Great Metal Albums of 1985: AC/DC- Fly on the Wall

 

It has been said in many circles that “Fly On the Wall” was probably AC/DC’s worst album. For many years, I thought it true about “Flick of the Switch” but recently, after listening to both, I have come to the conclusion that someone must have put acid in my drink back in 1983 because I don’t find that the case any more. Still, I don’t know if I would now call “Fly on the Wall” their worst album because I thought it was okay, just okay back then and even today, it has its moments. Sure, there are tracks on the album which I would agree sound a bit of a dirge, a term I’ve heard other bloggers use to describe the album but there are still some good tracks on the album and those are the ones I’ll focus on.

The title track starts things off on the album and the sound of the fly buzzing around in the background during it makes no difference to the song for me. It doesn’t make it sound amusing nor does it detract from it. It’s just a decent song. The next track is the best one on the album. “Shake Your Foundations” takes me back to the glory days of the “Back in Black” era. AC/DC put everything that made them who they are into this song and it shows. “Danger” comes a real close second and although lead singer Brian Johnson has been criticized for mumbling on “Fly on the Wall,” his vocals come through quite clear and well on this track. “Sink the Pink” is also a very good track and I have to include “Stand Up” among the best tracks here. What you get with “Fly on the Wall” is half a great album and half filler tracks but even the filler tracks aren’t that bad so overall, it’s a good album.

When Johnson settles down and enunciates, he sounds really good. However, it is Angus Young who shines the most on the album with some blistering guitar solos. His best one is on “Stand Up.” Back then, all eyes were on new drummer Simon Wright who replaced Phil Rudd. I have always thought that he did a credible job here and when I saw them live on this tour. They were phenomenal that night and I probably didn’t do their concert full justice when I wrote about it in “Rock and Roll Children.”

Track Listing:

1. Fly On the Wall
2. Shake Your Foundations
3. First Blood
4. Danger
5. Sink the Pink
6. Playing With Girls
7. Stand Up
8. Hell or High Water
9. Back in Business
10. Send for the Man

Brian Johnson- lead vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar and backing vocals

Cliff Williams- bass, backing vocals

Simon Wright- drums

Not only did “Fly on the Wall” receive mixed reviews at best from the critics and fans, they would also run into difficulties in another way in 1985 when a mass murderer claims he was influenced by their song “Night Prowler” to commit his crimes. This led the religious zealots in America to go after the band and call them Satanic. In spite of that, AC/DC continue to remain in the hearts of many millions of fans to this day.

Next post: Slayer- Hell Awaits

To download Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com 

Triumphs and Other Happenings in 1984

 

Evidence that heavy metal had truly established itself in 1984 can be sited with the 1984 Monsters of Rock Festival at Donington Park, in England. This was the first and probably only Donington to feature seven artists and you can only look at the poster here, see which bands played on draw your own conclusions as to whether or not it was a kick ass day. I wasn't there but I know people who were and they can confirm it. The only negative comment I heard about the day was that Motley Crue had bottles thrown at them for making too many comments about sex, drugs and rock and roll. Something an opening band should probably not do. Anyway, to see Ozzy, Van Halen and AD/DC all on one stage must have been mind blowing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRMl9OgSOak

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Q3lSvhr3M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwWagee-BNM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3dZesrQS6E

I must apologize for Youtube not having any individual songs recorded from this memorable day.

[caption id="attachment_4130" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Cyndi Lauper[/caption]

You are probably asking yourself, "What is she doing here on an 80smetalman's post?" Well, some misguided individuals thought that Cyndi Lauper had replaced Joan Jett or Pat Benatar as the Queen of Rock in 1984. Nonsense, I say. I will never recognize Cyndi Lauper as such and will go to my grave stating that fact. Yes, I liked "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" the very first time I heard it but afterwards, I wanted to take an Uzi to the television every time the video came on MTV. The only song from of hers I nearly liked since was "Money Changes Everything" and a few years later, grew to like "I Drove All Night" a little.

So, why is she here you ask. Back when I posted about my weekend at Download, where I went to see wrestling, I mentioned that the Rock and Wrestling Connection began in 1984 and it began with Cyndi. At the time, wrestling manager, Captain Lou Albano, claimed she managed Cyndi Lauper on wrestling shows. Cyndi refuted that claim and without going into great details, she made a challenge to Captain Lou that she could manage a wrestler better than him. So, while Lou took Women's World Champion The Fabulous Moolah under his wing, Cyndi managed challenger Wendi Richter. I'll leave  you to watch the video to see who won but the Rock and Wrestling Connection started here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePHS6dHfjT0

There was a tragedy too in 1984 but that happened at the very end of the year, so I'm saving it for the end of the 1984 tour. So here, let us reflect on the happy times with all the great heavy metal and some wrestling too.

Next post: My Underrated Band

To Buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com 

Great Metal Albums of 1984: AC/DC- 74 Jailbreak

 

Being predictable again! If you have been following me for some time, you have probably already guessed that I am posting about an AC/DC album because tribute band Hell's Bells came to town. They did and unlike my post about the previous two AC/DC albums, I actually went to see them last night. You know, sort of for inspiration but I really don't need any to see Hell's Bells or post about AC/DC's 1984 album, "74 Jailbreak."

[caption id="attachment_3856" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Pity the Foo[/caption]

First the show, Hell's Bells were supported by the Foo Fighters tribute band, Pity the Foo. Now, except for the videos I've seen on the Kerrang channel, I have no experience of the Foo Fighters. But if they are anything like the tribute band on stage, then maybe I should delve into some of their back catalogs. Pity the Foo honoured the band they were tributing on this evening. They were tight and if they weren't playing Foo Fighters material, they could have played anything, even their own material and played it very well. The two Foo Fighters songs I know they played were "Monkey Wrench" and "A Long Road to Ruin" were good examples of how good this band was. When they left the stage, they had accomplished their mission of warming things up for the headliner. Pity not many people bothered to turn up and see them.

[caption id="attachment_3858" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Hell's Bells ascend the stage. God, I wish my hand was steadier.[/caption]

If I went into great details of Hell's Bells performance, then all I would need to do is copy and paste previous posts about them. What I can say is that last night was their best performance ever in the five times I've seen them. Like always, they were note perfect in regards to AC/DC and played an array of AC/DC classics that everyone in the audience will have heard at least their favourites. For me, it was "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Highway to Hell" and they ended with "Whole Lotta Rosie." One thing they did different was play "Ace of Spades" in dedication to Lemmy. When they left the stage at the end of an hour and a half, which flew by too quickly, there wasn't one disappointed person in the room.

Another thing I noted was the huge age range in attendance. I'll be turning 56 next month and I can happily say that I wasn't the oldest person in the room, not by a long shot. However, there were second and third generation AC/DC fans there as well. Many bands who last for over four decades aren't as able to pick up followers from the younger generations. I remember the generation just below me regarding the Rolling Stones as golden oldies. They don't say that about AC/DC.

[caption id="attachment_3859" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Angus's double does his strip act.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3860" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Hell's Bells taking it home.[/caption]

Unfortunately, Hell's Bells didn't play any songs off the "74 Jailbreak" album. Yes, I know in reality that it's and EP but talk about five grab you by the throat songs. These were tracks that were only previously released in Australia and made available to the rest of the world as part of this EP. My question here is why they waited so long before treating us to them. With the benefit of hindsight, one might have thought that they might have released this in 1980 after Bon Scott's tragic death. After all, his vocals are simply fantastic on the album. "Jailbreak" did feature on the "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" album but it's a good opener. Likewise, "Baby, Please Don't Go" is a good closer. Many an AC/DC album has those so nothing new in that department. However, it's the three songs in the middle that make the album for me. All of them feature some pretty nifty guitar work compliments of Angus Young but my favourite of all is the middle track, the very bluesy sounding "Show Business." Angus just cooks on this one and I now put him on the same shelf as some other great blues guitarists. So my question here is why isn't this album or EP talked about more in AC/DC circles?

Track Listing:

1. Jailbreak
2. You Ain't Got a Hold on Me
3. Show Business
4. Soul Stripper
5. Baby, Please Don't Go

[caption id="attachment_1039" align="aligncenter" width="253"] AC/DC[/caption]

Bon Scott- vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar, backing vocals

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar, backing vocals

George Young- bass, backing vocals, drums

Rob Bailey- bass

Mark Evans- bass on "Jailbreak"

Phil Rudd- drums, percussion on "Jailbreak"

Tony Currenti- drums, percussion on tracks 2-4

Peter Clack- drums, percussion on "Baby Please Don't Go"

Whenever people talk about AC/DC albums, it seems that "74 Jailbreak" doesn't get mentioned. My guess is it's because it's considered an EP. EP or album, there are five great songs on here and that's more great songs that many other bands have on one entire album. Maybe Hell's Bells will play some songs from it next time they come to town.

Next post: Queen- The Works

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com 

Great Metal Albums of 1983: AC/DC- Flick of the Switch

 

Once again, I'm mixed things up here and throwing in a metal album. Usually I don't visit metal album until the second half of my journey through any given year but there are exceptional circumstances. Those of you who have been following for a while have probably guessed why I'm writing about an AC/DC album. That's right, AC/DC tribute band Hell's Bells are coming to town this weekend. Unfortunately, they picked the same weekend as my step-granddaughter's christening so I won't be able to see them this time. Therefore, as my consolation prize, I thought I'd visit their 1983 album, "Flick of the Switch."

[caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hells Bells at their usual greatness[/caption]

What kind of drugs was I on in 1983? I remember listening to some of this album and not being very impressed with it. In fact, and this is going to confirm I must have been on drugs, I rated this album below their 1985 "Fly On the Wall" album. An album most AC/DC stalwarts say was their worst. Recently, I listened to the entire album after so many years and hell, this album is pretty good. Okay, it's not near the same level as "Back in Black" or "Highway to Hell" or even "For Those About to Rock, We Salute You," but this is in no way, shape or form a bad album.

From the very first note, "Flick of the Switch" has everything that has made AC/DC legends for forty odd years. It has all the trademark riffs that they had been known for, the tight rhythm section of Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd. Brian Johnson's voice hadn't begun to suffer and he still hits some pretty good high notes on the album. The closer, "Brain Shake" is the perfect example of that. Most importantly, Angus Young still blows people away with his solos. When I hear them on the songs on this album, I don't get that 'it's all been done before' feeling. There may have been a desire to go back to rawness and their might have been in fighting between Rudd and Malcolm but AC/DC come together to put out a fine album.

You know, I can't  find a song that I don't like on "Flick of the Switch." On the other hand, I find it difficult to pick ones that stand out. When I hear one track and think, "That's pretty good," the next one comes on and is just as good. If there is one standout track, it would have to be "Guns for Hire" and that's only because I heard it before on the "Iron Man 2" soundtrack. Then again, "Badlands" is also a really cool song.

Track Listing:

1. Rising Power
2. The House is On Fire
3. Flick of the Switch
4. Nervous Shakedown
5. Landslide
6. Guns for Hire
7. Deep in the Hole
8. Bedlam in Belgium
9. Badlands
10. Brain Shake

[caption id="attachment_1989" align="aligncenter" width="327"] AC/DC[/caption]

Brian Johnson- lead vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar

Cliff Williams- bass

Phil Rudd- drums

Now that the drugs have totally cleared my system, I can say that "Flick of the Switch" isn't the worst album by AC/DC. It's a good, solid album that may have come too soon after their classics. On the down side, it would be during this tour that Phil Rudd would leave the band and be replaced by Englishman Simon Wright. The result would be that this band from Australia wouldn't have any members who were actually born there.

Next post: Berlin- Pleasure Victim

To buy Rock And Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com 

Great Metal Albums of 1981: ACDC- For Those About to Rock, We Salute You

For some of you, this is going to be a bit of a shock. The fact that I am writing about an AC/DC album without first going to see AC/DC tribute band Hell's Bells. The ironic part is that they are coming to town next Saturday, unfortunately, I am heading off to the States for two weeks on Thursday. I am a little miffed at not going to see them but this time I have a legitimate excuse. So, you'll have to settle for a picture of Hell's Bells from the last time I saw them.

[caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="300" class=" "] Hells Bells at their usual greatness[/caption]

Most everyone on the planet knows that "For Those About to Rock" was the follow up to the most highly successful "Back in Black" album. Many of the same people say that the follow up isn't as good but I say "Come on!" It would have been a monumental feat indeed if AC/DC or any band to think of it, was able to put out an album that measured up to "Back in Black." Credit where due though, "For Those About to Rock" comes fairly close.

I have heard many a person say that the only thing good about the title track is the cannons. True, they are brilliant and it's even more mind blowing to see it live. Hell's Bells do try to copy it using a computer but while it's a commendable effort, it's just not the same. I do try to describe this wonderful phenomenon in "Rock And Roll Children," but I probably fail. Even without the cannon, this song would probably have been my favourite on the album. The rest of the album also has the typically great tracks you expect from an AC/DC album. I remember hearing "Let's Get It Up" blasting out of many a juke box in the cafes of Toulon, France and "Evil Walks" is definitely a worthy choice for the "Iron Man 2" soundtrack. Angus Young works his guitar magic throughout the entire album but the most noteworthy from me is on "Night of the Long Knives." What "For Those About to Rock" proves is that AC/DC weren't about to rest on the laurels of just one great album.

Track Listing:

1. For Those About to Rock, We Salute You

2. Put The Finger  On You

3. Let's Get It Up

4. Inject the Venom

5. Snowballed

6. Evil Walks

7. C.O.D.

8. Breaking the Rules

9. Night of the Long Knives

10. Spellbound

[caption id="attachment_1989" align="aligncenter" width="280" class=" "] AC/DC[/caption]

Brian Johnson- vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Cliff Williams- bass, backing vocals

Phil Rudd- drums

The best thing about it not being 1981 anymore is that you can listen to "For Those About to Rock" without the specter of "Back in Black" hanging over it. This follow up is truly a fantastic album on its own and definitely one that reminds you why AC/DC have continued to rule for more than three decades.

I don't know when I'll be posting again but when I do, it will be: Black Sabbath- The Mob Rules

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

Triumphs and Tragedies: 1981

As always, I like to start with the bad news first before progressing onto the good news. The biggest tragedy of this particular year for music fans of all kinds with the death of reggae legend Bob Marley who died from cancer in May of 1981.

[caption id="attachment_2191" align="aligncenter" width="259"] Bob Marley[/caption]

Whether one was a devout reggae fan, Bob Marley worshipper, total stoner or none of the above, there were very few people around my age at the time who couldn't help but shed a tear at the passing of this great legend. His music brought reggae into the mainstream for many people, me included as did his relaxed, "be mellow" attitude towards life. Something we all probably still need to adhere to these days. While Bob may not be with us and I have to agree with his son Ziggy's philosophy that money doesn't buy life, his music still is alive and very well in the world today. R.I.P. Bob Marley

[caption id="attachment_2193" align="aligncenter" width="196"] The Round Up[/caption]

Now onto the first triumph which was at the time a local one for me and the sad thing was that I never got to see it due to being in the service. In June of 1981, Southern Rock converged on Philadelphia's JFK Stadium as some of the great Southern Rock bands played what I later learned was a brilliant show. Oh, how amazing it would have been to see the likes of The Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special and the Marshall Tucker Band on the same day. Unfortunately, I didn't and therefore I implore anyone out there in the cosmos who is reading this and went to this great festival, please share your experiences!

[caption id="attachment_2192" align="aligncenter" width="214"] Donington 1981[/caption]

The second tragedy came in the form of another great music festival across the Atlantic. In the August, the second Monsters of Rock Festival at Donington Park took place. With AC/DC as the headliner and the likes of Whitesnake, Slade and Blackfoot on the bill, it couldn't help but to be a great show. Of course, I wasn't at this one either but I do know someone who was and he said it was a brilliant day. It also explains why Blackfoot didn't appear at the Round Up.  Furthermore, the promoters did a good job in ironing at some of the things that went wrong at the 1980 festival. So, two great musical shows on both sides of the ocean, the result was two triumphs for rock and metal in 1981.

There was one more triumph in 1981 but that deserves its own billing and will be spoken about later. To give a hint, it was considered a total triumph in 1981 but nowadays, it is more of a tragedy.
Next post: U2 -Boy
To buy Rock and Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Great Rock Albums of 1981: Nantucket- A Long Way to the Top

Due to the fact that I didn't hear this album until the August of 1981, I have always assumed that "A Long Way to the Top" by Nantucket was released in that year. I now know that it was released in 1980. The title cut is a cover of the AC/DC classic and was recorded as a tribute to the passing of Bon Scott. It won the band a supporting slot with AC/DC on the "Back in Black" tour. That must have been one hell of a concert and I wish I wasn't on sea duty at the time.

Like the Johnny Van Zant Band, Nantucket were yet another great Southern Rock band who were around at Southern Rock's peak of popularity but never really got recognised outside the Southeast of the U.S. At least, Johnny Van Zant could be identified with his famous late brother but this wasn't the case for Nantucket. I admit, if I hadn't been down south at the time, I probably would have never heard of them either. Fortunately, for me, I did get to hear this wonderful album.

First, the tribute to Bon is a very fitting one, Nantucket do a splendid job covering this long time AC/DC gem. Lead singer Larry Uzzell does try to sound like Bon and while no one can ever duplicate Scott, his efforts are noteworthy. The rest of the album doesn't disappoint either but is played in the great tradition that made Nantucket a name for themselves in the South. "Time Bomb," "5o More," "Living With You" and "Rugburn" are all great songs. The one standout track, other than the title cut, for me is "Too Much Wrong in the Past." That is a classic rock song. I love the way that song fakes the listener in with the piano and lead guitar as if it's going to be a power ballad and then just explodes, very nicely done.

Track Listing:

1. A Long Way to the Top

2. Living With You

3. Time Bomb

4. 50 More

5. Media Darling

6. Rugburn

7. Too Much Wrong in the Past

8. Over and Over

9. Turn On the Radio

10. Tell Me (Doctor Rhythm Method)

11. Rescue

12. Rock the 80s

[caption id="attachment_1322" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nantucket[/caption]

Tommy Redd- guitars, vocals

Larry Uzzell- lead vocals

Tommy Downing- lead guitar

Eddie Blair- sax, keyboards, vocals

Kenny Soule- drums

Pee Wee Watson- bass, vocals

Nantucket were another band that should have gotten more world wide attention but unfortunately didn't. This album proves that they were as good as many of their Southern contemporaries. Still, I would have loved to see them open for AC/DC.

Next post: Marshall Tucker Band- Dedicated

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

Great Metal Albums of 1980: AC/DC- Back in Black

Someone somewhere must have some sort of sixth sense because every time I come around to visiting an AC/DC album here, tribute band Hells Bells comes to town. Therefore, I think that it's only fitting that before I talk about any AC/DC album, I should go and see Hells Bells first for inspiration. That's what I did with my step son last night.

Bombshell

Unlike their last visit, this time Hells Bells brought a support band with them. We were a couple of minutes late and so going up the stairs to the show, I thought it was a bit strange that I was hearing the  Blondie classic "One Way or Another." Once inside the function room, the Stroud audience was being treated to Bombshell. My first thought to this band was on account of their name and the fact they were fronted by a very attractive lead singer reminiscent of Debbie Harry, that they were a Blondie tribute band. The very next song killed that theory. Bombshell turned out to be a very capable cover band playing their own version of some great rock classics like "Black Velvet," "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone." There was one trick up their sleeve. My first thought was "Why are they playing a Lady Ga Ga song when I recognised "Poker Face." However, their hard rock version totally kicks the pants off the original version. Give me Bombshell's anytime. So Bombshell provided a good opening to the evening's festivities.

Hells Bells at their usual greatness

I would only be repeating myself from the last time I posted about this great tribute to AC/DC if I go into great details about the show. Of course, they played many of the great classics and as always, they were note perfect in regards to AC/DC. The only thing difference was that the entire band is growing moustaches this month for Movember in order to raise money for research for testicular cancer. This means there isn't a whole lot to say about the night that I haven't said before because as always, Hells Bells proved why AC/DC are one of the best loved bands in the world.

I thought I'd take this because I never seem to get the rhythm guitarist and bass in my photos

All of this brings me around to my all time favourite AC/DC album and that is my one tiny gripe about the show. Hells Bells only played three songs off "Back In Black." "Shoot to Thrill," "Back in Black" and "You Shook Me All Night Long" are all great songs, especially the last one, but any song from this album would have had me banging my head in vigorous exultation. Of course, I also would have been over the moon if they had played "Given the Dog a Bone." I have always like that song even before I discovered what the song was actually about. Of course, there are several songs with innuendo on the album. "What Do You Do For Money" and "Let Me Put My Love Into You" are perfect examples, especially with the lyrics in the latter, "Let me cut your cake with my knife."

Stating the obvious here but back in 1980, the big question asked when this album came out was if new lead singer Brian Johnson could fill the shoes vacated by the passing of Bon Scott. For me and many others, there was no question here, Brian proved he's got the goods. Full credit to the band here, they didn't try to go out and find a Bon Scott clone because no such person exists. Brian Johnson is his own vocalist and this album highlights the fact behind the usual great musicianship of Young, Young, Williams and Rudd. This album does have some of my favourite guitar solos from Angus.

Track Listing:

1. Hells Bells

2. Shoot to Thrill

3. What Do You Do For Money, Honey

4. Given the Dog a Bone

5. Let Me Put My Love Into You

6. Back in Black

7. You Shook Me All Night Long

8. Have a Drink On Me

9. Shake a Leg

10. Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

AC/DC

Brian Johnson- lead vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar

Cliff Williams- bass

Phil Rudd- drums

Thirty million sales world wide can't be wrong. Many, including me, will say that this is the best AC/DC album of all time. Listening to the songs in it, I can see why.

Next post: Triumph- Progression of Power

To buy Rock and Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book shop in London

1980: Triumphs and Tragedies

Yes, I know it should be the other way around but I always like to start with the bad and end with the good, I think most people are inclined to do the same. Therefore, I will start with the tragedy. Unless you've been living on Pluto, you would have known of the tragic death of AC/DC singer Bon Scott.

Bon Scott

It was in 1980 when Bon Scott lost his battle with acute alcohol poisoning. To many AC/DC fans, his death couldn't have come at a worse time as the band was just reaching the zenith of their popularity. Many doomsayers predicted that it would spell the end of the band, thank God they were proved wrong. In fact, that proof would come that very same year and I will be going there in a future post. But even after thirty-three years, the memory of Bon Scott carries on. His contribution to his band and to music as a whole will carry on forever.

Now for the triumph:

Paul Kantner- Jefferson Starship

We nearly lost another famous rocker in 1980 as well when Jefferson Starship rhythm guitarist and founding member Paul Kantner suffered a cerebral brain haemorrhage. At first, things weren't looking too well and doctors thought that he would need an operation as at thirty-nine, most people don't survive a haemorrhage without one. Triumphantly, for Kantner and for rock, he would later go on to joke that is stay in hospital was more a vacation as he never needed the operation.

Some of you are itching to tell me of one other tragedy that occurred in 1980 and the reason why I am not mentioning it on this post is because that tragedy shook the entire world so much, that I feel it needs its own post. It also happened at the end of the year so I thought it would be a fitting remembrance to finish my tour of 1980 with it.

Next post: Bob Dylan- Saved

R.I.P. Bon Scott

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

1980: A Golden Decade Begins

You may be already or if not you will probably soon will be sick of me constantly broadcasting my belief that the 1980's was the golden age of heavy metal. One of my original motivations for beginning this blog was to trumpet that belief, with the intention of backing it up by portraying all the great albums, bands and other fantastic memories I have from that year. There were some down sides to that golden decade as well, especially with who the US and UK had as president and prime minister during that time, but that's another matter.

Golden decades have to start somewhere and for me it started in 1980. My life back then was totally different. First and most important, I was serving my country and had been in less than six months when it all began. As a new marine, I was longing to be sent to Iran and go and rescue the hostages single handed. Three days before the botched rescue attempt in the April, my battalion was woken up at two in the morning and driven to the air base forty miles away and put on a plane only to be told it was a drill. Three weeks later, President Carter sent us to Key West Florida to deal with the Cuban refugee crisis. I spent the last four months on a ship sailing around the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean where I got within 67 miles of the coast of Iran, but once again, wasn't allowed to go and kill anybody.

Enough of my life for that year, what about the music? In the first months of 1980, I can say I was a total convert to Molly Hatchet, playing the "Flirtin' With Disaster" album constantly.

I also found myself being led down the trail of other great bands that would make their mark that year in the form of AC/DC, Judas Priest and especially Van Halen. The first two mentioned would put out albums that would fully enshrine them as all time greats and although in the case of Van Halen, some would look down on the "Women and Children First" album, (I don't) they would still be one of the biggest names of that year.

Judas Priest

AC/DC

Van Halen

I will of course be visiting all of these albums when I cover the decade opening year as well as those who were up and coming like Iron Maiden and Saxon and visiting other classic albums as well. So, I hope that you will all join me for what looks like to be a glorious ride through rock/metal history.

Next post: Foreigner- Head Games

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

Great Metal Albums of 1979: AC/DC- Highway to Hell

I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get another post out before the weekend, but fortunately, as schools in the UK break up for half term on Friday, there isn't a need for supply teachers. Therefore, I am able to bring you that album that consciously influenced my decision to join the ranks of heavy metal. "Highway to Hell" was the album that basically ended the seventies and opened up the door to the eighties for me and I've been eternally grateful ever since.

For me, the title track alone would make this album but the other songs lift it up to a place where you need the Hubble Telescope to see it. Those hard rocking riffs just set my head to bobbing and I just can't stop it. While, I can go on forever about the first song, the album in no way loses anything with the nine other songs. "Touch Too Much" is a brilliant headbanger and with "Beating Around the Bush," there has been no other lead-rhythm guitar combination that has been performed better than the way the Young Brothers do it on this song. Then, there is the amusing lyrics on "Walk All Over You." Many times in the company of a lady, I have thought or even told her, "You look so good under me." Of course, I have also experienced the lyrics in the song "Shot Down in Flames."

Track Listing:

1. Highway to Hell

2. Girls Got Rhythm

3. Walk All Over You

4. Touch Too Much

5. Beating Around the Bush

6. Shot Down In Flames

7. Get it Hot

8. If You Want Blood (You Got It)

9. Love Hungry Man

10. Night Prowler

AC/DC

Bon Scott- vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Cliff Williams- bass

Phil Rudd- drums

As I said before, originally I was going to wait until the end of my journey through 1979 to visit this album, but with Hell's Bells coming to town this weekend, I thought it appropriate to visit it now. Don't worry, I'll let you know how Hell's Bells are in the next post and if they continue to be note perfect. If there is any album to get me into the mood for the night, it would be "Highway to Hell." This for me, kicked my ass into the 80s.

Next post: Ted Nugent- State of Shock

To buy Rock and Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

Great Metal Albums of 1978: AC/DC- If You Want Blood, You Got It

As a result of a great night of classic, killer metal, I thought it would only be fitting to visit this live 1978 album from the masters. Most of the material on the album was recorded from their concert at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow on April 30 of that year. It covers many of the great AC/DC tracks from the first five studio albums including many of my own personal favourites like "Rock And Roll Damnation," "Let There Be Rock" and "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be." However, it is the live version of "Whole Lotta Rosie" that seals the deal for me. This is a killer live album and must be listened to by any true AC/DC fan.

Track Listing:

1. Riff Raff

2. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be

3. Bad Boy Boogie

4. The Jack

5. Problem Child

6. Whole Lotta Rosie

7. Rock And Roll Damnation

8. High Voltage

9. Let There Be Rock

10. Rocker

AC/DC

Bon Scott- lead vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Cliff Williams- bass, backing vocals

Phil Rudd- drums

"If You Want Blood; You Got It" is a classic live album where every track blows you away, enough said. It's most likely why Hell's Bells played at least 5 tracks from it, including the four I've mentioned. Therefore, I will post a shot of me going to see Hell's Bells on Saturday night. Now that you've all seem my ugly mug, I hope it doesn't put you off coming back. Ha!

Next post: Rainbow- Long Live Rock And Roll

To buy Rock And Roll Children go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London.

Great Metal Albums of 1978:AC/DC- Powerage

As I mentioned previously, back in 1978, the gods of rock were hard at work at their anvils forging the genre which we would come to know and love as heavy metal. Originally, I was going to put all the metal albums of 78 that I was going to visit in one block, however an event taking place this Saturday has changed my planned course. You see, this Saturday, I'm going to see AC/DC tribute band Hell's Bells at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud. They are as close to AC/DC as you can get without actually being them. Critics and fans have described them as "note perfect." Therefore, it is only fitting that I visit this great 1978 album from this iconic band.

There have been debates as to whether or not AC/DC is metal and I'm not going to elaborate on it here. I think they are and if they aren't, they have influenced a hell of a lot of bands who are. That brings me around to "Powerage." Like all their pre "Highway to Hell" albums, it was another one I first listened to when trawling the AC/DC archives and like those albums, it is a raw, hungry sound that is totally mind blowing. It also helps that the first track on it is one of my all time favourite AC/DC songs, "Rock and Roll Damnation." The other tracks, espeically "Down Payment Blues," "Sin City" and "Kicked in the Teeth Again" make this album the classic album that it is.

Track Listing:

1. Rock and Roll Damnation

2. Down Payment Blues

3. Give Me a Bullet

4. Riff Raff

5. Sin City

6. What's Next to the Moon

7. Gone Shootin'

8. Up to My neck in You

9. Kicked in the Teeth Again

AC/DC

Bon Scott- vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Cliff Williams/ bass, backing vocals

Phil Rudd- drums

You can tell when you listen to "Powerage" that AC/DC were just a stone's throw away from making the big time. This album truly rocks with the best of them. I'll let you know all bout Hell's Bells when I make the next post.

Next post: AC/DC- If You Want Blood, You Got It

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

My Favourite Christmas Album: Bob Rivers and Twisted Radio- I Am Santa Claus

With the Christmas Holidays coming up fast and everyone posting about Christmas albums, I thought I would post my favourite Christmas album of all time. The winner for me is "I Am Santa Claus" by Bob Rivers and Twisted Radio. For those who have never heard of Bob Rivers, he is a radio personality famous for his parodies, especially around Christmas time. "I Am Santa Claus" is the second of three Christmas parody albums by him; the other two are "Twisted Christmas" and "More Twisted Christmas."

The majority of the tracks on the album, not all of them are songs, always make me hysterical even after all of these years and the ones that don't send me into hysterics at least bring a smile to my face. There is the track "Walking Round in Women's Underwear," not that I have ever done this, that is just hilarious. Then take the title cut, "I Am Santa Claus" sung to the tune of none other than the famous Black Sabbath song "Iron Man." I can't help thinking that Ozzy and the lads give a thumbs up to this one.

Black Sabbath

That isn't the only metallised song on the album. "Jingle Hells Bells" is sung in the form of AC//DC from the Bon Scott era and is a good funny metal song. There is one line from that song that I haven't ever done and still would love to do. I would love to be "Drinking Jack Daniels while getting a back rub." Maybe my wife will indulge me at Christmas.

AC/DC

Needless to say there many other amusing tracks which are parodies of Christmas carols like "I Came Upon a Roadkill Deer" and "Teddy the Red Nosed Senator" and although it's not a song, I do love the "Letter to Santa" in the theme of The Godfather. But the one song that I have always thought was genius was the carol "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" sung to the tune of that famous Animals classic "House of the Rising Sun."

Track Listing:

1. There's Another Santa Claus

2. Walking Round in Women's Underwear

3. I Am Santa Claus

4. Manger 6

5. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

6. I Came Upon a Roadkill Deer

7. Teddy the Red Nosed Senator

8. Grahbe Yehbalz

9. Letter to Santa Claus

10. Jingle Hells Bells

11. The Kids

12. The Magical Kingdom of Claus

13. What's It To Ya

14. Didn't I Get This Last Year

15. The Under the Tree World of Jacques Cousteau

16. Oh Christmas Tree

So if you want something different to listen to this holiday season, have a good listen to "I Am Santa Claus." I guarantee you will laugh your rear end off. I don't think I'll be able to get on here again before Christmas, they got me working a 48 hour shift from the 23rd to Christmas Day and then there's all the other pre- Christmas stuff that needs to be done. So, I would like to wish everybody reading this a very Merry Christmas and keep rocking on!

Next post: Meatload- Bat Out of Hell

To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London

p.s. It makes a good Christmas present

Great Rock Albums of the 70s: AC/DC- Let There Be Rock

This is the first time I've done a back to back post with the same act. Usually when I think of the great rock artists from the 70s, there is one album that sticks out. However, with AC/DC, this isn't the case. None of the four albums they put out between 1976-78 stick out for me, I love them all equally. This post looks at the second of these, "Let There be Rock." But don't worry, the other two albums in this group, "Powerage" and "If You Want Blood, You Got It" will definitely be featured in future posts. There is a method to my madness.

"Let There Be Rock" picks up perfectly from where "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" left off. It continues to showcase the hard rock sound that is unique to AC/DC and each time I listen to it, I start headbanging from the opening notes of "Go Down" and don't stop until the final notes of "Whole Lotta Rosie." Other highlights include the title track that tells the story of the origins of rock through great music and after listening to the track, I totally agree that Hell ain't a bad place  to be.

Track Listing:

1. Go Down

2. Dog Eat Dog

3. Let There Be Rock

4. Bad Boy Boogie

5. Problem Child

6. Overdose

7. Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be

8. Whole Lotta Rosie

As I wrote each track down, I found myself singing that track in my head, that shows what a kick ass album it is. Scott, Young, Young, Evans and Rudd prove themselves to be the good tight band which would see them climb to the top a few short years later, although this would be the last album for bassist Mark Evans.

AC/DC

Bon Scott- vocals

Angus Young- lead guitar

Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar

Mark Evans- bass

Phil Rudd- drums

It was albums like this one why AC/DC are still a great live act even after all these years including an account in "Rock And Roll Children" which took place in 1985. If you listened to "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," then why don't you continue the party and listen to "Let There Be Rock." You won't be disappointed.

Next post: Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run

To buy Rock And Roll Children visit: www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html

Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle