<br />The band struggled on until the early '90's, but by this time many of the band's key players had moved on to other projects.<br />Bassist Dean Vallecillo went on to join Minneapolis band DARE FORCE, performing on their 1989 "Firepower" album.<br />Jonathan Grell founded DIRTY WATER with singer Rhett Forrester, formerly of RIOT.<br />This band demoed material but the project came to a screeching halt in 1994 when Rhett was tragically murdered.<br />After Winterkat, Grell founded SUITE 16, an alliance with ex-S.A. SLAYER and RIOT members Bobby Jarzombek and Don Van Stavern.<br />John Grell later went on to join the Southern Rock group MUDPIE, which included former members of MSG, SALTY DOG and STEELHOUSE LANE, releasing a self-titled CD in 2002.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WINTERKAT - Winterkat Mini LP (1983) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7871/winterkat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7871/winterkat.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AVNOHE52">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AVNOHE52</a><br /><br />PROUD FLESH were a German Heavy Rock band formed in 1969 in the city of Bonn-Bad-Godesberg.<br />The group was made up of musicians who had previously played with local bands COOL STOVE, DESPERADOS, HANGMEN and RATS.<br />The band's early repertoire consisted of interpretations of DEEP PURPLE, SPOOKY TOOTH, LED ZEPPELIN, TEN YEARS AFTER and BLACK SABBATH, alongside their original compositions.<br />Proud Flesh toured all over Germany, did gigs in Luxembourg and were the supporting act for famous European bands such as THE LORDS, THE RATTLES and GOLDEN EARRING.<br />The band signed with the Cologne based Resondo Records label, and released a debut single, the untypically lightweight "Happy", in early 1970..<br />The band then contributed a track to the "Wir im Scheinwerfer" compilation LP, but were dissatisfied with the thin sound of these early recordings.<br />This was remedied in 1971 with the release of the "Devil Flight" 7", a furious proto-Metal pounder in the vein of SABBATH or URIAH HEEP.<br />The B-Side, "Blind", was equally impressive, and the band seemed poised to have a crack at the big time.<br />Sadly, although a further single, "On The Run", was recorded in 1972, it went unreleased and the band split up.<br />In the early 1990's interest in the band amongst collectors saw the prices of their releases soar, a trend which only intensified after their appearance on the 1995 "Prae-Kraut Pandaemonium Vol. 5", compilation album.<br />Another compilation appearance, this time on "Obscured by Krauts", brought the bands name to the attention of another generation of music fans in 1998.<br />In 2006, the band self-released a remastered collection of their 1971-72 recordings under the title "Digitalized".<br />The five song Mini album contained both sides of the "Devil Flight" single and finally, both sides of it's unreleased follow up, "On The Run".<br />Since then the band's members have been tentatively working on material for a proposed new release.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PROUD FLESH - Digitalized Mini LP (1971-72) Germany</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/7225/proudfleshfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/7225/proudfleshfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7FYLGBSK">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7FYLGBSK</a><br /><br />Swiss Heavy Metal sextet WITCHCRAFT were formed in the town of Wetzikon, Zurich in 1983.<br />They debuted later that same year with the rare 7" single, "Runnin' Away", on Musk Project Records.<br />Whilst the A-Side was a typical rocker in the SPIDER/Dr. FEELGOOD mould, it was the excellent flipside which made the record worthy of investigation.<br />B side, "Dead End Street", is a slow burning mini-epic with some excellent guitar playing and vocals which bring to mind "In Your Face" era TKO.<br />After this release Witchcraft changed their name to BLOODY SIX.<br />In 1984 Bloody Six issued their lone album, "In The Name Of Blood", on Camel Records.<br />The album attracted positive reviews with it's ACCEPT and JUDAS PRIEST blueprint enlivened with some great individual performances and strong songwriting.<br />The Belgian Mausoleum label then picked up the album, and released it Europe wide in early 1985.<br />To support the record's wider release, Bloody Six toured Europe that year as support to FAITHFUL BREATH.<br />Vocalist Peter McTanner then joined HEADHUNTER, a band featuring ex-KILLER members for their lone eponymous 1985 album on the Bacillus label.<br />This in turn sadly led to Bloody Six splitting up and going their separate ways.<br />Guitarist Claudio Matteo went on to form the Hard Rock act CHINA in 1987 with former members of HEADHUNTER, KROKUS, KILLER and STORMBRINGER.<br />With China, he recorded six albums between 1988 and 1995 and toured Europe extensively before their split.<br />They occassionally reunite to play festival or club dates, but no new recordings have surfaced since '95.<br />Former Bloody Six vocalist McTanner later dropped the 'Mc' from his surname and joined KROKUS for their 1990 album "Stampede".<br />As Tanner he also contributed vocals to THE HEAVYS side project of Krokus guitarist Fernando Von Arb and keyboard player Jürg Naegeli.<br />Tanner was later to be found fronting Mr. PERFECT, an act featuring former U.D.O., CRAAFT and SINNER members.<br />By 2000 Tanner was in collusion with another ex-KROKUS vocalist Marc Storace issuing the DC WORLD eponymous album.<br />Quite surreally the whole affair was a medley of AC/DC hits with Tanner aping the part of Brian Johnson whilst Storace handled the Bon Scott parts.<br />Along with some other ex-Krokus and DC World members, Tanner now operates on the live circuit as tribute band AC/CD!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WITCHCRAFT - Runnin' Away 7" (1983) Switzerland</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7937/witchcraftq.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7937/witchcraftq.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EJ99A06C">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EJ99A06C</a><br /><br />Finally tonight, some excellent Southern Rock courtesy of contributor <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Jorge Larionda</span>. Thanks mate, NILOOB salutes your generosity!<br />There have been a great many bands called "Southern Cross Band" or "Southern Cross" down the years.<br />Here's what little we know about this particular SOUTHERN CROSS BAND, who were skillfully adept at blending Southern Rock with Hard Rock.<br />It transpires that the band was based in Long Island, New Jersey, (a strange locale for a Southern Rock act), and were formed by the Prewitt brothers who had moved to New York from the South.<br />Both Prewitt brothers, Joe and Sonny were accomplished singers and guitar slingers.<br />They were very active on the live circuit from the late 1970's to the mid-1980's, building up a big live following, especially in the tri-state area.<br />Sadly, it doesn't seem that there were any official releases from them besides this, the two song promo "Lady Killer"/"Outlaw (Josey Wales)" 7".<br />However, these same two songs also turned up on a few different compilation albums of local acts put together by various New York radio stations at the time.<br />The A-side, "Lady Killer", is quite commercial, but still gutsy, with a really catchy chorus and a nice Hammond solo too.<br />The epic flip side, "Outlaw (Josey Wales)", is excellent, sounding like a beefed up version of THE OUTLAWS, with some great tempo changes and extended soloing.<br />It also reminds me a little of the band ASHBURY, who recorded the album "Endless Skies".<br />During their time Southern Cross Band supported Southern Rock legends THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND and THE WINTERS BROTHERS BAND at shows in the NY area.<br />Singer/guitarist Joe Prewitt is still active, having fronted a band called THE MANGOS for the last 20 years or so, apparently still playing in the Southern style, and they've just released an album called "Ain't Dead Yet".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SOUTHERN CROSS BAND - Lady Killer/Outlaw (Jo</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">sey W</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ales) 7" (1982) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/469/scbpromofrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/469/scbpromofrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J05Y9S3M">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J05Y9S3M</a><br /><br />So that's another post of distinction for you all to pore over.<br />Thanks again to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span> & <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Jorge Larionda</span> for their contributions, i'm sure you've made many of our visitors very happy with your shares, as well as lightening my work load a little.<br />Thanks also to everyone who takes the time to share their thoughts, praise, gripes and remembrances about the blog and the music we post.<br />Keep them comments coming.<br />It's what keeps me, (and thus the blog), going.<br />See you all back here again in 2-3 weeks for even more great vintage Rawkin'.<br />You won't believe some of the stuff that we'll be bringing you in the not too distant future!<br />O'er & oot.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-62876032274802127902011-10-02T13:53:00.008-04:002011-10-02T16:08:22.139-04:00A BEIJING TRAFFIC JAMHello again and welcome to another rummage underneath the unmade bed of Rock's filthy bedsit.<br />Lots of forgotten, unsung and unloved (at the time) vintage voltage for you to wrap your willing lugs around tonight.<br />Special thanks go out to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SS</span> for the STRAPPS live album, which he was kind enough to rip for me & allow me to share it with you all.<br />And extra special thanks to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span> who has also chipped in with the unreleased XERO album and the BBC STAMPEDE live set.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Weaselkin1</span> has also very generously given me permission to share some more fantastic vintage stuff with you all over the coming months. Most of the music he's providing are BBC Friday Rock Show Sessions and BBC In Concert sets which thus far have been previously undistributed on the 'net, and his rips sound terrific in to the bargain!<br />Many thanks again mate, your work and generosity are very much appreciated, and hopefully the comments you receive here on your shares will reflect that.<br />He hinted, oh so subtly.<br />Enough of my preambulations eh? Let's get on with it.<br />One of many groups lumped into the New Wave of British Heavy Metal phenomenon, London's XERO were formed in 1979 by bassist Steve Jefferys and singer Moon Williams.<br />Williams already had a modestly successful solo career in the Soul genre, having released ten 7" singles for the Jam, DJM and Pye labels between 1973 and 1978.<br />Williams was soon joined in Xero by guitarist Bill Liesegang, new bassist Boon Gould, and drummer Barry Fitzgerald.<br />Eager to make their mark, the quartet secured some studio time to cut a few songs, a pair of which wound up on two different 1980 compilations of some renown.<br />First, "Hold On" appeared on MCA's "Brute Force" collection, and second, "Cuttin' Loose" was placed on EMI's now legendary "Metal for Muthas, Vol. 2".<br />More crucially, both songs were of a highly professional standard and were distinguished by Williams' convincingly bluesy delivery, quite unusual within the NWOBHM template.<br />Influential Radio One DJ Tommy Vance became an early supporter and invited the band (now featuring bassist Peter Solinsky and augmented by second guitarist Tony Murphy) to play his popular Friday Rock Show in early 1981.<br />Despite intermittent rumours reporting ongoing recording sessions, no new music would be heard from Xero until 1983, when the band finally signed a deal with the tiny Brickyard Records and issued its first EP, entitled "Oh, Baby".<br />But there was a problem, "Oh, Baby", barely had time to warm up record store shelves before being recalled by a legal injunction brought on by a bizarre and, (in retrospect), pretty stupid publicity stunt.<br />As it transpired, the band had decided to increase the EP's sales by including a pre-Xero version of their live favorite "Lone Wolf," which had actually been cut by an earlier group named SHOTS, featuring guitarist Liesegang with a pre-SAMSON, pre-IRON MAIDEN Bruce Dickinson on vocals.<br />Needless to say, when the naïve band and its utterly clueless record company proceeded to cheerfully point this out to all and sundry, Maiden's none-too-amused management quickly gave them a lesson in music business copyright law.<br />By the time a replacement pressing, (minus the offending track), finally hit shelves, Xero's credibility was in shambles, and their label insolvent.<br />By 1984 the band was history, but its individual members went on to enjoy a respectable amount of success.<br />Moon Williams worked with John Wetton, among others, and recorded a solo album, Bill Liesegang kept himself busy with session work, and, most curious of all, original bassist Boon Gould later turned up as guitarist in pop-funk outfit LEVEL 42.<br />In 2006 Xero reformed around Liesegang, playing a set built around retro Rock & Blues covers with a few original songs thrown in.<br />The following year the band issued the vintage "Unfinished Business (The Definitive Sessions)", album through Nil By Mouth Records, as an iTunes exclusive download.<br />The music on the album was recorded in 1980 but never released at the time.<br />As a session musician Liesegang has played with the likes of German platinum selling artists NINA HAGEN and UDO LINDENBERG, German pop rock heroes SHE’S CHINA and ROD STEWART.<br />Bill also played on JOAL’s “Who’s Got The Feeling”, KINGDOM COME’s “Bad Image”, and with HARLAN CAGE, 101 SOUTH and GLENN HUGHES.<br />Moon Williams released a four song solo EP, "Man Of The World", in 2007, 30 years since his previous solo release.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">XERO - Unfinished Business (The Definitive Sessions) (1980) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/830/xerofrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/830/xerofrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PZM6LVOP">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PZM6LVOP</a><br /><br />San Antonio, Texas band WOLFPAK was conceived in 1998 by guitarist/vocalist Emilio Garza & ex-HEYOKA drummer/vocalist Gerardo Ramirez.<br />What began as a two man acoustic guitar singing act, soon morphed into a full blown Rock Band.<br />The ranks of the band have been graced by some fine players, but throughout all the years and lineup changes, through the unwavering resolve of the two founding members, Wolfpak have stayed alive.<br />It was in the year 2000 that Wolfpak, which included ex-Heyoka bassist Patrick Hood, and former CORNERSTONE guitarist David Williams, booked time at Edit Point Studios in San Antonio to record an 11 song cd.<br />Their 11 song self-titled debut album goes in many musical directions, but somehow manages to sound like the work of one very talented band.<br />In 2005, Wolfpak opened shows for BLUE OYSTER CULT, MARK FARNER (GRAND FUNK RAILROAD), and a reunited Heyoka.<br />By now Wolfpak had a reputation as a solid band with exceptional instrumental skills, and as a result were asked by former LEGS DIAMOND vocalist Rick Sanford to back him for a series of gigs in 2007.<br />That in turn led to an appearance with AXE and FRANK MARINO in front of 2000 screaming rock fans in 2008.<br />2009 saw Wolfpak play further shows with Axe, alongside opening slots with EDDIE MONEY and British Metal legends SAXON.<br />Now, with the addition of rock solid Bassist/Vocalist, Val Mora, (another former Heyoka member), Wolfpak is poised to go even further.<br />Whilst continuing to tour, the band are writing and recording new material for their highly anticipated 2nd full length release.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WOLFPAK - Wolfpak (2000) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8096/wolfpakfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8096/wolfpakfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1PR7845K">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1PR7845K </a><br /><br />STRAPPS were a London based Hard Rock act founded in 1975 by former EPISODE SIX, QUATERMASS, SAMMY and PEACE drummer Mick Underwood and Australian singer/guitarist Rod Stagg.<br />Stagg had previously tried to make his way as a solo artist, releasing a lone single, "I'll Never Be A Star (But I Might)", on the Dawn label in 1974.<br />After adding Bassist Joe Read and Keyboard player Noel Scott, the band was complete, and were signed to the Harvest Records label.<br />Their self-titled 1976 debut album was produced by ex-Episode Six & DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover, and appeared in a striking fetish inspired sleeve.<br />The band then found themselves on tour as special guests on Deep Purple's ill starred "Come Taste The Band" tour, Purple's last hurrah until their 1980's reformation.<br />The "Strapps" album went on to find some success with very good sales in the American South, and was a genuine hit in Japan despite failing to even chart in the UK.<br />Chris Kimsey was brought aboard as producer for the band's second album, 1977's "Secret Damage", which again sold very well in Japan.<br />Strapps then found themselves on tour again, this time as guests to Underwood's former Episode Six bandmate in the IAN GILLAN BAND on the "Clear Air Turbulence" tour.<br />A single from the album, the glam inflected "Child In The City", was a minor UK hit single, after the band performed the song live on the "Supersonic" TV show.<br />1978 proved to be a problematic year for the band, with their 3rd album, entitled "Sharp Conversation", only issued in the U.S. and a few European territories.<br />In Japan, where Strapps' stock was still high, the album was released under the title "Prisoner Of Your Love".<br />A fourth album "Ball Of Fire", was recorded early in 1979 but was only issued in Japan, under the modified ROSS STAGG & STRAPPS name.<br />Thereafter, finding themselves without a record deal, and deep in debt, Strapps went their separate ways, with Underwood accepting an invitation to join GILLAN.<br />Underwood remained with Gillan for the duration of that band's lifespan, and also appeared on a few of IAN GILLAN's later solo albums.<br />He then worked as a session drummer, before forming QUATERMASS II in 1997, recording an album with them entitled "Long Road".<br />Underwood is now a member of RAW GLORY, to date they have issued one album, 2007's "City Life".<br />Ross Stagg eventually returned to Australia, where he now works as a music and entertainment lecturer at NSW TAFE (New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission).<br />In 2008 Angel Air Records released a vintage Stapps live performance on CD, "Live At The Rainbow 1977".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STRAPPS - Live At The Rainbow (1977) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1430/strappsfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1430/strappsfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PEFADEOO">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PEFADEOO</a><br /><br />STAMPEDE were a NWOBHM/Hard Rock band formed by ex-LAUTREC men Reuben Archer and his step-son Laurence Archer.<br />LAUTREC had achieved minor acclaim supporting SAXON and releasing the "Mean Gasoline" 7" in 1980.<br />After Lautrec split Reuben Archer was briefly a member of LIONHEART before he and Laurence reunited in Jimmy Bain's WILD HORSES in June of 1981.<br />The two Archers and drummer Frank Noon left Wild Horses and formed Stampede in early 1982, with bassist Francois Moreau and ex-WILD FIRE keyboard player Alan Nelson.<br />They were almost immediately snapped up by Polydor.<br />However, Noon soon left to join WAYSTED and was replaced by Eddie Parsons.<br />Moreau was then superseded by STORMTROOPER's former bass player Colin Bond.<br />With this line up Stampede cut 1982's "Days Of Wine & Roses" EP, and the "Official Bootleg", album, which was recorded at that years Mildenhall and Reading rock festivals.<br />1983 brought a studio album, "Hurricane Town", and a 7" single, "The Other Side".<br />Unfortunately, the group's early promise failed to propel them into the big league and STAMPEDE split in late 1983, leaving Laurence Archer free to join Phil Lynnot's GRAND SLAM.<br />Laurence Archer then recorded a solo album, "L.A.", in 1986, before hooking up with the Spanish based TARZEN.<br />He then reappeared with RHODE ISLAND RED before joining UFO for their "High Stakes & Dangerous Men", album, and the live "Lights Out In Tokyo", set.<br />Laurence also gained co-production credits on WRAITH's "Danger Calling", album.<br />Bond later joined the BERNIE TORME band and also worked with MEAT LOAF.<br />A solo LAURENCE ARCHER album entitled "Odds & Sods", appeared in 1998.<br />STAMPEDE was resurrected in late 2008, in the wake of renewed interest in the band following the CD re-issues of both "The Official Bootleg", and "Hurricane Town", via UK-based Rock Candy Records and Universal Music in Japan.<br />The new line-up consists of original members Laurence Archer, Reuben Archer, and Colin Bond, with Steve Graystone on drums, and guitarists Rob Wolverson and Chris Clowsley.<br />With this line up, they released a new studio album, "A Sudden Impulse", early in 2011.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STAMPEDE - BBC In Concert (1982) UK</span><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P25HDGYZ"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1411/stampedebbc.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1411/stampedebbc.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P25HDGYZ">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P25HDGYZ</a><br /><br />Irishman Bernie Tormé is a hugely talented guitarist renowned for some particularly wild axework and theatrics.<br />Such showmanship brought him close to 'guitar hero' status whilst in GILLAN in the late '70's & early '80's.<br />After a spell with the Dublin based URGE, Tormé relocated to London from Ireland, forming SCRAPYARD in 1976.<br />A Hard Rock trio of Tormé, bassist Bernie Hagley, and drummer Roger Hunt, Scrapyard gigged solidly throughout the London area.<br />Hagley was to depart and the band were swiftly brought back up to strength with the addition of former ZZEBRA bassist John McCoy.<br />However, this union lasted only a matter of months with Tormé striking out on his own as THE BERNIE TORMÉ BAND.<br />McCoy meanwhile soldiered on with Paul Samson on guitar as Scrapyard became McCOY.<br />The Bernie Torme Band managed to release two singles and contributed tracks to the Punk compilation album "Live At The Vortex".<br />The Bernie Torme Band, still a trio, then put in some British supports to Gillan, the headline act now featuring McCoy on bass.<br />An album was recorded for Jet Records but remains unreleased.<br />Disillusioned, Tormé took up his old colleague John McCoy's offer to hook up with Gillan.<br />After leaving Gillan in 1981, Tormé joined ATOMIC ROOSTER, appearing on their "Headline News", album and undertaking two tours of Germany and Italy.<br />Whilst trying to assemble another solo band, Tormé was asked to fill in for Randy Rhoads in OZZY OSBOURNE's band following the American guitarist's tragic death.<br />Torme's stint on Ozzy's American tour lasted but two weeks, with the pressure being too much for the Irishman.<br />Returning to London with Osbourne's blessing, Tormé, set back to work on his own band ELECTRIC GYPSIES.<br />The "Turn Out The Lights" album, released under the "Bernie Torme" name, featured future SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Phil Spalding and Bernie's ex-Gillan partner Colin Towns on keyboards.<br />For live work Electric Gypsies consisted of Tormé handling both vocals and guitar, Everton Williams on bass and drummer Frank Noon, the latter being on temporary loan from STAMPEDE.<br />In 1982 Tormé appeared on ex-Gillan keyboard player Colin Towns' solo LP 'Making Faces', which only saw a Japanese release.<br />The "Live", album, (released during 1984), featured original IRON MAIDEN member Ron "Rebel" Matthews on drums.<br />A later British tour saw the addition of bassist Chris Heilmann, later to turn up in US act SHARK ISLAND, and ex-FRAMED drummer Ian Whitewood with vocalist Kef.<br />In 1984 former GIRL vocalist Phil Lewis joined the band on a temporary basis following vocalist Kef's sudden departure before joining on a full time basis.<br />Two albums (using the TORMÉ handle rather than Electric Gypsies) and successive British touring kept the band in the press, but momentum seemed to be waning.<br />Lewis then relocated to Los Angeles to join American act L.A. GUNS.<br />Tormé formed the shortlived RUSSIAN HIPPIES in 1988 with Bennet, vocalist Gary Owens and ex-BOMBSHELLS bassist Marc Russell.<br />However, progress was minimal so Tormé and Russell travelled to America at the request of former TWISTED SISTER vocalist DEE SNIDER to join the vocalist's DESPERADOS outfit.<br />The DESPERADO project of Tormé, Snider, Russell and ex-IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr initially scored a huge deal with Atlantic Records.<br />However, after more than two years the band had switched to Elektra and, having laid down an album, discovered the label had no intention of releasing it.<br />The DESPERADO album was finally released posthumously on an independent label at a much later date.<br />Although Snider offered Tormé a position in a new act he was putting together, WIDOWMAKER, the Irishman opted to return to London.<br />Upon his return Tormé put in a guest guitar appearance on guitarist RENE BERG's "The Leather, The Loneliness & Your Dark Eyes", album in 1991.<br />Another project band was titled MUTANT with Blacken and Magpie of MOURNBLADE.<br />The year 1994 saw another solo album release, "Demolition Ball".<br />Early 1997 found the guitarist involved in Mick Underwood's reformation of the cult act QUATERMASS.<br />Although Tormé wrote material for the album, "Long Road", he was to opt out before recording of the album.<br />The guitarist's own solo album of that year, "Wild Irish", recorded with Pearce and Jones, came out limited to merely 500 numbered copies.<br />Maintaining this renewed momentum a further studio album was issued in 1999, one track including lead vocal from Dee Snider.<br />Torme returned to the band format for the 'all star' SILVER project.<br />The band also witnessed a welcome return to action by former MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP vocalist Gary Barden.<br />Joining Torme and Barden would be H-BLOCKX drummer Marco Minnemann and MAD MAX, CASANOVA and DEMON DRIVE bassist Michael Voss.<br />Keyboards were in the hands of as true veteran, Don Airey of RAINBOW, OZZY OSBOURNE and DEEP PURPLE fame.<br />in 2007 Torme formed GMT with his former Gillan colleague bassist John McCoy with drums handled by Robin Guy of RACHEL STAMP and the BRUCE DICKINSON band.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BERNIE TORMÉ - The Beat EP (1980) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/4637/berniebeat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/4637/berniebeat.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PD7NVV54">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PD7NVV54</a><br /><br />RED were a short lived UK band formed in 1976 in Solihull, West Midlands.<br />The five piece group played in an intriguing style which, whilst hard edged, was also laced with clever progressive flourishes.<br />Imagine RUSH at their hardest, but without the irritating helium castrato vocals.<br />The band released just one record, the highly collectable independent three song "Red EP".<br />The record was released by The Electric Record Company in 1977 in a colour picture sleeve.<br />Now prized by fans of both the NWOBHM and Prog Rock genres, you can expect to pay around £50 for one of these if you can track a copy down.<br />1978 sadly saw the band fold, and unfortunately i can find no information about the members post-Red musical activities.<br />Some of the information floating around the 'net suggests that Red's Lead Guitarist Paul Newton was the Bassist on URIAH HEEP's first three albums.<br />I'm pretty sure this is not the same Paul Newton however.<br />If you have any further information about this tragically overlooked and extremely talented band, please share it with us.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RED - Red EP (1977) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/3834/redwp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/3834/redwp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6PJSBEGN">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6PJSBEGN</a><br /><br />Finally, THE UP were an American rock band formed in Detroit, Michigan in early 1967.<br />Along with fellow Detroit bands MC5 and THE STOOGES, The Up served as a "house band" for the famous Grande Ballroom in Detroit.<br />The original band line-up consisted of vocalist Frank Bach, guitarist Bob Rasmussen, bassist Gary Rasmussen, and drummer Vic Peraino.<br />The band was closely related to the MC5, with both bands' members living in White Panther Party founder John Sinclair's commune.<br />In May 1968, Sinclair moved the commune to Ann Arbor, Michigan and both bands followed.<br />The Up served as the opening act for the MC5 during a September 1968 show at the University of Michigan's Union Ballroom in Ann Arbor.<br />This show was attended by Elektra Records president Jac Holzman; Holzman was impressed with both the MC5 and The Stooges (who were the concert's second act) and offered both bands contracts.<br />The Up did not get signed to Elektra and unlike the MC5 and The Stooges, the band never received a major record label contract.<br />In 1969, the MC5 ended their association with John Sinclair and the White Panther Party resulting in The Up taking the place of the MC5 as the main musical outlet for the party's philosophies.<br />In 1970 The Up released their debut single on red vinyl through their own Sundance Records label.<br />The 7", "Just Like An Aborigine", is a fabulous slice of primitive Hard Rock thud, sounding like The Stooges playing BLUE CHEER.<br />A further 45 release "Free John Now!", surfaced on the Rainbow Records label in 1971.<br />Both sides of the disc were about the jailing of John Sinclair, who had been sentenced to ten years in prison for the possession of two joints.<br />The Up disbanded in 1973 and despite the attempts of some members to keep going under the name UPRISING, the name soon faded into obscurity.<br />In 1975, the band's former bassist Gary Rasmussen joined the influential SONIC's RENDEZVOUS BAND, a Detroit "supergroup" also featuring former members of the MC5, The Stooges and THE RATIONALS.<br />In 1995, a retrospective album titled "Killer Up!", was released containing all of The Up's vintage recordings.<br />The album contained all of the band's singles, songs from a recording session at Head Sound Studios and several live tracks recorded at the Agora Ballroom in Ohio in 1972.<br />John Sinclair states in the album's liner notes that, "It's common to name the MC5 and the Stooges among the forefathers of what they call punk rock, but it was their associates in a third band, the Up, who could more accurately be identified as the real precursors of punk".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE UP - Just Like An Aborigine 7" (1970) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/5582/theupfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/5582/theupfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TQS6GFE7">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TQS6GFE7</a><br /><br />So there you go, another stellar post for those with a hard aural fixation.<br />Hope you find something amongst that little lot that makes your day.<br />Off the back of the HEYOKA "Lost Recordings" album appearing in the last post, the band's record label got in touch.<br />Not, as i initially feared, to ask for the links removal, but to provide a bit of further information about the new upcoming labour of love releases from the Heyoka archives.<br />Here's what they had to say:<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">If you guys like the Heyoka stuff, then please support the band by purchasing the LP which is due very soon.<br />We painstakingly put this project together which has taken us <span style="font-weight: bold;">10 years</span> so far!<br />Recordings have been extremely difficult to find, photos almost non-existent, band members scattered throughout the land, and many many other situations.<br />What we have is a TREASURE of vintage 70's Texas heavy progressive rock and roll and all tracks originate from original analog master tapes. The LP will be nothing short of perfection. A CD will follow the LP release and will consist of not only the LP tracks, but a plethora of bonus tracks to round it all out.<br />For now, you can whet your appetites for hard, vintage Texas rock by going to CD Baby and ordering our latest CD "Bringing It All Back Again" which features tracks by not only Heyoka but other equally obscure, heavy and hard Texas 70's groups.<br />We plan to release all of it on vinyl, and we need the support of good people like you all!<br />Enjoy the downloads but please make sure to snag an LP or CD when they hit the streets! Peace ya'll.<br />www.shroomangel.com</span>"<br />I can only urge those of you who enjoyed the Heyoka post to do like the nice man says and pick up these new releases when they become available.<br />That we get to hear even more terrific lost music from this tragically overlooked band is awesome, the least we can do as music fans is to support small labels and struggling artists buy buying the music we love when it becomes available.<br />I wish the band and label all the best with their releases, and thank them for being so cool as to allow us to upload their music here. Hopefully we have helped boost sales by exposing you all to Heyoka and their unique music.<br />Put me down for a CD when they're ready!<br />If you enjoyed the Heyoka stuff, don't forget to check out Wolfpak's album in tonight's post, as the band has several ex-Heyoka members in it's ranks.<br />So, that's it for another night.<br />Thanks, as always to those of you who take the time to share your thoughts and recollections in the comments section of the blog. It's been very encouraging of late to see so many new names crop up alongside the more familiar contributors there.<br />Please keep it up.<br />It's what keeps me, (and thus, this blog) going.<br />I'll be back here again in 2-3 weeks to bring you all more beasts from the cellar.<br />I hope you'll join us.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-64013904836667006442011-09-17T13:10:00.003-04:002011-09-17T16:03:23.868-04:00DOING A WHIPSNADEWelcome back my friends, to the show that never ends.<br />As promised 2 and a half weeks ago, here we go again with another grab bag of found sounds that never got their due back in the dim and distant.<br />Lots of variety tonight, something for everyone i hope.<br />We'll start off tonight's post with a big thank you to a friend of the blog who we'll call <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">SS</span>, who very graciously hooked me up with this next one.<br />On behalf of all NILOOB visitors, many many thanks again.<br />HEYOKA were a very popular Progressive Hard Rock band formed in San Antonio, Texas, in the early-1970's.<br />Initially, Mike Grouthes got the band together with friends Dito Garcia, Val Mora and Homer Guerra when they were all around age 12-13 at the decade's beginning.<br />A typical young garage band, they originally called themselves MOTHER WEST WIND.<br />After adding Martin Garcia on Keyboards, Gerardo Ramirez also joined on drums for a twin drummer set up.<br />They started out playing GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, JAMES GANG, LED ZEPPELIN and SANTANA covers, before beginning to write their own material.<br />Guitarist Dito then came up with the name HEYOKA in the mid 1970's as they began to take their band more seriously.<br />The Heyóka is a mythological native-American spirit thought of as being contrary in nature, doing things backwards or unconventionally.<br />Native American history and folklore would also provide themes for some of Heyoka's later musical works, such as "Thunderdreamer", which was about the shaman Black Elk.<br />After the band graduated from High School, Guerra joined the military, whilst the others forged on with taking Heyoka to the people.<br />They played shows all over Texas, Lousiana, and up into Canada, winning a large army of dedicated fans with their unique musical style.<br />As well as their musical talents, by this time the band had an awesome stage show including a spectacular light show.<br />They found themselves by the late '70's playing shows with the likes of BUDGIE, VAN HALEN, RIOT, MOXY & LEGS DIAMOND but were never signed to a major label.<br />They did however record two sought after 7" singles, "Whot Boogie?" ('78) and "Disco Sucks" ('79), both on the small Revealing Spirit label.<br />A few other songs also turned up on a couple of various artists compilations put together by local radio stations, but although much material was recorded by the band a Heyoka album never materialized.<br />Several major line up shuffles took place throughout the remainder of the band's career, with many players passing through the bands ranks.<br />Eventually, the decision was taken in 1983 to call it a day as the musical climate was changing, and the prevailing winds did not favour Heyoka's idiosyncratic Hard Progressive style.<br />The band did however, sporadically reconvene for reunion gigs throughout the years, delighting old and new fans alike.<br />In the mid-2000's small local label Shroom Angel Records issued a limited edition CD entitled "The Lost Heyoka Recordings", a collection of vintage studio tracks.<br />Thanks to the CD and the band's presence on the internet, Heyoka's reputation has now spread far outside their native Texas, and plans are now afoot for further CD issues of the band's recorded legacy.<br />Many of the band's former members, (and there are many), still play music, such as Gerardo Ramirez and Patrick Hood who both play in WOLFPAK, who released a self titled debut album in 2000.<br />Wolfpak are still a going concern, playing gigs in the Texas area with plans for a second album in the near future.<br />Another notable Heyoka related band was WINTERKAT who released 2 Mini LPs in the '80's, the 2nd of which, '85's "The Struggle", featured 3 former Heyoka members, including vocalist Mike Grouthes.<br />Founding Heyoka member Val Mora is also hoping to publish a memoir entitled "Passage To Revelation - The Birth Of Heyoka", through Pure Man Publishers in the near future, and recently joined Wolfpak.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HEYOKA - The Lost Heyoka Recordings (1976-1979) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/556/heyokafrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/556/heyokafrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3O9J338E">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3O9J338E</a><br /><br />To legions of NWOBHM afficianados DEMOLITION are celebrated for their excellent 1981 7" "Hooker Hater" (b/w "Axeman"), which is one of the top rarities of the genre.<br />Both songs possess a strong MOTöRHEAD feel and belonged to the rough 'n' ready end of the NWOBHM.<br />The band was formed in 1979 in the the suburbs of Birmingham, originally as DEMOLITION GANG, by vocalist John Cadden.<br />They played numerous gigs at venues like the Barrel Organ, The Railway, Romeo & Juliet’s and the Mercat Cross, gaining a healthy following among local bikers.<br />Songs like the outstanding "On Top Of The World", "My Direction" or "Down In Hell", always make me wonder what would have happened if Demolition had recorded a full-length album in 1981.<br />They could have been huge ...<br />However, this was not to be.<br />John Cadden and his boys were just out to have a good time, never actively approaching the record company A&R’s down in London.<br />Nevertheless, they decided to record and finance a single on their own in order to have some product out in time for their German tour which started on Friday, 16th of October 1981.<br />The tour was organized by a friend of Cadden called Fin, a former member of fellow Brummie NWOBHM band RICOCHET.<br />Demolition played some obscure clubs in Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Heidelberg, Erlensee, Hannover and Bremerhaven in front of bemused mainstream rock audiences.<br />However, they had a blast and returned back home bursting with renewed energy.<br />You can hear for yourself by listening to the live songs on the "Wrecking Crew" album (recorded at the Boars Head in Kidderminster in 1981).<br />The band did not last long into 1982 as vocalist John Cadden quit Demolition as he was to leave England.<br />Bassist "Lita" Panesar would not carry on without him.<br />Cadden then moved to Germany, singing for Metal bands as diverse as DAMIEN and Thrash legends EXUMER.<br />He wrote the liner notes for the 19 song "Wrecking Crew" Demolition anthology album released by High Vaultage Records in 2006.<br />The album was subsequently reissued this year, this time on vinyl, by High Roller Records in a limited issue of 500 copies.<br />Of those, 150 copies were pressed on red/white blended vinyl with obi strip, 350 were on black vinyl, all came with a 20 page booklet & a bonus 7".<br />Info from an article by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matthias Mader</span> @ www.hrrecords.de<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DEMOLITION - Wrecking Crew : The Demolition Anthology (1981) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8776/demolitionfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8776/demolitionfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KATHYUWI">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KATHYUWI</a><br /><br />ERIC QUINCY TATE were a Southern Rock band formed by Tommy Carlisle and Donnie McCormick after they had both earlier played in a mid-'60's act called THE KINGS.<br />Tommy and Donnie returned from a stint in the U.S. Navy to Corpus Christi, Texas and formed Eric Quincy Tate in 1969.<br />In late 1969 EQT inked a record deal with Cotillion Records which led to the recording of their first album.<br />In 1970, that debut album, "Eric Quincy Tate", was released, with the band then relocating to Atlanta, GA.<br />In 1972 EQT's second album "Drinking Man's Friend" was released on the legendary Capricorn label.<br />Throughout the early 1970s, EQT played gigs with the likes of THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, TED NUGENT, BB KING, WET WILLIE, LYNYRD SKYNYRD and YES.<br />Eric Quincy Tate made its third album release in 1975 on GRC Records, a half live, half studio affair entitled "E.Q.T."<br />During the GRC period, Tommy Carlisle had taken a leave from the band and Wayne "Bear" Sauls took over as the primary guitarist.<br />In 1976 EQT released "Can't Keep A Good Band Down" recorded live at The Whipping Post in Augusta, GA.<br />Tommy Carlisle then left the band and went on tour in 1978 with an act called THE BACK ALLEY BANDITS.<br />1979 saw Eric Quincy Tate return with Carlisle on board once more for the six song "Six Pack" Mini LP on SLI Records.<br />Although playing live regularly, it would be a further 10 years before the next EQT album would surface, the 20th anniversary "Rock'n'Roll Transfusion".<br />This was followed in 1994 by "Vintage Vinyl Vol. 1", a compilation of the bands finest moments, including four previosly unreleased tracks.<br />Although occassionally playing EQT shows, band members had other musical outlets during the '90's, and it looked as though EQT were over as a recording act.<br />However, on September 9, 2006, EQT reunited for a 37th Anniversary reunion show in Atlanta, with the "Thirty Seven" CD being recorded at this show.<br />The band then suffered the terrible blow of the death of guitarist Wayne "Bear" Sauls from Hepatitis in November 2008.<br />A further tragedy hit EQT just months later, as Cancer claimed Vocalist/Drummer Donnie McCormick's life in January 2009.<br />These sad events effectively extinguished any flickering hope of further music from Eric Quincy Tate.<br />A posthumous live album by DONNIE McCORMICK & FRIENDS entitled "First Set", was later released by Emphasis Records.<br />This is 1979's live "Six Pack" Mini LP with the four exclusive songs from the "Vintage Vinyl Vol.1" LP added as bonus tracks.<br />Get on board the "Flying Machine" which was Eric Quincy Tate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ERIC QUINCY TATE - Six </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Pack (1979) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7391/eqt6packfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7391/eqt6packfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0CGGYSZ3">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0CGGYSZ3</a><br /><br />It's been really difficult to piece together any information about West German Heavy Rock trio LIFE.<br />Drummer Detlef Müller later passed through the ranks of AXE LA CHAPELLE, a band based in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, so it seems fair to surmise that Life were from around the same locale.<br />Their brand of Heavy Rock has a distinct '70's tang, so it's possible they were around for a while before their only release.<br />That record, the five song 1983 "German Heavy Rock" Mini LP was released by EMI Electrola Records.<br />Strangely, the first four songs are all on side 1, with a single track, "Things I Wonna Say To You", making up side 2.<br />Musically, the Mini LP contains excellent '70's influenced Hard Rock/early Metal played by a very talented power trio.<br />The record's A side features midtempo or fast Hard Rock/Metal songs, with the epic sounding "Night Dreams", a highlight.<br />Good singing & good playing are present throughout, with the progressive spaced out ballad "Things I Wonna Say To You", bringing the record to a close.<br />Strangely, for a record released by major label EMI Electrola, this one doesn't turn up for sale very often, and as such, seems to have had a very small pressing.<br />One for open minded fans of early Metal sounds with a 70's character then.<br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LIFE - German Heavy Rock Mini LP (1983) West Germany</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7348/lifefrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7348/lifefrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ASY282EJ">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ASY282EJ</a><br /><br />GLACIER were a US Heavy Metal band originally formed in Portland, Oregon in 1979.<br />The band released their first three song demo tape, "Ready For Battle", in 1984 which led them to sign a deal with the French Axe Killer Records label.<br />Their first official release was their self-titled Mini LP which was issued in 1985 by Axe Killer.<br />The "Glacier" Mini LP drew favourable comparisons in the music press with contemporaries like WARLORD, FATES WARNING and QUEENSRYCHE.<br />Three years later the band released a further four song cassette only demo which showed a stylistic change towards a sound more akin to HELSTAR or LIEGE LORD.<br />Unable to secure a new record deal, vocalist Tim Lachman joined his brother Pat in GARGOYLE, with Glacier folding soon after.<br />With Gargoyle, Lachman released a 1987 demo tape, an EP and a full length album, both in '88.<br />Lachman then moved on to sing with STATE OF THE ART on their 1992 demo, before later joining ELEVENTH HOUR who issued a demo in 1995.<br />Glacier produced some great U.S. Heavy Metal but somehow were criminally overlooked for years.<br />Eventually collectors and bloggers discovered the band's back catalogue, and as a result their releases began to command high prices.<br />Heaven & Hell Records recently announced plans for a Glacier compilation CD, as part of the label's "Lost Relics" series, which is due for release in early 2012 .<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">GLACIER - Ready For Battle Demo (1984) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8942/glacierp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 265px;" src="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8942/glacierp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N2PQWZAK">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N2PQWZAK</a><br /><br />RONNO were a four piece UK Hard Rock band formed in London in 1970.<br />The line up featured Benny Marshall on vocals, Mick Ronson on guitar, Tony Visconti on bass, and Woody Woodmansey on drums.<br />Ronson, Marshall and Woodmansey had all previously played together in Hull based band THE RATS.<br />Initially coming together in London as THE HYPE, by the time they had inked a deal they had adopted the Ronno name.<br />The only release by Ronno was this single, issued by Vertigo Records in January 1971.<br />The commercial Rock of A-Side, "4th Hour Of My Sleep", was written by Tucker Zimmerman, an American friend of producer Tony Visconti.<br />It's nice enough, with some tasteful picking from Ronson enlivening it's somewhat dated but tuneful chug.<br />Turn it over though, and things get really interesting.<br />The flipside, "Powers Of Darkness", was composed by Ronson and Marshall, and is an absolute treat.<br />This is stomping dark Heavy Rock with quasi-occult lyrics and great geetar pyrotechnics but somehow manages to also be as catchy as hell.<br />It's mainly this track which makes afficianados stroke their chins and ponder "what if?".<br />Sadly, the single was received by the public with a disinterested shrug, putting the future of Ronno in question.<br />But in 1971 three members (Woodmansey, Ronson and Visconti) were roped in by DAVID BOWIE to act as his backing band for the album "The Man Who Sold The World".<br />The album became a modest success, and sticking with the winning team, a further album was recorded.<br />This next LP, "Hunky Dory", was released in late 1971, and again sold well, bringing Bowie to international attention.<br />With the arrival of bassist Trevor Bolder, Bowie's backing unit then became THE SPIDERS FROM MARS, with Visconti leaving to devote his attention to producing other artists.<br />The next album, "The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars", saw Bowie & The Spiders scale the giddy heights of mega stardom.<br />A huge hit all over the world, the album & attendant singles were the first major peaks of Bowie's career, setting him up for years of adulation in the top echelon of Rock.<br />Following the "Pin Ups" and Alladin Sane" albums, Bowie decided to change style, letting the Spiders Of Mars go, as he prepared to embark on his "Thin White Duke" stage.<br />Post-Bowie, Ronson embarked on a solo career for a few years before forming a long running musical relationship with MOTT THE HOOPLE's IAN HUNTER.<br />Ronson also remained in-demand as an arranger, session player and producer until his untimely death in 1993 of liver cancer at just 46 years of age.<br />Post-Bowie Trevor Bolder & Mick Woodmansey put together a new-line up of The Spiders From Mars.<br />With new members Mike Garson on vocals, guitarist Dave Black and keyboard player Pete McDonald, the new incarnation secured a record deal with Pye Records.<br />Their self titled album was released in 1976 to universal apathy and the group disbanded soon after.<br />After Bolder joined URIAH HEEP, Woodmansey formed another band WOODY WOODMANSEY'S U-BOAT.<br />The new act signed to Bronze Records and released a self-titled LP in 1977.<br />Despite a support slot on Uriah Heep's "Firefly" UK tour, again, the album sold poorly, and U-Boat split.<br />After this Woodmansey became a session musician, recording & touring with the likes of SCREEN IDOLS, DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS & PAUL McCARTNEY.<br />Visconti has become a world reknowned record producer, working with bands as diverse as T REX, WINGS, THIN LIZZY, THE BOOMTOWN RATS, MORRISSEY & THE KAISER CHIEFS during his long distinguished career.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RONNO – 4th Hour Of My Sleep 7" (1971) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/558/ronno1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/558/ronno1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I76Q3IGH">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I76Q3IGH</a><br /><br />GEMAGE were an oddly named and very obscure NWOBHM band who released just a solitary 7" single during their lifetime.<br />The 45 in question, 1980's "The Story So Far", was issued on the band's own Gemage Records label.<br />Information on the band and this exceedingly rare release are unfortunately very hard to come by, despite it's collectability.<br />Music journalist Martin Popoff briefly described the single as being, "a bit to the New Wave end of things", in his book, "The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal Singles".<br />I can see what he means, as the slightly Punky vocals are at odds with the decide<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"></span>dly more Metallic guitar riff which pumps away insistently at the heart of "The Story So Far".<br />The flipside, "Bring Me Death" is even more confusing, with the mellower song managing to remind me of LLOYD COLE and late '60's vintage THE WHO simultaneously.<br />The A Side of the single was latterly comped on the 2009 "Live To Ride : 14 Obscure "N.W.O.B.H.M." 1977-82 Gems", bootleg vinyl compilation LP on the so called, "Heavy Metal Records" label.<br />This led Z Gun Review to note that, "Gemage feel like a missing link band between Punk and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal", in their review of the "Live To Ride...", compilation album.<br />Copies of the Gemage 45 are now very highly prized, and change hands at around the £50 mark if you can find one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">GEMAGE - The Story So Far 7" (1980) UK</span><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6PJKN0WC"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9608/gemagefrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9608/gemagefrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6PJKN0WC">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6PJKN0WC</a><br /><br />And that's your lot for this evening.<br />Hope you find something amongst that little lot to put a spring in your step or a song in yer heart.<br />Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts on the last post here. Nice to see that we brought back fond memories for some of you, espescially with regards to the MORE session.<br />I look forward to seeing what you think of tonight's selection.<br />If you want to share your thoughts, remembrances, corrections, additional information, praise or criticism on <span style="font-style: italic;">anything</span> on the blog, just use the "comment" function at the bottom of this post.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Really</span>, it <span style="font-weight: bold;">is</span> that simple.<br />Many thanks again to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SS</span> for his generous share of the Heyoka album, it is very much appreciated buddy. It's damn fine music.<br />Many thanks also go to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Mac</span> for hooking me up with another item from my "wants" list.<br />Sir, you rule!<br />See you back here in 2-3 weeks for some more of the similar then?<br />Over & oot.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-15435971553889791172011-08-29T17:09:00.002-04:002011-08-29T18:19:42.292-04:00STAYING UP TO WATCH FAMILY GUYHowdy folks,
<br />I'm sorry for taking so long in bringing you this latest post, thank you for your patience, but i'm hoping the scope and size of tonight's menu will be enough to buy my way back into your affections.
<br />Basically what happened was that i was having some computer problems which took a week or so to get resolved and then my ISP decided to cut my internet off!
<br />Dicks.
<br />Why?
<br />Because i owed them £17.
<br />Yup, £17.
<br />Dicks.
<br />If anyone's interested in going with Post Office Homephone, you get a great connection speed, and you also get shitty customer care.
<br />As a result i was unable to get online for a fortnight until we got the whole stupid business straightened out.
<br />Did i mention what dicks they were?
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Real</span> dicks.
<br />I've turned tonight's selection into a megapost to make up for the amount of time it took me to bring it to you, i hope you'll agree that it was worth the wait.
<br />Let's start with a band called KKB.
<br />Before Bruce Kulick became the guitarist with KISS, MEAT LOAF (he was a member of the "Bat Out Of Hell" touring band), or GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, before his stints with THE GOOD RATS, BLACKJACK or BILLY SQUIER even, and long before his work with GRAHAM BONNET, E.S.P. and UNION; before all of that, Bruce Kulick was a fan of great rock music.
<br />CREAM, JIMI HENDRIX, MOUNTAIN, THE WHO, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH, THE JAMES GANG, DEEP PURPLE... you name it, Kulick knew it and loved it.
<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">In 1973 i found a guy who lived in the next building over from me, in the Jackson Heights area of Queens, New York.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">His name was Mike Katz, and he was a bass player who loved all of the same bands I did.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We started jamming, and, because we already spoke the same language musically, it was just magical.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We found a drummer named Guy Bois who rounded out the picture, and we formed a group that we envisioned as a cross between Cream and YES.</span>"
<br />After months of rehearsal in the Bois family basement, the band (though called "KKB" today, they never had a name at the time,) entered New York's Sudden Rush recording studio in September of 1974 armed with a strong batch of songs.
<br />As with many young bands, things unfortunately didn't progress for the three musicians.
<br />Eventually Kulick, Katz and Bois went their separate ways.
<br />The reel-to-reel tape of those sessions sat gathering dust until Kulick found a TEAC reel-to-reel player for $35.00 at garage sale in 2006, and thus rediscovered the "KKB" sessions.
<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">I put that tape on, and was blown away," smiles Kulick.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"It was like a time capsule, and there was such passion and fury in the music.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It was funny, too, how I recognized so many elements in that tape recording from almost 35 years ago that are still in my guitar playing today.</span>"
<br />As enjoyable as it was for Bruce to journey down memory lane, it was playing the tape for friends and other musicians that lead him to consider releasing it to the public at large.
<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Everyone I played it for said the same thing, that I needed to put this music out as it sounds so current, no matter how many years ago it was created.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So I began the process of getting this old tape transferred into a digital format.</span>"
<br />While there was some repair work and extensive mastering done to the tape to get it up to digital standards, no overdubs or new music were recorded.
<br />The "KKB" sessions appear on the CD exactly as they were recorded.
<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Oddly enough, even though this music was created in 1974, the vibe is right in line with some of the music that has come out in the last few years, KKB has that powerful punch that analog is known for,</span>" marvels Kulick.
<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">But beyond all of that, this music has relevance, is extremely catchy and musical, and will stand on its own no matter how many years ago it was created.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Turn on the black lights and rock out to KKB!</span>"
<br />For the last ten years Kulick has been guitarist with Grand Funk Railroad, and has released 3 solo albums in that time.
<br />Mike Katz now plays in Cream tribute band EB-3.
<br />"1974", is a cracking little album, just great '70's Heavy power-trio Rawk with progressive arrangements and a really funky rhythm section.
<br />There's the odd slice of lyrical cheese here and there, but musically this is awesome, with Kulick really impressing with his fluidity and grasp of dynamics.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">KKB - 1974 (1974) USA</span>
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<br />NWOBHM quartet HELLANBACH were formed in Newcastle in 1979 and came to the fore with their debut four track EP "Out To Get You", in 1980 on the Guardian Records label.
<br />The buzz surrounding the EP secured them a deal with Wallsend based Neat Records and a track, 'All The Way', on the label's "60 Min Plus" compilation.
<br />A further Hellanbach song, "All Systems Go", then appeared on the Neat Records "One Take No Dubs" compilation EP in 1982.
<br />The band's critically acclaimed debut album ,"Now Hear This!", was then released in 1983.
<br />The album featured an inspired cover of "Everybody Wants To Be A Cat", a song first featured in its original form on the soundtrack for the Disney animated movie "The Aristocats"!
<br />All in all it's a great album - up there with the likes of the first RAVEN album as one of Neat's finest releases.
<br />Drummer Steve Walker was replaced by MYTHRA's Barry Hopper following the release of the album.
<br />Hellanbach's second album was issued in 1984, and was entitled "The Big H".
<br />Despite it's quality the album wasn't as well received as their debut, and the group disappeared from the touring circuit, disbanding soon after.
<br />Bassist Kev Charlton subsequently worked with former PHASSLAYNE frontman Micheal Maughan, demoing material, but ultimately failing to score a deal.
<br />Guitarist Dave Patton later reappeared as a member of former DEEP PURPLE and TRAPEZE man GLENN HUGHES's touring band in 1995.
<br />Kev Charlton joined the resurrected FIST line-up in 2000.
<br />In 2001 drummer Barry Hopper reunited with his old MYTHRA band mate Maurice Bates in a Rockabilly band called THE BUCKETS.
<br />During 2002 Essential Records issued a 2-CD Hellanbach retrospective entitled "The Big H: The Hellanbach Anthology".
<br />Kev Charlton now divides his time between two bands, BESSIE & THE ZINC BUCKETS and THE CHARLOTTE YANNI BAND.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HELLANBACH - The Big H (1984) UK</span>
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<br />I've been feeling that i've been letting down you Southern Rock fans at NILOOB recently. Consider that state of affairs rectified right now.
<br />TOO SMOOTH were an Austin Texas based four piece who specialized in Hard Rock with a definite Southern Edge, but also dallied with progressive song structures.
<br />A legendary band, and a huge live draw in their homestate in the '70's, the rest of the world is finally catching on to the band 30 years after their initial split.
<br />Interlocking guitarists Brian Wooten and Jeff Clark, bassist Danny Swinney and drummer Tom Holden were each distinctive players who brought something special to the group.
<br />Two sang, three wrote songs and all four worked out arrangements, making for a sound that was all over the place stylistically but rooted in riff-wailing guitar rock.
<br />The band broke up in 1981 without ever releasing an album.
<br />Too Smooth formed in 1973, when Wooten replaced STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN in the band STUMP, which also featured Clark and Holden.
<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Stump was always a compromise because Stevie and (bassist) David Frame wanted to play blues, and Tom and I were more into rock</span>," says Clark.
<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">When Brian joined, it took us in the direction that became Too Smooth.</span>"
<br />The band moved in together on a 42-acre farm near Lake Travis, where they practiced at least six hours a day.
<br />Their new Harder Rock sound, solidified with the addition of bassist Swinney, necessitated a name change to Too Smooth.
<br />Their twin guitar attack and legendary live shows soon garnered the band a huge home-state following.
<br />When touring acts such as GOLDEN EARRING, TED NUGENT and LYNYRD SKYNYRD made their initial forays into Austin, bookers would put Too Smooth on as the opening act to ensure a full house.
<br />Too Smooth signed with Michael Lang's Just Sunshine label in '74 and recorded an album at the Record Plant in California.
<br />Unfortunately, just as the band were finishing up work on the LP the label was sold to ABC.
<br />The new owners didn't know who Too Smooth was, and didn't care, and dropped the band without releasing the album.
<br />The band's second chance came in 1976 when they signed to Buddah Records.
<br />Too Smooth were dispatched to Criterion Studios in Miami to record another album, but released only one 45 for Buddah, "Song For the World".
<br />The label had decided to concentrate on it's disco acts, and once more Too Smooth were dropped, with another unreleased album in the can.
<br />The band then released a single, "Mamie Mama", on the local independent Armadillo Records label.
<br />When Mercury Records began courting the band it looked like it might be 3rd time lucky for Too Smooth, but negotiations broke down before a contract could be finalised.
<br />Holden was the first to leave, in the fall of '78, followed by Wooten about two years later.
<br />When Swinney quit to join CHRISTOPHER CROSS on the road in 1980, Clark kept Too Smooth going with new members, but things weren't the same and the band finally fell apart in late '81.
<br />Wooten & Clark later reappeared in a covers band called 14K, before Wooten went on to join first THE IMPERIALS, then WHITEHEART in 1989.
<br />Whiteheart released four albums during Wooten's stint in the band, before he left them in 1996.
<br />He was then involved with the band PETRA, writing & recording 3 albums with them before joining the band of Country singer TRACE ATKINS.
<br />Danny Swinney kept himself busy with a quintet called SUEDE, who are a popular live act in their home state.
<br />Drummer Tom Holden also remained active in music, playing with an act called DUCK SOUP.
<br />After a few Too Smooth reunion shows in recent years, the band finally released their first album in early 2011.
<br />Entitled "Still", this double CD contains remastered studio recordings by the original band at the height of their powers in the 1970's.
<br />A further album, the live "Live & Kickin'", followed a few months later, containing vintage concert cuts alongside material recorded at their reunion shows.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">TOO SMOOTH - Live From Mother Earth (1974) USA</span>
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<br />STRAPPS were a London based Hard Rock act founded in 1975 by former EPISODE SIX, QUATERMASS, SAMMY and PEACE drummer Mick Underwood and Australian singer/guitarist Rod Stagg.
<br />Stagg had previously tried to make his way as a solo artist, releasing a lone single, "I'll Never Be A Star (But I Might)", on the Dawn label in 1974.
<br />After adding Bassist Joe Read and Keyboard player Noel Scott, the band was complete, and were signed to the Harvest Records label.
<br />Their self-titled 1976 debut album was produced by ex-Episode Six & DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover, and appeared in a striking fetish inspired sleeve.
<br />The band then found themselves on tour as special guests on Deep Purple's ill starred "Come Taste The Band" tour, Purple's last hurrah until their 1980's reformation.
<br />The "Strapps" album went on to find some success with very good sales in the American South, and was a genuine hit in Japan despite failing to even chart in the UK.
<br />Chris Kimsey was brought aboard as producer for the band's second album, 1977's "Secret Damage", which again sold very well in Japan.
<br />Strapps then found themselves on tour again, this time as guests to Underwood's former Episode Six bandmate in the IAN GILLAN BAND on the "Clear Air Turbulence" tour.
<br />A single from the album, the glam inflected "Child In The City", was a minor UK hit single, after the band performed the song live on the "Supersonic" TV show.
<br />1978 proved to be a problematic year for the band, with their 3rd album, entitled "Sharp Conversation", only issued in the U.S. and a few European territories.
<br />In Japan, where Strapps' stock was still high, the album was released under the title "Prisoner Of Your Love".
<br />A fourth album "Ball Of Fire", was recorded early in 1979 but was only issued in Japan, under the modified ROSS STAGG & STRAPPS name.
<br />Thereafter, finding themselves without a record deal, and deep in debt, Strapps went their separate ways, with Underwood accepting an invitation to join GILLAN.
<br />Underwood remained with Gillan for the duration of that band's lifespan, and also appeared on a few of IAN GILLAN's later solo albums.
<br />He then worked as a session drummer, before forming QUATERMASS II in 1997, recording an album with them entitled "Long Road".
<br />Underwood is now a member of RAW GLORY, to date they have issued one album, 2007's "City Life".
<br />Ross Stagg eventually returned to Australia, where he now works as a music and entertainment lecturer at NSW TAFE (New South Wales Technical and Further Education Commission).
<br />In 2008 Angel Air Records released a vintage Stapps live performance on CD, "Live At The Rainbow 1977".
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STRAPPS - Ball Of Fire (1978) UK</span>
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<br />Here's "Tracks", an album's worth of previously unreleased vintage tracks by Canadian Hard/Prog/Pomp Rock gods THE HUNT.
<br />With the exception of two songs which were included on the "Tracked Down" compilation album, none of this stuff has previously seen the light of day.
<br />A treat for fans of quality late '70's/early '80's Hard Rock!
<br />The Hunt formed from the ashes of Prog/Psychers DILLINGER who recorded a couple of highly rated early '70's LPs.
<br />After adding former MAX WEBSTER drummer Paul Kersey, they changed their name to The Hunt and their style altered drastically too.
<br />After this self titled debut there were some line up changes, before they recorded 1980's "Back On The Hunt", as a trio and built up a name for themselves as a popular touring act, especially in the Southern United States.
<br />At this point bassist Frank Gagnon jumped ship to join FRANK SODA & THE IMPS.
<br />They recorded their final album, "The Thrill Of The Kill" in 1982.
<br />A diverse but tightly written album of quality Hard Rock with excellent arrangements, it featured the six string talents of MAX WEBSTER guitarist KIM MITCHELL on several tracks to boot.
<br />Sadly, that was the end of the road for The Hunt, they went their separate ways later the same year.
<br />If you enjoy this one, check out the archives for the rest of their discography, "Back On The Hunt", "Thrill Of The Kill", and a compilation album called "Tracked Down - The Best Of The Hunt", are all here somewhere.
<br />Tally Ho!!!
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE HUNT - Tracks : Previously Unreleased (1980) Canada</span>
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<br />MORE were a hard working five piece London based Heavy Metal band formed in 1979 who operated at the height of the NWoBHM.
<br />Vocalist Paul Mario Day had previously sung briefly for one of the early incarnations of IRON MAIDEN.
<br />MORE debuted in May 1980 on BBC Radio 1's Friday Rock Show with a four song studio session from which the track "Soldier", was culled for the BBC "Metal Explosion" compilation album.
<br />On the strength of the buzz created by the radio session and the band's energetic live shows, More were signed by Atlantic Records
<br />A cracking debut full length album entitled "Warhead", was then recorded in Detroit, U.S.A., which was preceded by the release of a single, "Atomic Rock".
<br />After supporting DEF LEPPARD, SAXON and KROKUS on their British tours, and IRON MAIDEN throughout Europe, MORE opened the bill at the 1981 Castle Donington Monsters Of Rock festival before they began recording their second album.
<br />Work began on album No 2, "Blood And Thunder", with producer Pete Hinton, but vocalist Day quit midway through recording to join WILDFIRE, resulting in More's projected support slot to BLACK SABBATH being cancelled.
<br />The band soldiered on recruiting vocalist Mick Stratton, although the album was delayed as Stratton re-wrote lyrics to all the previously recorded material.
<br />Laurie Mansworth then left More to form the much mellower AIRRACE alongside drummer Jason Bonham and ex-WHITE SPIRIT and LIONHEART members.
<br />Airrace released a single, "I Don't Care", and a lone album, "Shaft Of Light" in 1984.
<br />Laurie was followed through the out door by drummer Frank Darch who, in turn, was superseded by Andy John Burton.
<br />Bassist Brian Day then also left More during the album recordings to be replaced by Barry Nichols.
<br />The album, bizarrely, went unreleased in Britain, but did see release in Europe.
<br />A final More single, the non-album "Trickster", was issued in late 1982, after which the group disbanded.
<br />More reformed briefly in 1985 with only Cox remaining from the original line up, joined by vocalist Ron Jackson, guitarist Mel Jones, returning bassist Barry Nichols and Paul George on drums, but the whole thing was very short-lived.
<br />Kenny Cox joined the gimmicky "Fatman" Hard Rock band MAMMOTH, led by ex-SAMSON vocalist Nicky Moore and former GILLAN bassist John McCoy.
<br />Mammoth went on to release two studio albums and a live effort, after which Cox played in a band called MORE'n'MORE alongside Mammoth's Nicky Moore.
<br />After two albums with Wildfire, vocalist Paul Mario Day found himself as the front man in legendary Glam/Hard Rock band THE SWEET.
<br />He fronted the band for three years, recording the "Sweet Sixteen" & "Live At The Marquee" albums with them before emigrating to Australia.
<br />A further attempt at reforming MORE in 1999, fronted by former AXON IV singer Mike, stalled when Kenny Cox suffered several debilitating strokes.
<br />Laurie Mansworth reemerged in the 2000's as manager/producer of hotly tipped Hard Rock band HURRICANE PARTY aka ROADSTAR aka HEAVEN'S BASEMENT.
<br />Paul Mario Day resurfaced in 2009 in a new band called CRIMZON LAKE who recorded 2 demos before the release of a self-titled 3 song EP earlier this year.
<br />Laurie Mansworth has also recently returned to the stage, playing guitar in a reformed version of Airrace, who released a brand new album "Back To The Start" this year.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MORE : Friday Rock Show Session (1980) UK</span>
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<br />ROSIE were a Hard Rock band formed by ex THE GODZ guitarist Mark Chatfield in Columbus, Ohio in early 1980.
<br />The name Rosie was inspired, as Chatfield tells it," <span style="font-style: italic;">by the old tale of Rosie Palmer and her five </span><span style="font-style: italic;">sisters</span>".
<br />The band debuted with a self titled four song 12" EP in early 1981 and contributed a further track, "Sorry (I Forgot Your Name)", to a radio station sampler album entitled "Q-FM 96 Hometown Album Project Volume 3".
<br />With bassist Jay Chesbro being replaced by Ed Means, a full length studio album entitled "Precious Metal", was recorded and issued by Doubletree Records in late 1981.
<br />After a tough start to 1984 due to management problems, Chatfield opted to join BOB SEGER's SILVER BULLET BAND for a lengthy tour.
<br />This left vocalist Carl Shelor to take over guitar duties and sing too.
<br />Bassist Robert "Wild" West was then suceeded by a new member, Tom Courteney.
<br />With Chatfield returning from the Seger tour, Rosie went into Bison Studios and started working on what was to be their next album.
<br />With Shelor and Chatfield being the principal songwriters from the start, the music flowed and they realized they were writing some of Rosie's best music.
<br />That album never came to be however, as Chatfield got another call from Seger, and ROSIE was left to look for a replacement.
<br />In 1988, Mark Chatfield, who had moved to Las Vegas and opened his Cowtown Guitars store, contacted Means and Shelor about a possible ROSIE reunion.
<br />After some planning, it took place over two nights at one of their favourite old haunts, and was recorded for release as a thank you to the bands loyal fans.
<br />The band's second and final album, "Rosie Live!", was recorded at The Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio on November 25th and 26th 1988.
<br />This venue later became infamous as the place where former PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was gunned down onstage in 2004.
<br />Chatfield still plays with Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band, with occasional reformations of The Godz, and also with Ohio band LUVHEAD.
<br />Rosie still get back together to play the occasional live show every now and then, but have no plans to record again.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ROSIE - Rosie EP (1981) USA</span>
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<br />GHOST is a six piece traditional Heavy Metal band formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 2008.
<br />In 2010 they released a three song self-titled demo, which was quickly followed by the single "Elizabeth".
<br />Their debut full length album "Opus Eponymous", released by Metal Blade Records in late 2010 created quite a stir in the Metal scene.
<br />Ghost are easily recognizable due to their eccentric on-stage presence (five of the group's six members wear dark hooded robes, while the vocalist appears in skull mask and a cardinal outfit), heavily satanic-based lyrics, and the secret nature of their identities.
<br />This year the band played at the annual Download Festival in the United Kingdom, and went down a storm by all accounts.
<br />Following their performance, Phil Anselmo, lead singer of DOWN, performed wearing a Ghost t-shirt and invited three of the Ghost band members to join him on the main stage.
<br />Down closed their set with both guitars and drums being played by members of Ghost with Anselmo changing the title of "Bury Me In Smoke" to "Bury Me In <span style="font-style: italic;">Ghost</span>".
<br />James Hetfield of METALLICA also hailed the band by wearing a Ghost t-shirt while playing with "The Big Four" at the Sonisphere festival in Gothenburg, Sweden.
<br />Ghost are currently gearing up for a slot on the "Defenders Of The Faith III" European tour with TRIVIUM, IN FLAMES and RISE TO REMAIN, before starting work on a second album.
<br />The band's Heavy but melodic sound has captured the imaginations of many Metal fans, but only time will tell whether they are genuine contenders.
<br />This is their 3 song 2010 "Ghost" demo, try it on for size.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">GHOST - Ghost Demo (2010) Sweden</span>
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<br />SONIC'S RENDEZVOUS BAND was a Hard Rocking quartet from Ann Arbor, Michigan formed in 1975, featuring veterans of the 1960s Detroit rock scene.
<br />Fred "Sonic" Smith previously had been one half of the MC5's guitar "army", whilst vocalist/guitarist Scott Morgan had been a member of the soul-infused RATIONALS.
<br />The rock steady rhythm section consisted of bassist Gary Rasmussen, ex of revolutionary rockers THE UP, and Scott "Rock Action" Asheton had previously reduced drum kits to splinters with THE STOOGES.
<br />The band remained virtually unknown outside their native Detroit, but their one and only 1978 single became a sought after item for those in the know.
<br />The band only had enough money to mix one song, "City Slang", so it was pressed on both sides of the single.
<br />One side was labeled mono and one side stereo although both sides were identical.
<br />Rolling Stone magazine called it "<span style="font-style: italic;">5:15 of assault guitars, railroad drumming and determined-rebel call</span>".
<br />Although a popular live draw locally, the band never lifted off nationally, and finally went their separate ways in 1980.
<br />Bootleg copies of the single began circulating during the 1980's, those hip enough to discover the band were instant converts.
<br />In the late 1990's Alive/Total Energy Records released a studio recording of the then-unheard song "Electrophonic Tonic", the song that was to have been the B-side of "City Slang".
<br />In 1999, Mack Aborn Rhythm Arts released "Sweet Nothing", a CD compilation of rare live SRB tunes.
<br />So receptive was the audience that a second compilation called "City Slang" was released in 2000.
<br />This in turn sparked a renewed interest in Scott Morgan, who was critically acclaimed in the 1980's with bands like SCOTS PIRATES and the SCOTT MORGAN BAND.
<br />SRB disciples, Sweden's THE HELLACOPTERS recorded no less than five Scott Morgan/SRB compositions ("City Slang", "16 With A Bullet", "Downright Blue", "Heaven", "Slow Down (Take A Look)"), which further popularized the group.
<br />Scott Morgan would go on to record with The Hellacopter's Nicke Royale, releasing three HYDROMATICS albums as well as two albums as THE SOLUTION.
<br />Scott Asheton returned to the stage around the same time, touring the world and recording once more with the reactivated Stooges.
<br />Over the last few years the SRB have enjoyed even further renewed interest, with the September 2006 release of a 6 CD box set titled, "Sonic's Rendezvous Band," by Easy Action Records.
<br />The set was reviewed in Rolling Stone Magazine by Senior Editor David Fricke who summed up by saying, "<span style="font-style: italic;">I just want as much of the best of this band as I can get. Right now, this is what I have. And I am playing it. Loud.</span>"
<br />Follow his lead brothers and sisters.
<br />"City Slang", is eternal.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SONIC'S RENDEZVOUS BAND - City Slang 7" (1978) USA</span>
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<br />Whew!
<br />Finally, Los Angeles based Hard Rock band DOKKEN was first formed around 1978 when Vocalist Don Dokken teamed up with Bassist Steve Barry and drummer Greg Pecka.
<br />Prior to this, Don had been playing club shows in the Los Angeles area billed as AIRBORN, but had to change name because another band called Airborn had already acquired a record deal.
<br />In 1979, this initial trio line up of the band entered the studio and recorded the two songs which became their debut single.
<br />This record, the ultra rare "Hard Rock Woman" 7" was released in 1979 by the L.A. based Hard Records label.
<br />After the single's release, personnel changes saw Greg Leon arrive on Guitar, Jeff Tappen on Bass and Gary Holland took over the drum stool from Pecka who would later join HELLION.
<br />This line-up recorded a demo tape later issued with the addition of two live tracks, without the band's approval, as the six song 1979 "Back In The Streets" EP.
<br />After more personnel problems, Don met up with Guitarist George Lynch and Drummer "Wild" Mick Brown, who were playing a band called XCITER, and recruited them.
<br />In 1981, Don Dokken flew to Germany to sing background vocals on the upcoming SCORPIONS album "Blackout", in order to assist the band's vocalist Klaus Meine, who was suffering from a vocal ailment.
<br />Whilst there, ACCEPT were recording in another studio, and their manager was so impressed by Don that he was able to secure him a European record deal with Carrere Records.
<br />An album was hastily recorded in Germany by a band now featuring Dokken, Lynch & Brown with Ratt drummer Bobby Blotzer guesting on some tracks and Accept's Peter Baltes playing Bass throughout.
<br />The group's debut album "Breaking The Chains", was first released in Germany under the name "Don Dokken".
<br />With the addition of Juan Croucier on Bass, Dokken had a steady line-up, and a new manager, Cliff Bernstein, who got the band a US deal with Elektra Records.
<br />The band did an arena tour in the United States with BLUE ÖYSTER CULT in 1983, but when the tour was over the band was nearly dropped from the label due to the album's lack of success in the USA.
<br />Juan Croucier left Dokken in 1983 to join RATT and was replaced by Jeff Pilson.
<br />At this point, the band began to write more and more commercial material, eschewing the Harder sound of old.
<br />Dokken then began to experience huge commercial success in the USA, accumulating numerous charting singles and selling more than 10 million copies of their next 4 albums (3 studio, 1 live), worldwide.
<br />The band was also nominated for a Grammy in 1989, the year the "classic" line up split up, only to reform four years later.
<br />Things were never the same for Dokken however, albums sold poorly and band members came and went with alarming regularity over the next 20 years.
<br />In the midst of this ongoing soap opera, guitarist George Lynch announced a further reformation of the classic Dokken line up in 2010.
<br />Lynch was forced to retract the statement hours later however, saying "<span style="font-style: italic;">There will be no Dokken reunion in the foreseeable future, if ever.</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is Don’s decision, despite Jeff’s and my best intentions and efforts over the past few years to make this happen in good faith.</span>"
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DOKKEN - Hard Rock Woman 7" (1979) USA</span>
<br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KUA5A9MK">
<br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/751/dokkenfront.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/751/dokkenfront.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KUA5A9MK">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KUA5A9MK</a>
<br />
<br />That little lot should keep you all going for a while eh?
<br />Many thanks to all of you who took the time to peruse my "wants list" from the last post and tried to help me out.
<br />Thanks for the replies, pointers, info and uploads, all greatfully received and much appreciated.
<br />I've now amended the list (which is <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> huge!), if anyone can help me out any further with anything on it, i'd me much obliged.
<br />I look forward to reading your comments on tonight's post, hopefully my comments sections will be as full as your I-Pod's after tonight's sonic smorgasbord.
<br />God/Allah/Buddah/Lucifer/Im-Ho-Tep willing, it should (hopefully), be business as usual (fingers crossed), here soon, with regular posts appearing again every 2 to 3 weeks.
<br />Thanks again for your patience.
<br />All the best,
<br />Bigfootkit.
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-6537766766347495972011-07-20T13:27:00.013-04:002014-05-08T14:17:19.270-04:00HAVE A RUMMAGE<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">* WANTS LIST * WANTS LIST * WANTS LIST *</span></span><span style="color: #33ff33;">Howdy, i was just wondering if any of you could help me out with some stubborn items which have been on my "Wants" list for a looong time.<br />I've had no luck tracking these down whatsoever.<br />If any of you could help me out with rips of any of the following, i'd be forever in your debt.<br />A new post of the regular variety will follow here at the weekend.</span><span style="color: #33ff33; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="color: #33ff33;">Thanks in advance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">BENHATZEL <span style="color: black;">:</span> </span></span>Undeniable (1983) USA<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"><br />BERINGER REEF </span></span><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: black;">:</span></span></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>Pacific Illusions (1982) USA<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">CIRCUS OF POWER</span> :</span> Live At The Ritz Mini LP (1991) USA<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">EMERALD CITY</span> :</span> Return To Oz (Live) (1976) Canada<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">FREEWAY </span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: black;">:</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span>Off The Streets (1979) USA<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"><br />HOLY MACKEREL <span style="color: black;">:</span></span></span> Holy Mackerel (1972) UK<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">IMAGINE</span> :</span> Playin' Around (1981) USA<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">MESSENDGER</span> :</span> Back (1996) (<span style="font-style: italic;">Compilation</span>) USA<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">NO QUARTER</span> :</span> Birds Of Prey EP (1985) UK<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">RESISTANCE </span></span><b>:</b> Resistance (1979) USA<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">SAVANNAH</span> :</span> Livin' High 7" (1975) USA<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">SCARECROW</span> :</span> Scarecrow (1978) UK<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">SCATTERED ACES</span> :</span> Six Pack Mini LP (1984) Australia (ex-<span style="font-weight: bold;">ROSE TATTOO</span>)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">SCATTERED ACES</span> :</span> C'Mon Everybody 7" (1984) Australia (ex-<span style="font-weight: bold;">ROSE TATTOO</span>)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">SHADOWFOX</span> :</span> Stealer EP (1983) USA<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">AL STAHALEY</span> :</span> Stahaley's Comet (1982) USA(<span style="font-style: italic;">aka</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">AL STAEHELY</span> :</span> "Al Staehely & 10K Hours") (ex-<span style="font-weight: bold;">SPIRIT</span>)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">STARCHILD</span> :</span> No Control For Rock'n'Roll 7" (1981) Canada<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">UNCLE</span> :</span> Up Against The Wall (1979) USA<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-49451378875853706972011-07-03T18:34:00.003-04:002011-07-03T19:16:52.446-04:00STEEPED IN THEATRICAL TRADITIONALHi and welcome back to the New & Improved Live & Otherwise blog, where it pleases us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">immensely</span> to bring you yet another fantastic selection of rare & obscure hard stuff that slipped through the cracks back in the day.<br />Tonight we finally complete a few discographies that long serving visitors will need to fill the gaps in their collections.<br />So you can stop looking for the missing pieces for your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HARPO</span>, HARVEST MOON and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DAGABAND</span> collections. They're all right here.<br />We also bring you a new band playing in the vintage style courtesy of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kenzo</span></span>, and supply a few more missing pieces of the musical jigsaw we've been bringing you for the last 5 years or so.<br />Shall we get on with it then?<br />ROSIE were a Hard Rock band formed by ex THE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">GODZ</span> guitarist Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chatfield</span> in Columbus, Ohio in early 1980.<br />The name Rosie was inspired, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Chatfield</span> tells it," by the old tale of Rosie Palmer and her five sisters".<br />The band debuted with a self titled four song 10" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">EP</span> in early 1981 and contributed a further track, "Sorry (I Forgot Your Name)", to a radio station sampler album entitled "Q-FM 96 Hometown Album Project Volume 3".<br />With bassist Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Chesbro</span> being replaced by Ed Means, a full length studio album entitled "Precious Metal", was recorded and issued by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Doubletree</span> Records in late 1981.<br />After a tough start to 1984 due to management problems, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Chatfield</span> opted to join BOB <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">SEGER's</span> SILVER BULLET BAND for a lengthy tour.<br />This left vocalist Carl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Shelor</span> to take over guitar duties and sing too.<br />Bassist Robert "Wild" West was then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">succeeded</span> by a new member, Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Courteney</span>.<br />With <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Chatfield</span> returning from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Seger</span> tour, Rosie went into Bison Studios and started working on what was to be their next album.<br />With <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shelor</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Chatfield</span> being the principal songwriters from the start, the music flowed and they realized they were writing some of Rosie's best music.<br />That album never came to be however, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Chatfield</span> got another call from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Seger</span>, and ROSIE was left to look for a replacement.<br />In the meantime singer Carl B. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Shelor</span> recorded a solo album entitled "Three Guesses" under the "band" name CBS.<br />It was shelved at the time, (1987), but was later released on CD by Retrospect Records.<br />In 1988, Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Chatfield</span>, who had moved to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Las</span> Vegas and opened his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Cowtown</span> Guitars store, contacted Means and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Shelor</span> about a possible ROSIE reunion.<br />After some planning, it took place over two nights at one of their favourite old haunts, and was recorded for release as a thank you to the bands loyal fans.<br />The band's second and final album, "Rosie Live!", was recorded at The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Alrosa</span> Villa in Columbus, Ohio on November 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">th</span> and 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">th</span> 1988.<br />This venue later became infamous as the place where former <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">PANTERA</span> guitarist "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Dimebag</span>" Darrell Abbott was gunned down onstage in 2004.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Chatfield</span> still plays with Bob <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Seger's</span> Silver Bullet Band, with occasional reformations of The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Godz</span>, and also with Ohio band <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">LUVHEAD</span>.<br />Rosie still get back together to play the occasional live show every now and then, but have no plans to record again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ROSIE - Rosie Live! (1988) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3259/rosielivefrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3259/rosielivefrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UBNWTCAE">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UBNWTCAE</a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">HARPO</span> were a terrific Melodic Hard Rock/Pomp Rock outfit from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Sunbury</span>, Pennsylvania formed way back in 1974.<br />Their 1981 self-titled debut Mini Album on Mallard Records found favour within the Pomp Rock collector fraternity thanks to the classic track "Rendezvous" that clocks in at 8 minutes and truly is worthy of a place in your collection. The rest of the songs are shorter, more streamlined and rock harder, all great in their own right, but the aforementioned track is something truly special.<br />On <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Harpo</span> went, but they were not to record their first full length album until 1987, when "Armed To Deliver" was issued by Atlas Records.<br />This is a harder collection of songs, but there's still space for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Harpo</span> to show their subtler side here and there.<br />The new album captured the attention of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">EMI</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Polygram</span> Records with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">EMI</span> deciding to take a trip to Scranton to see the band a second time.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Harpo</span> seemed on the verge of getting signed to a major record label when tragedy struck. Lead vocalist John "Lloyd" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Kistner</span> was involved in a very serious auto accident when he was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Christmas Eve, 1988.<br />After a year of extensive physical therapy, the tenacious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Kistner</span> was again ready to rock.<br />Before releasing a six song Mini LP entitled "Fire Your Fire" ; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Harpo</span> added a new drummer, Rich Smith, from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Williamsport</span>, PA.<br />Together with original members <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Kerstetter</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Kistner</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Harpo</span> were, once again, heading in the right direction.<br />It then took until 1992 for their next album to appear, "Too Much Is Just Enough".<br />This one was a bit of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">mish</span>-mash, collecting four new songs and compiling tracks from their first 2 releases for their CD debut.<br />By the time of 1996's "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Smokin</span>' Gun", <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Harpo</span> had become a far heavier proposition, but there's style and finesse in abundance beneath all the bluster.<br />The band's most recent release, 1997's "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Harpo</span> Live - Go Heavy Or Go Home!", finds drummer Kyle Gilbert replacing Rich Smith, with the band in blinding live form in front of a partisan home town crowd playing 4 brand new tracks as well as their live hits.<br />The band played their final gig on New Year's Eve 1998, and sadly, that was pretty much it for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Harpo</span>.<br />These days <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Kerstetter</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Silvagni</span> make their living by playing a mixture of classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal covers in the band SUCKER PUNCH and occasionally reunite to play a full scale gig with their former band mates as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Harpo</span>, reviving their old "hits".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">HARPO</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Harpo</span> Live - Go Heavy Or Go Home! (1997) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8884/harpolivefrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8884/harpolivefrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LD9NELPR">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LD9NELPR</a><br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Mystick</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Krewe</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Clearlight</span> was founded in 1996 as a mostly instrumental side-project by members of New Orleans bands <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">EYEHATEGOD</span>, DOWN and CROWBAR.<br />This project allowed the members to explore music outside their usual genre, dedicated to exploring the relationship between Blues, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal & Southern Rock.<br />After several years of shows in New Orleans with the occasional out-of-town show they recorded a five song demo in 1999.<br />This led to the release of a self-titled debut album on Tee Pee Records in 2000.<br />This was followed by 2001's "The Father, The Son And The Holy Smoke", a split release with ACID KING on Man's Ruin Records.<br />"The Father, The Son And The Holy Smoke", featured Scott "Wino" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Weinrich</span> (THE OBSESSED, SAINT VITUS, SPIRIT CARAVAN, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">PROBOT</span>, THE HIDDEN HAND) on vocals.<br />That same year they released a split 7" with The OBSESSED that featured both bands covering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">LYNYRD</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">SKYNYRD</span>.<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">Mystick</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Krewe</span> covered "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">Cheatin</span> Woman" and featured Pepper Keenan of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY & DOWN on vocals.<br />They also had exclusive songs featured on the compilation albums "Inhale" and "High Volume: The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">Stoner</span> Rock Collection".<br />All their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">stuff's</span> now sadly out of print, but a while back i made a compilation album containing absolutely everything the band officially released which you can find here in the archives.<br />To complete your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">TMKOC</span> collection, here's their stunning 30 minute long 5 song 1999 Demo.<br />I guarantee this one will blow yer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">sox</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">auf</span> regardless of your musical tastes, whatever your favourite genre, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">this'll</span> rock you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">MYSTICK</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">KREWE</span> OF <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">CLEARLIGHT</span> - Demo (1999) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/3600/clearlightfrunt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/3600/clearlightfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0FWSEHYW">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0FWSEHYW</a><br /><br />SISTER DOUBLE HAPPINESS were a post-Punk Blues Rock band formed in 1986 in San Francisco. They released four studio albums, an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">EP</span>, and a live album across their nine-year existence.<br />Its core members were Gary Floyd and Lynn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">Perko</span>, who were in the seminal Punk band THE DICKS.<br />Sister Double Happiness' music was bluesier than that of the Dicks, and lyrically they were generally more personal in tone than the politically radical style of their earlier band; however, Floyd and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">Perko's</span> leftist lyrics and punk influences were not entirely gone.<br />Debuting in 1988 with a self-titled album on former BLACK FLAG guitarist Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">Ginn's</span> SST Records, the band spent much of the next few years touring, building up a loyal grass roots following with their emotive Bluesy Alternative Rock.<br />However, they also split up for a period during this time, with Floyd taking a sabbatical from the band to pursue his interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality.<br />With the focus back on the music, 1991 saw the band sign to major label Reprise Records, and release the "Heart & Mind" album, which in turn led to more bouts of heavy touring, both as a headliner and support act.<br />A switch to Warner <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">Chappel</span> and the expansion of the band to a quintet <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">occurred</span> before the release of their third (and best) album, "Uncut" in 1993.<br />Later the same year, a four song self-titled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">EP</span> was issued by Seattle's Sub Pop Records, featuring two "Uncut" tracks and two new recordings.<br />Issuing album No 4, "Horsey Water" for Sub Pop in 1994, the band gradually began to crumble in the wake of the records release, as the years of fruitless struggle took their toll on interpersonal relationships in the groups ranks.<br />After the dissolution of Sister Double Happiness in 1995, Floyd formed and primarily played in Europe with the blues group THE GARY FLOYD BAND; a compilation of this material, "Backdoor Preacher Man", is now available.<br />Floyd and Sister Double Happiness guitarist Danny Roman also earlier played in BLACK KALI MA, a blues-punk act that recorded an LP entitled "You Ride The Pony (I'll Be The Bunny)" for Alternative Tentacles in 1999.<br />Gary Floyd is now in a band called THE BUDDHA BROTHERS, and has also recorded solo as a country musician and collaborated with San <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">Fransiscan</span> Psychedelic Rock act MUSHROOM.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">Perko</span> went on to become a member of indie rock band IMPERIAL TEEN in 1996, who have released five albums to date. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">Perko</span> also appeared on Black Kali Ma's lone album.<br />Guitarist Ben Cohen returned to his native France and became more interested in electronic and dance music post-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">SDH</span>, recording with THE PARTY & STARDUST, and guesting alongside DAFT PUNK.<br />Under the alias of BENJAMIN DIAMOND he has released five albums of Dance/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">Electro</span> music.<br />Bassist Jeff Palmer went on to join Psychedelic Pop band <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">MOMMYHEADS</span>, recording four albums with them, and also joined the reformed SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE.<br />His replacement in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">SDH</span>, Miles <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_94">Montalbano</span>, had also played in BLACK KALI MA and later recorded with JONATHAN <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_95">RICHMAN</span>. He's now a respected indie film maker, best known for his movie, "Revolution Summer"<br />A posthumous Sister Double Happiness album, "A Stone's Throw from Love (Live and Acoustic at the Great American Music Hall 06/17/92)", was released in 1999 by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_96">Innerstate</span> Records.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SISTER DOUBLE HAPPINESS - Sister <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_97">Dou</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_98">ble</span> Happiness <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_99">EP</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> (1993) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/4771/sdhfront.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/4771/sdhfront.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0LUJJPTV">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0LUJJPTV</a><br /><br />Forged in the blast furnaces of Pittsburgh and tempered in the waters of the San Francisco Bay comes a new force in the art of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_100">badass</span>; enter MIDNIGHT CHASER!<br />Influenced by the gods of 70’s and 80’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, MIDNIGHT CHASER was originally conceived of by guitarist Stephen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_101">Lauck</span> and bassist “Texas” Josh Hunt while both still living in Pittsburgh, the Rust Belt of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_102">Pennsylvania</span>.<br />However it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_103">wasn</span>’t until both rockers found themselves relocated to the fog cloaked Bay Area of California that MIDNIGHT CHASER began to take shape.<br />First recruiting the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_104">steamhammer</span> drumming skills of Brandon Thomas, the pair immediately knew that they had found the missing piece of their rhythm section that they had been searching for.<br />All that was lacking now was a voice that could suitably realize their ambitions.<br />Unsatisfied with the pool of vocal talent in their new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_105">surroundings</span> they imported fellow Pittsburgh native Scott Atwood in order to fill the final void and complete that which is MIDNIGHT CHASER.<br />The line-up finally completed, the band whipped themselves into a creative furor, writing and rehearsing original material while playing shows up and down the West Coast, rocking any venue that would have them from bars and theaters to strip clubs and basements.<br />Fans of early Hard Rock and Heavy Metal such as JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_106">MOTORHEAD</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_107">FASTWAY</span> and TANK take note!<br />CD version features five tracks including a cover of the TANK classic "Turn Your Head Around".<br />The six song vinyl version also adds a cover of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_108">ZZ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_109">TOP's</span> "Heard It On The X".<br />Midnight Chaser is now ready to hit the rest of the world like a runaway train.<br />Good stuff.<br />Support the band by buying their music if you like what you hear!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MIDNIGHT CHASER - Midnight Chaser Mini LP (2011) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7620/mccover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7620/mccover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RK0JWUME">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RK0JWUME</a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_110">DAGABAND</span> were a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_111">Chesterfield</span> based <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_112">NWOBHM</span>/Progressive Rock trio formed way back in 1976 by Keyboard player Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_113">Boynton</span> and his drummer brother Phil.<br />Adding Bassist/Vocalist John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_114">Youdale</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_115">Dagaband</span> was complete and began touring up and down the country on the pub and club circuit, gradually building up a reputation as a great live band.<br />However, a serious car crash involving all three members of the band at the time, halted the band's progress, leaving the band members badly injured and without any instruments or equipment.<br />Little was heard from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_116">Dagaband</span> until 1980, when they released their first record, the "Test Flight" 7", on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_117">Rutland</span> Records.<br />The record received very favourable reviews in the UK rock press, and the band found themselves adopted by the then-flourishing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_118">NWOBHM</span> movement and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_119">Prog</span> Rockers alike.<br />A return to the live circuit, with guitarist Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_120">Fidler</span> added to the band, supporting BUDGIE on their 1982 British tour, co-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_121">incided</span> with the release of their next record, the 3 song "Second Time Around" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_122">EP</span>.<br />Again, the record was very well reviewed, and the band also went down very well with Budgie's audiences on the tour.<br />In the summer of 1983 guitarist Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_123">Fidler</span> quit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_124">Dagaband</span> to form LAST CHAPTER.<br />He was replaced by Sean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_125">Piggott</span>, who had briefly been a member of the band in their early days.<br />By mid 1984 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_126">Piggott</span> had bailed out again, resulting in the recruitment of ex-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_127">TAMARISK</span> guitarist Nick May who joined in early 1985.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_128">Dagaband</span> split up in 1986 whilst in the process of recording their debut album, frustrated by their slow progress and beset by financial problems.<br />May went on to play with QUASAR, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_129">JADIS</span> and THE ENID joining <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_130">KARNATAKA</span> in mid 2005.<br />In 2009 the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_131">Boynton</span> brothers and Nick May decided to get back together to complete the album they'd begun nearly 25 years earlier.<br />Tragically it was not to be, as the band's driving force, Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_132">Boynton</span> died suddenly in early 2010, before work had resumed on the unfinished album.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_133">DAGABAND</span> - Second Time Around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_134">EP</span> (1982) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/8639/dagabandfront.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/8639/dagabandfront.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XXFS0MNX">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XXFS0MNX</a><br /><br />Finally, HARVEST MOON were a five piece <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_135">NWOBHM</span> band from North Wales, who originally formed in early 1979 from the ashes of a prior act called STEPPING STONES.<br />From the start they were a popular live draw in their home country, playing countless club dates and supporting larger bands passing through.<br />The band also gigged hard in the North West Of England, which brought them to the attention of Manchester's Smile Records label.<br />1980 saw Harvest Moon release their first record, the 3 song "The Lion And The Snake" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_136">EP</span>, released on Smile.<br />Harvest Moon then won the Radio City FM Battle Of The Bands contest at Liverpool Empire in 1980, where the judges were former THIN LIZZY guitarist Gary Moore, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_137">RAINBOW's</span> Graham Bonnet and DEEP PURPLE/GILLAN vocalist Ian Gillan.<br />As a result of this exposure the band signed a contract with Charisma Records.<br />However their only Charisma release was to be the excellent "Tales Of Wonder" 7" released in 1981.<br />The record sold well in Wales and was championed by DJ Tommy Vance who played it often on his BBC Radio 1 Friday Rock Show.<br />Charisma sadly decided not to pick up Harvest Moon's option after the label was bought by new owners and dropped the band from their roster.<br />After this the band opted to shorten their name to THE MOON, and tried to build up their profile again.<br />Under this name they played to the biggest crowd of their career at a festival at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_138">Wrexham</span> Football Ground in 1982 alongside <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_139">MOTORHEAD</span>, TWISTED SISTER, TANK, RAVEN, ORION & RAMPANT ANTICS.<br />This was to prove to be another false dawn however, with a split coming in late 1983.<br />Guitarist Glynn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_140">Porrino</span> then went on to join <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_141">NIGHTWING</span>, first appearing on record with them on the 1985 live album " A Night Of Mystery - Alive! Alive!".<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_142">Porrino</span> remained with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_143">Nightwing</span> until the band split in 1988, at which point he formed Hard Rock band WHITE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_144">TYGRZ</span> with ex-Harvest Moon members "Pablo" Jones & bassist "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_145">Mogga</span>".<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_146">Porrino</span> rejoined the reformed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_147">Nightwing</span> in 1996 in time for their "Natural Survivors/VI" album.<br />He remains with the band to this day, and appears on their most recent release 2008's "8472".<br />Tony "Sully "O'Sullivan is still active in the world of music, recording and gigging under the name SULLYSIXTY.<br />Bassist John "Mogga" Morris has also kept busy in music, playing in CHARLIE and DIZZY MAMA, and now gigging with BADGER BELL.<br />Nowadays, singer Steve "Pablo" Jones is a well respected artist, but still plays music too, and has reunited with Porrino in a Blues Rock band called KARAC.<br />Jones also recently released a solo album entitled "Pablo's Gone Bouzouki".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HARVEST MOON - The Lion & The Snake EP (1980) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/5048/hmep80.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/5048/hmep80.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LBRMVUA3">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LBRMVUA3</a><br /><br />So there y'go, lots of interesting stuff to get your teeth into tonight. Whether you're hearing some for the first time or reaquainting yourself with an old favourite, trust me, you need <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of these.<br />Thanks to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kenzo</span> for providing the Midnight Chaser Mini LP, based on this upload i really look forward to hearing their debut full-length album which is apparently due out at years end. Give 'em a listen and play them to anyone who says that they don't make 'em like they used to.<br />Also thanks to all of you who took the time to share your feedback about the last post, it was quality over quantity, but your encouraging words are what spur me on to keep doing this. Keep them coming folks!<br />See you back here in 2-3 weeks for more of the similar, 'til then take care people.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-71656415789766398452011-06-16T18:49:00.003-04:002011-06-16T19:42:20.632-04:00SHAME GLAZEHello, good evening and welcome back to The New Improved Live & Otherwise Blog, for another man-sized portion of the full on, the furious and the forgotten from the back pages of Rawk's filthy past.<br />Tonight's selection is a godly mixture of little-known releases from barely remembered acts and some historical treasures from the bigger names too.<br />The common denominators are quality, class and rarity.<br />Enjoy.<br />Up first, THE HELLACOPTERS were a Swedish Hard Rock/Garage band that was formed in 1994 by Nicke Andersson, Dregen, Kenny Håkansson and Robert Eriksson.<br />Andersson had been the drummer for Death Metal band ENTOMBED and Dregen was taking a break from his full-time band BACKYARD BABIES.<br />Dregen and Eriksson had been roadies for Entombed, while Håkansson was a childhood friend of Andersson's.<br />The Hellacopters were initially conceived as a side project for Andersson and Dregen, but it eventually became the main songwriting and performance vehicle for Andersson.<br />The band released their Swedish Grammy-winning debut album "Supershitty To The Max!" in 1996.<br />Just before a tour opening for KISS, the band recruited keyboardist and percussionist Anders Lindström on a part-time basis; he would become a full-time member in 1999.<br />After 2nd album, "Payin' The Dues", in 1998, Dregen left the band to return to Backyard Babies full-time, and Mattias Hellberg and Danne Andersson were recruited to complete the band's touring responsibilities.<br />After the release of "Grande Rock", which featured additional guitar playing from both Lindström and Hellberg, Robert "Strings" Dahlqvist was hired as a full-time lead guitarist in 1999.<br />With the lineup now solidified, the band released three more studio albums, a "best of" album and an album of cover versions, with many EP's, singles, split albums and limited edition vinyl releases issued as well.<br />The best of the band's non-album works were collected on two compilation albums, "Cream Of The Crap" Volumes 1 & 2.<br />During these years the band were recognized as one of the most influential and prolific groups from Scandinavia, and toured all over the world, usually as headliners, but also with the likes of ZZ TOP, THE HIVES and THE ROLLING STONES.<br />The Hellacopters disbanded amicably in 2008 so the members could move on to other projects.<br />Presented for your delectation this evening is this 12 song set recorded live before an invited audience at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios for BBC Radio 1's John Peel Show on 04/09/2003. Like everything the band did, it kicks arse, hard, from start to finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">THE HELLACOPTERS - Live At The BBC (2003) Sweden</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8783/hellacopterslivefrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8783/hellacopterslivefrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5WNWIKV2">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5WNWIKV2</a><br /><br />Next up, we continue with the HARPO discography...<br />HARPO were a terrific Melodic Hard Rock/Pomp Rock outfit from Sunbury, Pennsylvania formed way back in 1974.<br />Their 1981 self-titled debut Mini Album on Mallard Records found favour within the Pomp Rock collector fraternity thanks to the classic track "Rendezvous" that clocks in at 8 minutes and truly is worthy of a place in your collection. The rest of the songs are shorter, more streamlined and rock harder, all great in their own right, but the aforementioned track is something truly special.<br />On Harpo went, but they were not to record their first full length album until 1987, when "Armed To Deliver" was issued by Atlas Records.<br />This is a harder collection of songs, but there's still space for Harpo to show their subtler side here and there.<br />The new album captured the attention of EMI and Polygram Records with EMI deciding to take a trip to Scranton to see the band a second time.<br />Harpo seemed on the verge of getting signed to a major record label when tragedy struck. Lead vocalist John "Lloyd" Kistner was involved in a very serious auto accident when he was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Christmas Eve, 1988.<br />After a year of extensive physical therapy, the tenacious Kistner was again ready to rock.<br />Before releasing a six song Mini LP entitled "Fire Your Fire" ; Harpo added a new drummer, Rich Smith, from Williamsport, PA.<br />Together with original members Kerstetter and Kistner, Harpo were, once again, heading in the right direction.<br />It then took until 1992 for their next album to appear, "Too Much Is Just Enough".<br />This one was a bit of a mish-mash, collecting four new songs and compiling tracks from their first 2 releases for their CD debut.<br />By the time of 1996's "Smokin' Gun", Harpo had become a far heavier proposition, but there's style and finesse in abundance beneath all the bluster.<br />The band's most recent release, 1997's "Harpo Live - Go Heavy Or Go Home!", finds drummer Kyle Gilbert replacing Rich Smith, with the band in blinding live form in front of a partisan home town crowd playing 4 brand new tracks as well as their live hits.<br />The band played their final gig on New Year's Eve 1998, and sadly, that was pretty much it for Harpo.<br />These days Kerstetter and Silvagni make their living by playing a mixture of classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal covers in the band SUCKER PUNCH and occasionally reunite to play a full scale gig with their former band mates as Harpo, reviving their old "hits".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HARPO - Smokin' Gun (1996) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4683/harposmokinfrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4683/harposmokinfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AWPKOW1B">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AWPKOW1B</a><br /><br />Next, we complete another discography, thanks to the efforts of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Matt</span>, who provided this missing piece in the SHRAPNEL puzzle. Many thanks for your contribution mate.<br />SHRAPNEL were a Hard Rock/Punk/Garage/Power Pop outfit formed in New York in the late 1970's.<br />Their debut release, the "Combat Love" 7" was released by Salute Records in 1979, with a follow-up single "Go Cruisin'", issued in 1981 on the same label.<br />The band played a lot in the New York area, including opening for THE RAMONES several times, and built up quite a large following.<br />Shrapnel also underwent a strange phase where they spent their stage time bedecked in military fatigues for no good reason, apparently the idea of their manager Legs McNeill.<br />The band then underwent line up changes, before reemerging as a quartet, by this time playing in a more straight down the line Hard Rock style.<br />Signing to Elektra Records, Shrapnel released a self titled five song Mini LP in 1984, but were dropped by the label soon after it's release.<br />At this point the band split, disheartened by their lack of progress.<br />Post SHRAPNEL, bassist Phil Caivano founded Thrash/Hardcore band BLITZPEER, releasing two albums on Epic Records.<br />Vocalist Dave Wyndorf would later found Stoner Rock institution MONSTER MAGNET and would later be joined in the band by his Shrapnel bandmate Phil Caivano.<br />SHRAPNEL guitarist Daniel Rey became a much in-demand producer by the late 80's, working with the RAMONES, CIRCUS OF POWER and WHITE ZOMBIE to name but a few.<br />He also recorded with MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM and played guitar with the infamous female biker band CYCLE SLUTS FROM HELL.<br />As well as his Monster Magnet work, Phil Caivano is also part of STIGMA, the side project of AGNOSTIC FRONT man Vinnie Stigma, and the Hard Rock trio CAPRICORN.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SHRAPNEL - Shrapnel Mini LP (1984) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4760/shrapnelfrontl.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4760/shrapnelfrontl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=05QTSWEX">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=05QTSWEX</a><br /><br />Next tonight, POOKIESNACKENBURGER, a six-piece group of musical entertainers, formed in Brighton in 1981 and were 'discovered' while busking in Covent Garden, London.<br />The name Pookiesnackenburger came from a character featured on a compilation album of 1960s American radio recordings.<br />They signed a record deal with Stiff Records in 1981, releasing the "Just One Cornetto" 7" the same year.<br />An album, "Beach Party" was released the following year, under the name POOKIE.<br />Twelve months in the making, the "Pookiesnackenburger In..." TV series was commissioned by the UK's Channel 4 after the group had taken part in lively 'filler' items for the channel in 1983.<br />The series comprised five episodes of comedy and musical zaniness - each pursuing a different comedic idea.<br />All of the material was written, composed and performed by Pookiesnackenburger.<br />The best episode of the series was entitled "Hell Bent", and featured a "Black Metal" band called "IRöN LUNG" recording their latest album in an old abbey in the West Country whilst dabbling in satanism.<br />Songs in the episode included the epic "The Löst Pentatönic Canticle Of Beelzeebub" and "It's A Heavy Metal Life".<br />Pookiesnackenburger sadly went their separate ways soon after the series aired, with Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell going on to form the successful musical/dance collective STOMP.<br />Guitarist John Helmer later became a lyricist for Prog Rock band MARILLION, and also for Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery's side project THE WISHING TREE.<br />Helmer also wrote the novel "Mother Tongue", published by Quartet Books in 1999.<br />If you want to see the "Hell Bent" episode of "Pookiesnackenburger Is...", you can stream it at my other blog here:<br /><a href="http://guntherspaps.blogspot.com/">http://guntherspaps.blogspot.com/</a><br />Many thanks to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">tim50stroud</span> for the video upload.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IRöN LUNG (aka POOKIESNACKENBURGER) - Hell Bent OST (1984) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2778/pookiesnackenburgeriron.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2778/pookiesnackenburgeriron.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Q7UR49EZ">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Q7UR49EZ</a><br /><br />IRON MAIDEN surely need no introduction to anyone reading this, and if they do then you really don't belong here.<br />The hardest working band of their, and possibly any other generation, have been stunning audiences for more than three decades and show no signs of stopping any time soon.<br />They've had their ups and downs over the years, but since the return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith in 1999, the six piece line up of the band has been on incredible form.<br />There have been new albums, huge tours, a movie, dvd's and more, all of which broke new ground whilst remaining true to the bands roots.<br />What we are chuffed to present here is the 2005, live in the studio radio session, which Iron Maiden recorded for BBC Radio 1 as part of their "Legends" series.<br />It features renditions of the songs, "The Trooper", "Run To The Hills" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name", recorded on September 2 2005 at BBC's Maida Vale Studios in London, and aired as part of Zane Low's show on September 13 2005.<br />The last Radio 1 session MAIDEN had recorded before this was for Tommy Vance's "Friday Rock Show", way back in 1979.<br />The "new" six piece line up really light a fire under the three classics played here, performing with an energy and ferocity which would shame bands half their age.<br />It's nice to hear these songs performed in such a raw form, without any kind of production sheen softening the impact.<br />On this evidence, there's so much life left in these "old dogs", that they would rip your throat out should you suggest they retire.<br />Long may they reign!<br />I forgot to put the back cover art for this one in the rar, so if you need it grab it from this page.<br />It's just below the front cover here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IRON MAIDEN - BBC Radio 1 "Legends" Session (2005) UK</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6149/imbbclegendsfrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6149/imbbclegendsfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7044/imbbclegendsback.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 573px; height: 448px;" src="http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7044/imbbclegendsback.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VLJGLNB5">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VLJGLNB5</a><br /><br />And now, a double-dose of super rare NWoBHM seven inchers to finish tonight's post.<br />HARVEST MOON were a five piece NWOBHM band from North Wales, who originally formed in early 1979 from the ashes of a prior act called STEPPING STONES.<br />From the start they were a popular live draw in their home country, playing countless club dates and supporting larger bands passing through.<br />The band also gigged hard in the North West Of England, which brought them to the attention of Manchester's Smile Records label.<br />1980 saw Harvest Moon release their first record, the 3 song "The Lion And The Snake" EP, released on Smile.<br />Harvest Moon then won the Radio City FM Battle Of The Bands contest at Liverpool Empire in 1980, where the judges were former THIN LIZZY guitarist Gary Moore, RAINBOW's Graham Bonnet and DEEP PURPLE/GILLAN vocalist Ian Gillan.<br />As a result of this exposure the band signed a contract with Charisma Records.<br />However their only Charisma release was to be the excellent "Tales Of Wonder" 7" released in 1981.<br />The record sold well in Wales and was championed by DJ Tommy Vance who played it often on his BBC Radio 1 Friday Rock Show.<br />Charisma sadly decided not to pick up Harvest Moon's option after the label was bought by new owners and dropped the band from their roster.<br />After this the band opted to shorten their name to THE MOON, and tried to build up their profile again.<br />Under this name they played to the biggest crowd of their career at a festival at Wrexham Football Ground in 1982 alongside MOTORHEAD, TWISTED SISTER, TANK, RAVEN, ORION & RAMPANT ANTICS.<br />This was to prove to be another false dawn however, with a split coming in late 1983.<br />Guitarist Glynn Porrino then went on to join NIGHTWING, first appearing on record with them on the 1985 live album " A Night Of Mystery - Alive! Alive!".<br />Porrino remained with Nightwing until the band split in 1988, at which point he formed Hard Rock band WHITE TYGRZ with ex-Harvest Moon members "Pablo" Jones & bassist "Mogga".<br />Porrino rejoined the reformed Nightwing in 1996 in time for their "Natural Survivors/VI" album.<br />He remains with the band to this day, and appears on their most recent release 2008's "8472".<br />Tony "Sully "O'Sullivan is still active in the world of music, recording and gigging under the name SULLYSIXTY.<br />Bassist John "Mogga" Morris has also kept busy in music, playing in CHARLIE and DIZZY MAMA, and now gigging with BADGER BELL.<br />Nowadays, singer Steve "Pablo" Jones is a well respected artist, but still plays music too, and has reunited with Porrino in a Blues Rock band called KARAC.<br />Jones also recently released a solo album entitled "Pablo's Gone Bouzouki".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HARVEST MOON - Tales Of Wonder 7" (1981) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4192/hm2a.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4192/hm2a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QWCVVEZK">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QWCVVEZK</a><br /><br />DISTRAINERS originally formed in Leicester UK in 1977 as a three piece.<br />The original line up was Dave Roe (Guitar, Vocals), Phil Hammond (Bass & Vocals) and Steve Taylor (Drums, Vocals).<br />The band at this time were very influenced by the punk movement that was going on around them.<br />Dave left the band in 1978 and a replacement Guitarist in the shape of Pete Bambury was brought in.<br />The band had now started to move away from the punkier side of things and by the time of their 1979 three song demo they were being touted as a NWOBHM band.<br />Later in 1979 they released the limited edition 7" single “Say Goodbye", (only 300 copies pressed), on the D.J. Records label.<br />The band gigged extensively during 1978/79 and built up a reasonable following throughout the UK.<br />In addition to their headline gigs, there were a number of support appearances including WITCHFYNDE, WAYNE COUNTY & THE ELECTRIC CHAIRS, LIGHTNING RAIDERS and SAMSON.<br />Around this time, there were also regular appearances at The USAF base at Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire where they appeared along with the likes of URCHIN, CHEVY, and SLEDGEHAMMER.<br />As the bands sound developed a heavier feel they felt that the name they had chosen was a hindrance (sounding too “new wave”), so the decision was taken to change the name to ALIEN and expand to a four piece at the same time.<br />ALIEN continued for a number of years although Steve Taylor left in 1981 to join Northampton NWOBHMers SOLDIER.<br />An EP of material recorded in 1980 entitled "Japanned", was released in 2006 on the Headless Corpse label.<br />As a result of the positive feedback the EP generated, Phil Hammond and Steve Taylor decided to resurrect the Distrainers, but Hammond soon left to join Leicester band BURN.<br />With new personnel on board Distrainers are currently putting together an album called "England's Green Unpleasant Land (1979-1990)".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">DISTRAINERS - Say Goodbye 7" (1979) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/6169/distrainersa.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/6169/distrainersa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9M44YJMT">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9M44YJMT</a><br /><br />And that's yer lot for this evening...<br />I hope you agree with me that the quality of tonight's selection more than makes up for the slightly longer than anticipated waiting period inbetween posts.<br />Many thanks to everyone who took the time to put fingers to keyboards and shared their thoughts, feelings and remembrances on the music posted last time.<br />Also, my many thanks again to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Matt</span> for hooking me, and all of you, up with the Shrapnel Mini Lp. This isn't the first time you've generously uploaded music for me personally, or for the blog, and i very much appreciate it mate, you're a diamond.<br />Please feel free to take a leaf out of Matt's book by contributing music to the blog, or helping me out with items from my "wants list" which is on the right hand side of the page at my other blog :<br /><a href="http://guntherspaps.blogspot.com/">http://guntherspaps.blogspot.com/</a><br />As always, if you have any requests, comments, praises or hatemail concerning the blog, use the comments button here.<br />I look forward to hearing what you think of this week's selection.<br />I'll be back with more of the similar in 2 to 3 weeks time right here, 'til then, be excellent.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-67024751479354489872011-05-22T15:09:00.002-04:002011-05-22T16:05:00.402-04:00SATAN'S CLAWHello my friends, and welcome back again to <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The New & Improved Live & Otherwise Blog</span>.<br />Owing to an escalating succession of catastrophes of both a personal and computer-related nature, i've been absent from the blog for way too long, and i thank all of you who took the time to leave messages of support and encouragement during the down-time, it really meant a lot to me.<br />Hopefully, everything that had to be fixed will remain that way, and i can now get back to bringing you the vintage voltage that you still seem to be as hungry for as ever you were.<br />Whilst i rebuild at this end, posts may initially only appear every 3 to 4 weeks, but i plan to get back to delivering the fortnightly dose you've come to expect from NILOOB.<br />To <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Matt</span>, no, i'm afraid i never did get the SHRAPNEL link mate, any chance you could repost it in the comments section here? Many thanks to you for hooking me up with that DNA record too!<br />Shall we press on then? I feel i've kept you waiting long enough.<br />GRAND SLAM were a five piece Hard Rock band formed in 1984, the brainchild of ex-THIN LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott.<br />Lynott had originally intended to include two members of the most recent Thin Lizzy line up, guitarist John Sykes and, (after being turned down by MOTöRHEAD drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor), drummer Brian Downey.<br />Sykes, after much cajoling and an impressive financial offer, instead opted to join up with David Coverdale in WHITESNAKE.<br />Downey initially signed up to Grand Slam but quit after a short time, saying he "didn't see the point in making a second-rate Thin Lizzy".<br />Lynott, although downhearted, carried on with his project, ending up with a line-up of Laurence Archer (Lead Guitar; ex-STAMPEDE, WILD HORSES & LAUTREC), Doishe Nagle (Guitar), Robbie Brennan (Drums), Mark Stanway (Keyboards; ex-MAGNUM), with Lynott on Bass and Vocals.<br />Lynott was keen to shed the "second-rate Thin Lizzy" tag, and was adamant that they would only ever perform three Lizzy songs live, ("Cold Sweat", "Sarah", "Whiskey In The Jar").<br />Grand Slam split up in 1985, due to their inability to secure a record deal, despite being an excellent live act with a large cult following.<br />Lynott instead embarked upon a solo career, releasing the "Out In The Fields" single (A duet with GARY MOORE), before following it up with the "Nineteen" 7", which was, ironically, a Grand Slam song.<br />Gary Moore then also recorded a version of a Grand Slam track, this time it was "Military Man", for his "Run For Cover" album.<br />Post-Grand Slam Laurence Archer recorded a solo album, titled "L.A.", which was only released in Japan in 1985.<br />Stanway returned to his previous band, MAGNUM, rejoining in time for their successful "On A Storyteller's Night" album.<br />Stanway remains a member of Magnum, and in 2002 he found time to produce and release 2 posthumous Grand Slam CD's, "Grand Slam : Live 1984", and "Studio Sessions".<br />Archer, having passed through the ranks of UFO, LONG ISLAND RED and MEDICINE HEAD has recently returned to music, reforming his old band STAMPEDE.<br />Phil Lynott sadly died on the 4th of January 1986 from liver, heart and kidney failure, a result of his years of hard drug and alcohol abuse.<br />He was just 36.<br />Some of Grand Slam's live and studio recordings got a limited posthumous release on the not-quite-legit Zoom Club Records during the 1990's.<br />In 2010 the Music Melon label issued superior remastered versions of these recordings as the 2-CD sets, "Live In Ireland" and "The Studio Sessions", and as the 4-CD "The Collection".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PHIL LYNOTT'S GRAND SLAM - Studio Sessions (2-CD) (1984) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/3514/gsfrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/3514/gsfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K68AUQTF">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K68AUQTF</a><br /><br />HARPO were a terrific Melodic Hard Rock/Pomp Rock outfit from Sunbury, Pennsylvania formed way back in 1974.<br />Their 1981 self-titled debut Mini Album on Mallard Records found favour within the Pomp Rock collector fraternity thanks to the classic track "Rendezvous" that clocks in at 8 minutes and truly is worthy of a place in your collection. The rest of the songs are shorter, more streamlined and rock harder, all great in their own right, but the aforementioned track is something truly special.<br />On Harpo went, but they were not to record their first full length album until 1987, when "Armed To Deliver" was issued by Atlas Records.<br />This is a harder collection of songs, but there's still space for Harpo to show their subtler side here and there.<br />The new album captured the attention of EMI and Polygram Records with EMI deciding to take a trip to Scranton to see the band a second time.<br />Harpo seemed on the verge of getting signed to a major record label when tragedy struck. Lead vocalist John "Lloyd" Kistner was involved in a very serious auto accident when he was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Christmas Eve, 1988.<br />After a year of extensive physical therapy, the tenacious Kistner was again ready to rock.<br />Before releasing a six song Mini LP entitled "Fire Your Fire" ; Harpo added a new drummer, Rich Smith, from Williamsport, PA.<br />Together with original members Kerstetter and Kistner, Harpo were, once again, heading in the right direction.<br />It then took until 1992 for their next album to appear, "Too Much Is Just Enough".<br />This one was a bit of a mish-mash, collecting four new songs and compiling tracks from their first 2 releases for their CD debut.<br />By the time of 1996's "Smokin' Gun", Harpo had become a far heavier proposition, but there's style and finesse in abundance beneath all the bluster.<br />The band's most recent release, 1997's "Harpo Live - Go Heavy Or Go Home!", finds drummer Kyle Gilbert replacing Rich Smith, with the band in blinding live form in front of a partisan home town crowd playing 4 brand new tracks as well as their live hits.<br />The band played their final gig on New Year's Eve 1998, and sadly, that was pretty much it for Harpo.<br />These days Kerstetter and Silvagni make their living by playing a mixture of classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal covers in the band SUCKER PUNCH and occasionally reunite to play a full scale gig with their former band mates as Harpo, reviving their old "hits".<br />This here platter is a NILOOB exclusive, coupling the exceedingly rare 1990 "Fire Your Fire" 6 song Mini LP with the four exclusive songs from 1992's "Too Much Is Just Enough" compilation album.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">HARPO - Fire Your Fire +4 (1990-1992) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/9601/harpofiretoofrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/9601/harpofiretoofrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FIQVEP09">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FIQVEP09</a><br /><br />SERVICE COMPRIS were a French Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band formed in 1981 in La Roche-sur-Yon, Pays de la Loire.<br />Having recorded a 10 song album in 1984, they were unable to find a label interested in releasing it, after a word of mouth arrangement with an un-named company fell through.<br />Undeterred, the band released the recordings themselves on cassette as "Watch Your Blood" which went on to sell well and attract glowing reviews.<br />As a result of the tape's success the band were signed to Devil's Records, and after slimming to a quartet, changed their name to JINX.<br />After the band's members adopted anglisised nom-de-plumes they went back into the studio in 1985.<br />The resulting sessions yielded the six song "Stand Up For Rock'n'Roll Power!" Mini Lp, released in 1986.<br />Switching labels to Swan Productions, a further release, the four song "Rockin' Band" EP followed in 1988.<br />However, this record was a slicker sounding affair, and seemed to alienate the band's fanbase which shrank accordingly.<br />Jinx then split up, without issuing any further product, in 1990.<br />Guitarist Fabien Gevraise then went on to contribute to the FURIOSO project and joined FACE TO FACE, playing on their 1992 debut album.<br />Sadly, that same year Jinx bassist Ricky "Riton" Buccatini, died of a heart attack aged just 26.<br />Gevraise also sadly died too young, passing away in 2007 at only 43 years of age.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SERVICE COMPRIS - Watch Your Blood (1984) France</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/2927/servicecomprisfrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/2927/servicecomprisfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K5WHH348">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K5WHH348</a><br /><br />This next item comes to you courtesy of the generosity of blog visitor <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kenzo</span>, thanks mate!<br />ORIGINAL SIN were a NWOBHM quintet formed in Liverpool in 1979, by the Brunskill brothers, Les and Alan, on Guitar and Drums respectively.<br />It's rumoured that the band recorded 1 or 2 demos in the early 1980's, but as far as i'm aware, the existence of the tapes have not yet been verified by any trustworthy source.<br />Gradually, the band line-up changed, solidifying round the Brunskills, with Vocalist Steve Daley, Guitarist Kevin McGinn and Bassist Paul Ollingsworth completing the outfit.<br />Original Sin's only verified official release would turn out to be the 1984 "The Shadow" 12" single, released on the band's own Sin Records label.<br />The single's rather nifty picture sleeve sported a striking illustration of the cult early radio and comic book character The Shadow.<br />Although the exact size of the single's pressing is unknown, it seems unlikely that any more than a few hundred were ever made, as the record hardly ever turns up for sale.<br />On the rare occassions when it does, as you'd expect, it changes hands for silly money.<br />However, this is one of those rare instances where the rarity and quality of a scarce release intersect rather nicely.<br />Both sides of the single are excellent examples of NWoBHM power, with memorable and gritty song structures combined with clever guitar interplay.<br />A further demo, the excellent three song "Burning" tape, was issued in 1985, but this seems to have been the band's last hurrah.<br />This band was no relation to the Huntingdon or London based acts or the New York or Los Angeles bands of the same name, or the Chinese Black Metal band either.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">ORIGINAL SIN - Burning Demo (1985) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4333/originalsinl.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 420px;" src="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4333/originalsinl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CBN03WKA">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CBN03WKA</a><br /><br />DISTRAINERS originally formed in Leicester UK in 1977 as a three piece.<br />The original line up was Dave Roe (Guitar, Vocals), Phil Hammond (Bass & Vocals) and Steve Taylor (Drums, Vocals).<br />The band at this time were very influenced by the punk movement that was going on around them.<br />Dave left the band in 1978 and a replacement Guitarist in the shape of Pete Bambury was brought in.<br />The band had now started to move away from the punkier side of things and by the time of their 1979 three song demo they were being touted as a NWOBHM band.<br />Later in 1979 they released the limited edition 7" single “Say Goodbye", (only 300 copies pressed), on the D.J. Records label.<br />The band gigged extensively during 1978/79 and built up a reasonable following throughout the UK.<br />In addition to their headline gigs, there were a number of support appearances including WITCHFYNDE, WAYNE COUNTY & THE ELECTRIC CHAIRS, LIGHTNING RAIDERS and SAMSON.<br />Around this time, there were also regular appearances at The USAF base at Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire where they appeared along with the likes of URCHIN, CHEVY, and SLEDGEHAMMER.<br />As the bands sound developed a heavier feel they felt that the name they had chosen was a hindrance (sounding too “new wave”), so the decision was taken to change the name to ALIEN and expand to a four piece at the same time.<br />ALIEN continued for a number of years although Steve Taylor left in 1981 to join Northampton NWOBHMers SOLDIER.<br />An EP of material recorded in 1980 entitled "Japanned", was released in 2006 on the Headless Corpse label.<br />As a result of the positive feedback the EP generated, Phil Hammond and Steve Taylor decided to resurrect the Distrainers, but Hammond soon left to join Leicester band BURN.<br />With new personnel on board Distrainers are currently putting together an album called "England's Green Unpleasant Land (1979-1990)".<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">DISTRAINERS - Demo (1979) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2938/distrain.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 340px;" src="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2938/distrain.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8683DE7P">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8683DE7P</a><br /><br />RAW DEAL were a NWOBHM quartet formed in Leicester, who originally went by the name of ANVIL.<br />During their time as ANVIL the band featured future BLITZKRIEG/SATAN vocalist Brian Ross.<br />After Ross left the band in early 1980 to join SPLIT IMAGE, Anvil replaced him with Des Horsfall and opted to forge ahead under the new name of Raw Deal.<br />Signing with the Newcastle based Neat Records label, the band released their one and only record in 1981.<br />The "Lonewolf" 7" came and went with minimal fanfare or acclaim at the time, but it's a decent little piece of NWOBHM plastic, which deserves a bit more appreciation.<br />Following the record's release, Bassist Steve English left the band to join up with Ross again as Split Image metamorphosised into Blitzkrieg.<br />Without Steve English, who seems to have been Raw Deal's driving force, the band folded, becoming little more than a footnote in the history of Blitzkrieg.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">RAW DEAL - Lonewolf 7" (1980) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/6827/rdfrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/6827/rdfrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O06DZLT5">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O06DZLT5</a><br /><br />BUFFALO were a NWOBHM quintet formed in Accrington back in 1978.<br />Their debut release was the highly regarded 1982 "Battle Torn Heroes" 7" on Wolverhampton's Heavy Metal Records.<br />DeathRiderDoom from Metal Archives describes the 7" like this:<br />"NWOBHMsters Buffalo aren’t exactly as well known as bands like SATAN and SAVAGE, but they play the same badass, tough-riffed, no bullshit style.<br />What sets these guys apart from the myriad of other no-name NWOBHM bands is that they had a substantial catalogue, and played music with balls.<br />While most bands were pussyfooting around with 70’s soft rock/pop rock inspired, DEEP PURPLE worship in 1980 Britain, this Accrington outfit hit the studio to record two tracks of solid, dirty NWOBHM that would kick the ass of half of the stuff that came out this year.<br />This stuff reminds me of Savage, ‘Shock Tactics’ era SAMSON, and Satan.<br />If you’re looking for ballsy NWOBHM, look no further than Buffalo.<br />I’m not familiar with their entire catalogue, but this here little single is deserving of a spot on any shelf of top-tier NWOBHM singles."<br />Fair comment i think you'll find.<br />The 7" was followed in 1982 by a four song demo called "In The Flesh".<br />Later that year, a second single surfaced, also on Heavy Metal Records, entitled "Mean Machine".<br />Then it all went quiet for the next 17 years, a silence broken by the 1999 release of a sixteen song compilation album on the band's on Buffalo label, the imaginatively titled "The Best Of Buffalo".<br />Later that same year a brand new 11 song demo was issued by the reanimated band.<br />This eventually led to Bufallo signing a deal with the German Karthago label and recording a brand new album called "Ride The Beast", which was issued in 2006.<br />Later in 2006 a limited vinyl LP called "Bones Of The Beast", was released on the Hells Headbangers label, which featured both archive and new recordings.<br />Only 500 copies of the LP were pressed.<br />Then, sadly, Buffalo went their separate ways once again.<br />Give "Battle Torn Heroes" a listen and then berate the universe for it's cruelty, for there surely is no justice.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">BUFFALO - Battle Torn Heroes 7" (1980) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1012/buffalofrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 460px;" src="http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1012/buffalofrunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=96E4HOPJ">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=96E4HOPJ</a><br /><br />And that's yer lot boys and girls.<br />I hope you'll agree that tonight's selection was indeed worth the somewhat lengthy wait which you had to endure before tonight's post.<br />That Original Sin demo is a great listen, and something which i didn't know even existed, and i just wanted to say thanks to you again for sharing it with us all <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Kenzo</span>.<br />As ever, i'd like to direct you all towards the comments button at the base of the post. Use this to share your opinions, thoughts, wants, recollections or anything else which comes in to your head.<br />It's really straight forward to do, and takes no time at all.<br />Until next time, take care, and thanks to you all once again for keeping the faith.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-21075616406279490542011-05-20T15:58:00.002-04:002011-05-20T16:02:25.434-04:00A LITTLE FANFARE<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Rejoice, brothers & sisters!<br />The New Improved Live & Otherwise Blog will rise again!<br />A new post here is forthcoming at some point over this weekend.<br />Thanks for keeping the faith and leaving your encouraging comments.<br />A full explanation of my lengthy lay off and some dynamite music will follow in the next 48 hours.<br />It's good to be back.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>bigfootkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12854196394195905145noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26804243.post-14515675095909663662011-02-26T19:32:00.008-05:002011-02-26T20:07:27.646-05:00BRUSHING THE CHEESE BOARDHello again rivetheads and earthdogs, 'tis i, Bigfootkit.<br />Yes, it's been a fortnight already, and i've been a busy boy, down in the vintage rawk mine with my pickaxe in hand, excavating more vintage musical treats for the benefit of you discerning people with impeccable taste.<br />Christ on a crutch, i do mix my metaphors and talk some terrible shite sometimes, sorry.<br />You may notice the page looks a little different, i'm experimenting with clickable thumbnails as it may make the "design" (cough-cough!) a little neater. So if you need to see the full size cover art, just click on the thumbs.<br />Got it?<br />On with the musique eh?<br />OVERKILL were a Los Angeles band formed in late 1980 by drummer Kurt Markham and bassist Ron Cordy.<br />Kurt, the group's main songwriter, was originally the guitarist but moved to drums in an attempt to lure friend Felice LoCoco, a guitarist, to join the group.<br />Felice, a Metal fan, wasn't interested in joining a Punk band, though, and instead Jeff Dimick was added on guitar.<br />The group played their first gigs with a singer named "Joe", and their mix of Hardcore and Pre-Thrash Metal caught the attention of BLACK FLAG and SST Records.<br />SST wanted to put an Overkill record out but the band was tired of Joe, so they dumped him.<br />At the suggestion of SST's Greg Ginn, Overkill added Merrill Ward, a close associate of Black Flag and a sometime member of SST "supergroup" the NIG-HEIST.<br />In late 1981, Overkill recorded their first EP with Spot, after which Jeff left the group.<br />Upon hearing the songs from the EP, Felice LoCoco changed his mind about playing in the band and joined the group.<br />The EP, titled "Hell's Getting Hotter", was released in mid-1982. The group had also started recording their first LP that year.<br />Ego problems began to cause tension between Merrill and the rest of Overkill and he was given the boot in the spring of 1982.<br />Intervention by Greg Ginn and Chuck Dukowski on behalf of Merrill had no effect.<br />The firing of Merrill Ward, along with the band's decision to pursue Heavy Metal cost them much of their Punk audience.<br />Merrill's replacement, called Scott Kidd, did little to help the situation with his inability to write decent lyrics and his onstage cock-rock posturing.<br />Thrash Metal was also on the rise but Kurt Markham, who wrote much of the music, refused to follow that route, causing more tension within the band.<br />In late '82, Overkill played a gig in San Fransisco with Bay-Area Metal act TRAUMA.<br />The gig is famous because it was where METALLICA's James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich first saw Trauma bassist Cliff Burton, who they then recruited.<br />In 1983, Ron Cordy quit to play bass in metal act BITCH and Overkill officially came to an end.<br />SST released Overkill's LP, the 14 song "Triumph Of The Will", with vocals by Merrill, posthumously in 1985.<br />Overkill's name has long been a source of confusion because in the early '80's, another Overkill formed in NY.<br />This Overkill, a Thrash Metal band who released their first record in 1984 and still continue to this day, ended up copyrighting the band name.<br />SST retitled later CD copies of "Triumph Of The Will" to read "Overkill L.A." in the '90s to end the confusion.<br />Despite the fact that they seem largely forgotten, the members of Overkill have talked about reuniting several times, although nothing has ever panned out.<br />Merrill Ward finished out the '80's singing for Chuck Dukowski's post-Black Flag act SWA before embarking on an acting career.<br />Ron Cordy also carried on in Bitch for the rest of the decade, although big-time success alluded that band.<br />Kurt Markham was the original drummer for Dez Cadena's post-Black Flag act DC3, although he dropped out early on.<br />I'll leave you with this amusing summation of Overkill's career from the book "Rock And The Pop Narcotic" by Joe Carducci :<br />"Any band whose singer lights his balls on fire in performance is perhaps not destined to survive long".<br />Large chunks of this biography were lifted from the excellent http://www.killfromtheheart.com/ website<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">OVERKILL - Triumph Of The Will (1983) USA</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t8WIfqy0EI/TWmd5wU29OI/AAAAAAAAAB0/jUxo2Cs3zFw/s1600/Overkill-Frunt.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t8WIfqy0EI/TWmd5wU29OI/AAAAAAAAAB0/jUxo2Cs3zFw/s200/Overkill-Frunt.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578163229025563874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WG489BEO">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WG489BEO</a><br /><br />Next, DEALER, a Cirencester, Gloucestershire NWOBHM band band was rooted in the earlier AXE VICTIMS, this antecedent outfit featuring vocalist Trev Short, bassist Pete Gentil and drummer Malcolm Hanselman.<br />Suffering membership changes, the band evolved into LONE WOLF.<br />However, due to the formation of a London based act of the same title, fronted by the high profile figure of ex-IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'anno, the name DEALER was struck upon.<br />Shortly afterwards, Hanselman was replaced by Andy Jones.<br />DEALER scored national media by appearing on the HTV television programme 'Best Band West' and scored valuable supports to GARY MOORE and MOTORHEAD.<br />1982 saw the release of "Boogie, Booze & Birds", a 9 song cassette recorded in the bands’ rehearsal space, (Steve’s Dads’ shed), and mixed by Dave Short straight onto 1/4” stereo tape.<br />After a complimentary "Armed & Ready" piece in Kerrang! magazine, the band released the 1983 single "Better Things To Do", on the Windrush label.<br />A three song demo was recorded the following year containing 'The Final Conflict', 'Money Is Your Password' and 'Looking For A Reason'.<br />Guitarist Andy Dunne was enrolled but soon vacated his position, being substituted by a then 17 year old Ashley Jon Limer.<br />DEALER's solitary album "First Strike", emerged on Hull's Ebony Records in 1987, after which frontman Trev Short was briefly replaced by female vocalist Julie Gove.<br />DEALER folded in 1988. A terrible pun, but there you have it!<br />Subsequently, Trev Short, bassist Pete Gentil, guitarist Ashley Jon Limer and drummer Andy Jones went on to form the more melodic VAN DAMNE and Limer later turned up on a couple of SACK TRICK albums.<br />With the advent of the internet and the resurgence of interest in the NWoBHM, Dealer decided to remaster all their old recordings and self-released four full length CDs of archive material on their own Rock Factory label.<br />The CDs were the 1982 cassette "Boogie, Booze & Birds", the half live, half studio "For Old Time's Sake", "First Strike" and "One More Time!", an albums worth of unreleased 1988 recordings.<br />ONR Records from Greece then licensed the CD "Bootlegged", a collection of demos; compiled and re-mastered by Trev, and then released a remastered CD version of the band's "First Strike" album in 2010.<br />High Roller Records of Germany then reissued "Bootlegged" on vinyl with a superb full colour 4 page booklet of lyrics and photo’s.<br />The record (available in black and limited edition while vinyl), sold out quickly, so High Roller then produced a second pressing.<br />The band played a one-off reunion gig in 2010, which yielded the live album "The Last Concert", now available from http://www.dealer.uk.com/<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DEALER - One More Time! (1988) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xgFPw9dH_xA/TWmd1q5wWYI/AAAAAAAAABs/nToHy9l5KHE/s1600/Dealer-Frunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xgFPw9dH_xA/TWmd1q5wWYI/AAAAAAAAABs/nToHy9l5KHE/s200/Dealer-Frunt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578163158850230658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RLTHK660">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RLTHK660</a><br /><br />GRAND SLAM were a five piece Hard Rock band formed in 1984, the brainchild of ex-THIN LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott.<br />Lynott had originally intended to include two members of the most recent Thin Lizzy line up, guitarist John Sykes and, (after being turned down by MOTöRHEAD drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor), drummer Brian Downey.<br />Sykes, after much cajoling and an impressive financial offer, instead opted to join up with David Coverdale in WHITESNAKE.<br />Downey initially signed up to Grand Slam but quit after a short time, saying he "didn't see the point in making a second-rate Thin Lizzy".<br />Lynott, although downhearted, carried on with his project, ending up with a line-up of Laurence Archer (Lead Guitar; ex-STAMPEDE, WILD HORSES & LAUTREC), Doishe Nagle (Guitar), Robbie Brennan (Drums), Mark Stanway (Keyboards; ex-MAGNUM), with Lynott on Bass and Vocals.<br />Lynott was keen to shed the "second-rate Thin Lizzy" tag, and was adamant that they would only ever perform three Lizzy songs live, ("Cold Sweat", "Sarah", "Whiskey In The Jar").<br />Grand Slam split up in 1985, due to their inability to secure a record deal, despite being an excellent live act with a large cult following.<br />Lynott instead embarked upon a solo career, releasing the "Out In The Fields" single (A duet with GARY MOORE), before following it up with the "Nineteen" 7", which was, ironically, a Grand Slam song.<br />Gary Moore then also recorded a version of a Grand Slam track, this time it was "Military Man", for his "Run For Cover" album.<br />Post-Grand Slam Laurence Archer recorded a solo album, titled "L.A.", which was only released in Japan in 1985.<br />Stanway returned to his previous band, MAGNUM, rejoining in time for their successful "On A Storyteller's Night" album.<br />Stanway remains a member of Magnum, and in 2002 he found time to produce and release 2 posthumous Grand Slam CD's, "Grand Slam : Live 1984", and "Studio Sessions".<br />Archer, having passed through the ranks of UFO, LONG ISLAND RED and MEDICINE HEAD has recently returned to music, reforming his old band STAMPEDE.<br />Phil Lynott sadly died on the 4th of January 1986 from liver, heart and kidney failure, a result of his years of hard drug and alcohol abuse.<br />He was just 36.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">GRAND SLAM - BBC In Concert (1984) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIs8Yaz6pDQ/TWmdvi9x9OI/AAAAAAAAABk/rpt6e1EZhxI/s1600/Grand%2BSlam%2BFrunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIs8Yaz6pDQ/TWmdvi9x9OI/AAAAAAAAABk/rpt6e1EZhxI/s200/Grand%2BSlam%2BFrunt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578163053640414434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5XNJ6H3I">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5XNJ6H3I</a><br /><br />JINX were a French Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band formed in 1981 in La Roche-sur-Yon, Pays de la Loire, originally under the name of SERVICE COMPRIS.<br />Having recorded a 10 song album in 1984, they were unable to find a label interested in releasing it, after a word of mouth arrangement with an un-named company fell through.<br />Undeterred, the band released the recordings themselves on cassette as "Watch Your Blood" which went on to sell well and attract glowing reviews.<br />As a result of the tape's success the band were signed to Devil's Records, and after slimming to a quartet, changed their name to Jinx.<br />After the band's members adopted anglicised nom-de-plumes they went back into the studio in 1985.<br />The resulting sessions yielded the six song "Stand Up For Rock'n'Roll Power!" Mini Lp, released in 1986.<br />Switching labels to Swan Productions, a further release, the four song "Rockin' Band" EP followed in 1988.<br />However, this record was a slicker sounding affair, and seemed to alienate the band's fanbase which shrank accordingly.<br />Jinx then split up, without issuing any further product, in 1990.<br />Guitarist Fabien Gevraise then went on to contribute to the FURIOSO project and joined FACE TO FACE, playing on their 1992 debut album.<br />Sadly, that same year Jinx bassist Ricky "Riton" Buccatini, died of a heart attack aged just 26.<br />Gevraise also sadly died too young, passing away in 2007 at only 43 years of age.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">JINX - Rockin' Band EP (1988) France</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_EjVvYSW98/TWmdoZ-Gl1I/AAAAAAAAABc/0fA527I8hNc/s1600/Jinx2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_EjVvYSW98/TWmdoZ-Gl1I/AAAAAAAAABc/0fA527I8hNc/s200/Jinx2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578162930966763346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3CJQZKWX">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3CJQZKWX</a><br /><br />ORIGINAL SIN were a NWOBHM quintet formed in Liverpool in 1979, by the Brunskill brothers, Les and Alan, on Guitar and Drums respectively.<br />It's rumoured that the band recorded 1 or 2 demos in the early 1980's, but as far as i'm aware, the existence of the tapes have not yet been verified by any trustworthy source.<br />Gradually, the band line-up changed, solidifying round the Brunskills, with Vocalist Steve Daley, Guitarist Kevin McGinn and Bassist Paul Ollingsworth completing the outfit.<br />Original Sin's only verified official release would turn out to be the 1984 "The Shadow" 12" single, released on the band's own Sin Records label.<br />The single's rather nifty picture sleeve sported a striking illustration of the cult early radio and comic book character The Shadow.<br />Although the exact size of the single's pressing is unknown, it seems unlikely that any more than a few hundred were ever made, as the record hardly ever turns up for sale.<br />On the rare occassions when it does, as you'd expect, it changes hands for silly money.<br />However, this is one of those rare instances where the rarity and quality of a scarce release intersect rather nicely.<br />Both sides of the single are excellent examples of NWoBHM power, with memorable and gritty song structures combined with clever guitar interplay.<br />It's a real shame that we don't have more releases by this great band, as, on the evidence of "The Shadow", they sounded like real contenders.<br />For comparisons sake, think GRIM REAPER playing DIAMOND HEAD whilst dreaming of being JUDAS PRIEST, and that should give you a taste of what to expect.<br />If anyone knows more about Original Sin, please clue us in.<br />This band was no relation to the Huntingdon or London based acts or the New York or Los Angeles bands of the same name, or the <span style="font-style: italic;">Chinese</span> (!) Black Metal band either.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ORIGINAL SIN - The Shadow 12" (1984) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwvf89Xv0nE/TWmdiqX5rAI/AAAAAAAAABU/_5_UutB0jdc/s1600/OrigSin0.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwvf89Xv0nE/TWmdiqX5rAI/AAAAAAAAABU/_5_UutB0jdc/s200/OrigSin0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578162832290720770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TCI110D8">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TCI110D8</a><br /><br />Finally, and just to show how much a band can change in it's short career, BRIAR were a young NWOBHM band formed in Birmingham 1979, initially using names such as LUCIFER, ARK & EMERALD in the early days.<br />The bands first gig under the Briar name was in 1980, and from there they were soon gigging regularly supporting the likes of CRYER and SHY.<br />In 1982, after some line up changes, the first Briar 7" single "Rainbow To The Skies", was released on Worcester indie label Happy Face Records.<br />The record recieved brilliant reviews, with metal magazine Kerrang! claiming "Another new band on their way to stardom !".<br />BBC Radio 1 DJ Peter Powell gave the band their first radio session at this time and also featured Briar on his TV show "The Oxford Roadshow".<br />Soon the band inked a record deal with FM/Heavy Metal Records and their first album "Too Young", was released.<br />The band took to the road again, supporting TYGERS OF PAN TANG, STATETROOPER and ANGEL WITCH.<br />The band then put out a new longplayer in 1986 titled "Take On The World", which saw Briar embrace a far slicker AOR based sound.<br />At this point Briar were signed to (later) disgraced pop empressario Jonathan King's management company, JonJo.<br />A new record deal with PRT was signed and the "Edge Of A Broken Heart" single became a minor hit, eventually reaching the top 50 in the national singles chart.<br />In 1988 a new worldwide record deal was signed with CBS/Columbia and a new album album was released titled "Crown Of Thorns", followed by a single titled "Frankie".<br />Although things appeared to be going well, behind the scenes the band were becoming disillusioned having recorded a further album's worth of material titled "Reach Out" which was never given an official release.<br />The band parted company with Jonathan King in 1990 after the band's last major label 7" release "One Monkey" on A&M Records.<br />At this point band manager George Bond set up his own label Shotgun Charlie Records and put out a new Briar 7" "Gimme All You Got".<br />The band issued one more single, "All She Wants", & an album "Hard Times", a keyboard heavy Bon Jovi styled release, but by 1993 Briar was no more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BRIAR - Gimme All You Got 7" (1989) UK</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOqke6CDU0g/TWmdZ-1RPUI/AAAAAAAAABM/Ml7eIkfnb0A/s1600/briar2-frunt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOqke6CDU0g/TWmdZ-1RPUI/AAAAAAAAABM/Ml7eIkfnb0A/s200/briar2-frunt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578162683163786562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Y9CXMUOW">http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Y9CXMUOW</a><br /><br />And that's yer lot for another two weeks.<br />Thanks as always to everyone who took the time to comment and leave their thoughts and opinions in the comment section last time.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Ron...The Cheeb</span>, nice to hear from you, it had been a wee while since i'd seen your name around these here parts and i was wondering what had become of you.<br />I'll be brief, 'coz i'm short on time tonight, so...more comments please, keep 'em comin', i'll be back with more of the same in 2 short weeks time, be lucky.<br />Ten-four, good buddies!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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