Wednesday 22 August 2012

My Olympics Closing Ceremony Rant


As you can clearly see there are some photos of the Olympics Closing Ceremony which took place in London last Sunday.  There are pictures of some of the acts that played there like George Michael and The Spice Girls and here's a shot of my favourite act on the evening, Eric Idle of Monty Python fame. I thought bringing him into to sing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," was pure genius.
But from all of the act that played on the night, can anyone tell me what was desperately missing from the night? Yes, that's right, the total absence of heavy metal bands. I won't repeat all the things I wrote about the absence of metal at the Jubilee concert, but you can see a common thread here. In spite of the fact that Britain is the birthplace of heavy metal, it seems that the country as a whole is embarrassed to admit it. Would anyone have been offended if Iron Maiden had played on the night? Or do you agree with me in saying it would have improved things 300%?
I don't know why the United Kingdom, which has given the world so much, is ashamed of the fact that it gave the world heavy metal. I can't think that it's because they were afraid of what the American religious right would have said. Most people in Britain think they're a total joke. As I said in that last post, Iron Maiden are great ambassadors of heavy metal and Great Britain. Most of the world would have head banged away to them while they blasted one of their many great songs on stage. Maiden not being there only dampens what could have made a great ceremony and made Great Britain even greater.
So, I'll include them here:
This is how they would have gone down at the Closing Ceremony.
See you all next time.
80smetalman

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Great Rock Albums of 1978: ELO Out of the Blue



                                              
 Before everybody starts getting on my case about historical accuracy, something I myself am big on, I know that "Out of the Blue" was actually released in 1977. However, I didn't hear this fine album until 1978 and because it was the very first album I listened to that year, I thought it was only fitting that I begin the new series with it. I first heard it on the very first weekend in January 1978 while over my friend's place and I must say I was hooked from the very first track, "Turned to Stone." It was only fitting that I listen to the rest of it.
Back in 1978, I considered ELO's "Out of the Blue" album to be state of the art as did many back then. I was completely impressed with the use of instruments, synthesisers and other sound effects like the recording of actual rainfall in the four song piece, "Concerto for a Rainy Day." I was further impressed with how ELO used classical instruments such as cellos and violins and still maintained a unique rock sound. This is why the album was considered a scientific breakthrough back then.
Track Listing:
1. Turned to Stone
2. It's Over
3. Sweet Talkin' Woman
4. Across the Border
5. Night in the City
6. Starlight
7. Jungle
8. Believe Me Now
9. Stepping Out
Concerto for a Rainy Day
10. Standing in the Rain
11. Big Wheels
12. Summer and Lightning
13. Mr Blue Sky
14. Sweet is the Night
15. The Whale
16. Birmingham Blues
17. Wild West Hero

 ELO:
Jeff Lynne- lead vocals, guitar
Bev Bevan- drums, percussion
Richard Tandy- keyboards, guitar
Kelly Groucutt- bass
Mik Kaminski- violin
Melvin Gayle- cello, piano
Hugh McDowell- cello
Since this album kicked off 1978, for me I think it is only fitting to start 2012 by listening to this classic album once again and I invite you to do the same. I assure you, you won't be disappointed.
Next post: Rory Gallagher- Photo Finish
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