Great Rock Albums of 1985: Kim Mitchell- Akimbo Alogo

 

Sometime around early Spring in 1985, local radio treated me to probably the best introduction to a song for the entire year and it’s definitely on my list for the greatest intros of all time. When I heard the intro for the “Go For Soda” by Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell, I was completely blown away. Hell, the rest of the song could have sounded like Culture Club but that intro would have been etched in my memory. Fortunately, it doesn’t and “Go For Soda” totally rocks all the way through.

If I had continued on the path from 1985, Kim Mitchell would have been my one hit wonders for 1985. While I liked that song, really liked it, I never got around to listening to the “Akimbo Alogo” album for another year. That was only because while in London, I met a Canadian who was really into him. Then a few months later, I met a Welshman who really liked Canadian bands so it was then that I finally got treated to this fine album.

What I find interesting about “Akimbo Alogo” is how it ricochets back between hard and soft rock. The fore-mentioned single starts it off and with that intro, there’s no better song to start off this album. The harder rock continues with “That’s a Man” and though it has a more blues rock sound, I love that intro as well.  Things go more soft rock with three of the next four songs. “Diary of Rock and Roll Man” being the harder rock exception. “Love Ties” is more softer but not too soft. It has a calypso type sound. “Feel it Burn” is more of a power ballad. Saying that, they are both cool songs but things go much more powerful with “Lager and Ale.” This track is the total rocker for the album. “Rumour Has It” is no less powerful and chalk up another great into with that drum solo at the beginning. Once again, things slow down for the final two songs, the final of these being very soft rock. I must point out that the penultimate song, “Caroline” does have a cool guitar solo on it. Then again, Kim does show his ability with said instrument all throughout the album. I guess here’s another underrated guitarist to add to my list.

Track Listing:

1. Go For Soda
2. That’s a Man
3. All We Are
4. Diary For Rock and Roll Men
5. Love Ties
6. Feel It Burn
7. Lager and Ale
8. Rumour Has It
9. Caroline
10. Called Off

This was the alternative album cover

Kim Mitchell- lead vocals, lead guitar

Peter Fredette- rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals

Robert Sinclair- bass, keyboards, vocals

Paul Delong- drums

Todd Booth- keyboards and synthesizers

Pye Dubois- backing vocals

It could be said that I wasted an entire year or more not getting “Akimbo Alogo” after hearing “Go For Soda.” Maybe so, but I am glad that there were some good friends who made me see the light. Kim Mitchell rocks on this!

Next post: Dire Straits- Brothers in Arms

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Great Rock Albums of 1985: Bryan Adams- Reckless

 

Reflecting back to early 1985 when I first heard songs from the "Reckless" album from Bryan Adams, I have to ask myself, "Was I a metal snob back then?" I remember not hating any of the songs from this album but I kind of pushed it to one side because it wasn't heavy metal. The other possibility could be the fact that I may be mellowing a bit with age and the album is more suitable to my pallet because listening to the album again, I really like it and have to say that it rocks in many places.

"Run to You" was the first single from "Reckless" and my favourite track on the album. It would have been my favourite all time except for the cheesy video of him rolling around in the leaves in the song. Fortunately, I have been able to block that memory out when I listen to it and simply appreciate the guitar riffs. "Heaven is a good power ballad even if it didn't make my top thirty list. If I had expanded the list to a top 50, it would have been there. I do like the power chords in it and only now starting to appreciate the guitar work of Keith Scott. He also shines on the opener, "One Night Love Affair,"  a very underrated guitarist indeed.

With so many well known singles on "Reckless," it's impossible to find a hidden gem. "Somebody" got lots of airplay and it's a good power rocker. The problem with "Summer of 69" is that it gets played to death even to this day. On its own, it's a decent song but having been saturated with it over the past thirty-three years, I kind of get put off it.

The closest the album comes to having a hidden gem has to be "Kids Wanna Rock." I do love how it opens with some cool soloing from Scott and he keeps it up between the verses. There are some good power chords a plenty on here as well. Then there's his single with Tina Turner, "It's Only Love." It too rocks, especially live versions and I have to admit, Bryan and Tina did have a good onstage chemistry. "Ain't Gonna Cry" closes the album out very well.

Track Listing:

1. One Night Love Affair
2. She's Only Happy When She's Dancin'
3. Run to You
4. Heaven
5. Somebody
6. Summer of 69
7. Kids Wanna Rock
8. It's Only Love
9. Long Gone
10. Ain't Gonna Cry

[caption id="attachment_3046" align="aligncenter" width="189"] Bryan Adams[/caption]

Bryan Adams- lead vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica, hand claps and foot stomping

Keith Scott- lead guitar, backing vocals

Jim Vallance- percussion

Dave Taylor- bass

Pat Steward- drums, backing vocals

Tommy Mandel- keyboards

Jody Perpick- backing vocals

Tina Turner- accompanying vocal on "It's Only Love"

Mickey Curry- drums

Steve Smith- drums on "Heaven"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEVuuX-x62c

So was I narrow minded or am I mellowing with age? Then again, does it really matter because I really enjoy Bryan Adams' "Reckless" album.

Nest post: Metal For Breakfast

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

Great Metal Albums of 1984: Triumph- Thunder Seven

 

Just when I thought that 1984 was becoming all metaled out towards the very end of the year, along comes a great album from Canadian greats, Triumph, to continue the metal mayhem that was that year. By then, both commercial radio and MTV was starting to suck, so when the first single, "Spellbound" came blasting over the airwaves on Thanksgiving Day, I was truly psyched. I was already a Triumph convert by then thanks to their previous albums, "Never Surrender" and "Allied Forces" so I welcomed the new "Thunder Seven" album with open arms and ears.

"Spellbound" is my second favourite Triumph song of all time. I just love how Rik Emmett uses his guitar on the song and the harmonizing on the chorus, just great. There are keyboards but unlike the trend in the 1980s, they simply support and not take over the song. Full marks to Mike Levine, he does a good job with them. With the keyboards in that great song, one might be tempted to think that Triumph had gone the same way as their fellow Canadians, Rush, had done earlier in this year. Trust me, they don't.

Not many songs do what they say in the title but the second song does "Rock Out and Rock On!" Not really much more I can say about it than that, except it's a cool track. Then, I really do like the cowboy type vibe on "Cool Down." I don't know if the song really is about cowboys but what I do know and like is how Rik lays down some really cool guitar work on it. "Follow Your Heart" was the second single from "Thunder Seven" and everything about the song says "single." It's a slightly lighter than the other songs but you can still feel Triumph's energy with it.

The rockingest song and my vote for hidden gem is definitely "Time Goes By." While this song is harder than "Spellbound," there is some great harmonizing vocals on it as well. Another song that has Triumph being at their best, especially Emmett's guitar solo. Following "Time Goes By" are two songs which are less than two minutes, the first one being an acoustic instrumental, done well. The second, sounds like a church choir but it does show the vocal ability of Rik Emmett and Gil Moore in a different light. Their vocal abilities also come through very well on the next track, the ballad, "Killing Time." However, things pick up with the penultimate rocker, "Stranger in a Strange Land" before going out an a mega high with the blues based instrumental, "Little Boy Blues," where once again, Rik shows his guitar prowess.

Track Listing

1. Spellbound
2. Rock on Rock Out
3. Cool Down
4. Follow Your Heart
5. Time Goes By
6. Midsummer's Daydream
7. Time Cannon
8. Killing Time
9. Stranger in a Strange Land
10. Little Boy Blues

[caption id="attachment_1547" align="aligncenter" width="262"] Triumph[/caption]

Rik Emmett- guitar, vocals, synthesizers, bass pedals

Gil Moore- drums, vocals, percussion,

Mike Levine- bass, keyboards, synthesizers, bass pedals, organ, clavinet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-znWVHQA7Aw

It was great to see that when people thought that metal was fizzling out in 1984, Triumph kept things going with this great album.

Next post: Hanoi Rocks: Two Steps From the Move

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Great Metal Albums of 1984: Lee Aaron- Metal Queen

 

Probably the first thing anyone talks about in relation to Canadian metal singer Lee Aaron's second album, "Metal Queen," is the album cover. For those who might not know, that is actually the Lee on the cover. I wouldn't debate anyone who thought her outfit on the cover was bought at a dime store but hey, even if it was, she makes it look good. Even more than thirty years on, looking at this cover still gives me a warm feeling.

While the cover might be nice to look at, it's the music contained on the record, wait I had this on cassette, that counts. Let me just sidestep for one second. I once read in an interview that Lee stated that she use to laugh when she heard her first album, I said such when I visited that album. Well, she can laugh as much as she wants at her first album because her second album is much much better. Lee and guitarist John Albani have a brilliant chemistry and that started with the live track from the first album and gets even stronger on "Metal Queen." Another reason for the massive improvement over the first album is that Lee had more control over things and she has a hand in writing all of the songs.

The title track just happens to be my all time favourite Lee Aaron song. Okay, the chains at the beginning may be a little unnecessary but the song just explodes into a mad metal frenzy. Lee's powerful voice and John's guitar solo team up to make a great song. Then again, they do so throughout the entire album. The next two songs move the album along very well and I've always wondered who the lady of the darkest night is. After reading the lyrics and listening to the song many times, I still haven't figured it out.

Lee proves her vocal versatility with the ballad like "Got to Be the One." It's as good a power ballad as any and I don't mind that she repeats the title so much at the end. Her voice is a delight to hear on the song. The two songs following continue to roll things along and I do really enjoy hearing John's guitar ability on "Deceiver." He is an underrated guitarist and would have been my first alternate for guitarist in the 80smetalman's band of underrated musicians.

"Steal Away Your Love" is the hidden gem on the album. It tackles a very serious and sensitive subject, the song is about a rape and the perpetrator getting away with it. These are lyrics that make you think and even the great guitar solos by John don't dampen the message behind the song. Plus, I think the footsteps walking away at the end make the point. Then after two more good tracks, "Hold Out" being the better of the two, we come to the closer, "We Will Be Rockin.'" Definitely the best song to end the album here.

Track Listing:

1. Metal Queen
2. Lady of the Darkest Night
3. Head Above Water
4. Got to Be the One
5. Shake It Up
6. Deceiver
7. Steal Away Your Love
8. Hold Out
9. Breakdown
10. We Will Be Rockin'

[caption id="attachment_3675" align="aligncenter" width="204"] Lee Aaron[/caption]

Lee Aaron- vocals

John Albani- guitar, backing vocals

George Bernhardt- guitar, backing vocals

Atilla Demjen- drums

Frank Russell- drums

Jack Meli- bass, backing vocals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P54mua-LbDs

It was "Metal Queen" that got people South of the Border and across the Atlantic to take notice of this Canadian fire cracker. Then again, with an album as good as this one, it's pretty hard not to.

Next post: Krokus- The Blitz

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Great Metal Albums of 1984: Helix- Walking the Razor's Edge

 

It's amazing the things that get stored in one's mind and come out when the mind needs them. Back in the 1980's, Helix were one of those bands I always wanted to explore more of but never got around to it. They first came to my attention in the summer of 1984 when I saw the video for the single from the "Walkin' the Razor's Edge" album, "Rock You." I made a mental note to buy this album but never did. I did try to look for it but it never made it to my part of South Jersey.

Like with some other metal bands in 1984, while many of them got played on MTV, you had to be in the right place at the right time to catch it. It was the same with White Wolf. Hell, I didn't even remember which song from this album I had seen the video for until I did a bit of research thanks to Wikipedia and Youtube. Seeing the video for "Rock You" jogged my memory and yes, I remember it now. Looking at it again, it was such a very 80s video but who cares, it's a good song.

But what about the rest of the album? Some of you might ask. Well, rest assured, let me say once and for all that "Walkin' the Razor's Edge" kicks total ass. True, there is a definite 80s vibe to the album and to Helix but no one can ever say that heavy metal is dated. However, I do find it difficult to pick a favourite on here, although I will take the first five songs over the final five, but not by much. "Young and Wreckless," "Animal House" and "When the Hammer Falls" are definitely the stand out tracks for me. "Feel the Fire" is also a good track that sounds like a Dokken tune. Again, I might prefer the first half of the album, I won't denounce the second half. "Give Me Good Lovin'" could have been a second single here. So record management, why wasn't it released as one? The ballad, "(Make Me Do) Anything You Want" was released as a single in Canada and it's a decent ballad. While the remaining songs don't totally grab me by the throat, they are good songs and do their job in making the album enjoyable.

What makes the album so good is the band themselves. Brian Vollmer might be trying to act like every other metal singer from the decade in the video but he has a good set of pipes. Brent Doerner and Paul Hackman wield their axes very well all throughout the album, fair dues to them. Doerner is the one who emerges from the water to play his guitar solo in the video but whichever guitarist lays down the solo on "When the Hammer Falls" gets the gong for best solo here. Daryl Gray and Greg Hinz provide a competent rhythm section rock for the rest to build on. As usual, a good band makes a good album.

Track Listing:

1. Rock You
2. Young and Restless
3. Animal House
4. Feel the Fire
5. When the Hammer Falls
6. Give Me Good Lovin'
7. My Kind of Rock
8. (Make Me Do) Anything You Want
9. Six Strings Nine Lives
10. You Keep Me Rockin'

[caption id="attachment_4334" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Helix and their friends[/caption]

Brian Vollmer- lead vocals

Brent 'The Doctor' Doerner- guitars, backing vocals

Paul Hackman- guitars, backing vocals

Daryl Gray- bass, backing vocals

George 'Fritz' Hinz- drums

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_oBjinZQ7k

Was Helix Canada's best kept secret in the 1980s? Possibly but then Canadian bands seemed to get ignored more than their American and British counterparts. Hearing "Walkin' On the Razor's Edge" makes me wish I had Youtube back then. I would not have missed this cool album and waited over thirty years to finally get to listen to it.

Next post: Hellion

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Great Metal Albums of 1984: White Wolf- Standing Alone

 

Here's a post about being in the right place at the right time. Sometime in the wee hours of one morning in early 1984, I happened to be up watching MTV when this video by some band named White Wolf came on. I knew nothing about the band but I knew I liked the song they were playing. So, I made a mental note about them and went to my local record shops in the days following to find out more about this band and possibly buy the album. Unfortunately, I drew a blank everywhere I went and I had a good share of confused looks from shop assistants, but that's Southern New Jersey for you. The sad tale is that I never got this album though the band from that one late night experience has always remained in my memory. However, there is a happy ending thanks to Youtube where I finally got to listen to White Wolf's 1984 "Standing Alone" album and share it with you. Believe me, the wait was worth it.

Let me start with my one tiny criticism of "Standing Alone." It's the title track. Not a bad song, in fact it's quite good but it shouldn't be the opener on the album. That duty should have fallen on the second track, "Headlines." That is the song that leaps out and assaults your ear drums and makes you pay serious attention to the album. As for the title track, it should have been third because the track after "Headlines" continues the ear assault before turning slightly more melodic at the end. The more melodic title track would have followed on nicely from there. That would have very nicely paved the way for my favourite track on the album. "What the War Will Bring." It cleverly disguises itself as a power ballad, a good one, but there is some very great guitar work here. Eight minutes of enjoyable melodic metal and guitar work combined. Most of the song is comprised of the latter and that is the reason why I like it so much.

Nit picking done, the rest of the album is one big powerful explosion of metal. The three tracks following my favourite bear testimony to that. "Night Rider" kicks it off with a harmonizing of the title before the music kicks in full blast. It's a rather fast paced song, though I wouldn't call it thrash, with a cool guitar solo. If you thought "Night Rider" was hard, "Homeward Bound" is even harsher! It's a good heavy metal tune, if ever there was one. A sort of twist comes next. One would think that a song called "Metal Thunder" would be even harder and louder than its predecessors but it's much more melodic, a good curve ball there. Still, it's a cool song with some good harmony vocals and guitar work and it leads very well to the closer, which provides the right conclusion to this fime album.

Track Listing:

1. Standing Alone
2. Headlines
3. Shadows in the Night
4. What the War Will Bring
5. Night Rider
6. Homeward Bound
7. Metal Thunder
8. Trust Me

Donn Wolf aka Don Wilk- vocals

Martin Kronlund- guitar

Cam McLeod- guitar, backing vocals

Rikard Quist- bass

Imre Daun- drums

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

I can't even remember which of these 8 cool songs the video I saw on MTV back in 1984 was for. I do remember it being a viking theme but that's all. I do know that I liked the song and there must have been something there for me to remember it all these years after. I'm forever grateful that I got to listen to "Standing Alone" and got to hear it for myself.

Next post: The Scorpions- Love At First Sting

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

Great Metal Albums of 1984: Daniel Band- Run From the Darkness

 

Satan had come upon me during the summer of 1984 because the Daniel Band had lots of airplay on the Sunday morning radio show, TCN Hot Rock. I remember liking what they played but for some reason, I never explored them further. That's why I say Satan had corrupted me because if I had explored the Daniel Band more, I would have discovered a long time ago what a great album "Run From the Darkness" is.

A little background on them, they were formed in 1979 in Toronto Canada. Their first album, "On Rock," offered a more progressive sound. However, with this, their second album, they went full blown heavy metal. They even wore dog collars and spandex when they went on tour for this album. Plain and simple, upon listening to "Run From the Darkness," I will second the motion that this was a heavy metal album. The first three tracks are definitely metal in your face, although I think the title track was the intended single. The third track, "Walk on the Water" is my favourite track on the album. The power chords are like Judas Priest and the harmonies in the chorus remind me of KISS in their heyday. Not a bad combination me thinks. They have also been compared to AC/DC, Boston and their fellow countrymen, April Wine. What's not to like?

The metal doesn't end with the first three tracks. Tracks four and five keep things ticking over very nicely. The latter is given the fan treatment at the beginning giving it that recorded live feel but "Sixteen" cooks regardless. In fact, the album doesn't slow down to the latter end of the album. "Live Connection" is almost thrash. Even the keyboard on "Wall" just complements the hard rocking sound of the song. After "Wall" is the ballad, "It's Over" and that's a very tidy power ballad. As is the track after, "My Children." This starts like a piano ballad and then the guitars come in and could flatten the walls of Jericho. The closing track, "In the Sky" takes things out in a typical metal way.

Let me once and for all dispel the myth about Christian Rock. I have listened to "Run From the Darkness" five times in the last week and not once did I find myself wanting to put my beer down and start reading my bible. Anyone who does that is just as liable to sacrifice a chicken to Satan after listening to Deicide. There are no in your face Jesus lyrics on here and even if there were, this album is good enough to where they could be singing about doing terrible things to dogs with a fork and I'd still enjoy the music from it. Added bonus is that lead guitarist Tony Rossi can hold his own with many of his non- Christian counterparts. Hey, the main can wail!

Track Listing:

1. Don't Give Up
2. Run From the Darkness
3. Walk on the Water
4. Never Gonna Die
5. Sixteen
6. Live Connection
7. Let's Get Ready
8. Wall
9. It's Over
10. My Children
11. In the Sky

Tony Rossi- lead guitar, vocals

Don McCabe- bass, lead vocals

Bill Findlay- guitar, keyboards, vocals

Matt Del Duca- drums

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5PvPPwB2Kg

Have I converted? In regards to the Daniel Band, the answer is yes. If anyone out there still thinks that Christian Rock musicians are second rate, then have a listen to "Run From the Darkness." This album, Christian or not, simply kicks ass.

Next post: Kerry Livgren AD- Time Line

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Great Rock Albums of 1984: Honeymoon Suite

 

Now that Download is done and dusted, not that I didn't enjoy posting about it because I totally did, I will go back to the great albums of 1984. One note, Teal, my stepson, was going to give Mastodon another chance after their lackluster performance last year at Bloodstock. He never saw them. I didn't either because they were on at the same time as Suicidal Tendencies, so for me, there was no hard decision to make.

In 1984, I was totally impressed by a song I heard on MTV from a Canadian band called Honeymoon Suite. That song was "New Girl Now" and although it only reached 57 in the US charts, probably why I liked it so much, it did go gold in Canada. I just like that hard rock intro with the keyboards giving it the right amount of support to compliment the sound. While, I never have had any personal experience from the lyrics, I do like them. Besides, all those ingredients make the song very catchy and the guitar solo is well done. So there, I've broken down my all time favourite Honeymoon Suite song.

I have come to the conclusion that Honeymoon Suite did things ass backwards on their 1984 debut album. Listening to some of the other songs, you would have thought they would have been more successful as a single than "New Girl Now." All of the first four tracks were released as singles and my fave was the only one to chart in the US. However, the other three songs have more of that 80s soft rock single feel to them. Especially, the fourth track, "Stay in the Light." As for the second track, "Burning in Love," I ask myself, "Are these guys trying to imitate Rush here?" The middle of the song goes very keyboards progressive rock, that's all. Saying that, it is very well played.

After those four songs, the album goes more hard rock. "Now That You Got Me" doesn't send me headbanging away but I do like it. The guitar talents of Derry Grehan show themselves more here and do so more on the remaining tracks. "Funny Business" is a real rocker. That one does get me headbanging away to it. However, it does sound that lead singer, Johnie Dee's voice sometimes struggles to keep up with the song. But that criticism is swept away by another Grehan guitar solo. Each solo does seem to get better with each song from track five on. Dee's voice is more suited for the track after, "Heart on Fire," which is just as rocky as the predecessor, only there's more of a keyboard accompaniment on it. "Turn My Head" is a bit of a paradox. It starts out as a rocker but goes 80s soft rock in the middle only to finish off hard again. "It's Your Heart" is a total rocker but the album ends with a ballad, "Face to Face." It's nothing spectacular except that Grehan plays his best guitar solo on it and that's a great way to end the album.

In short, Derry Grehan is a fantastic guitarist and I have to give credit where due to keyboards player, Ray Coburn. Furthermore, the rhythm section of Brian Brackstone and Dave Betts is sound. I don't want to criticize lead singer Johnnie Dee, he does have a good voice but he wouldn't have the range for a metal band. It seems that the rest of the band has to slow down for him on the harder songs. On the other hand, he does nail "New Girl Now" very well.

Track Listing:

1. New Girl Now
2. Burning in Love
3. Wave Babies
4. Stay in the Ligtht
5. Now That You Got Me
6. Funny Business
7. Heart on Fire
8. Turn My Head
9. It's Your Heart
10. Face to Face

Honeymoon Suite

Derry Grehan- lead guitar, vocals

Johnnie Dee- lead vocals

Brian Bracksotne- bass

Ray Cobourn- keyboards, vocals

Dave Betts- drums

Ray Cobourn- keyboards, vocals

Dave Betts- drums

I have to admit, in 1984 I liked the song "New Girl Now" as much as I did many of the metal songs going around at the time. It is a great song and fortunately, the rest of the album is pretty cool too.

Next post: Scandal Featuring Patty Smyth- The Warrior

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Great Rock Albums or 1984: Rush- Grace Under Pressure

 

Nearly everyone and their sibling says that the "Grace Under Pressure" album was the beginning of Rush's synthesizer period. In reality, the band had started to go in that direction with their previous album, "Signals." What was popularly believed at the time was that as a result of my favourite Rush album, "Moving Pictures," some misguided persons heard songs like "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight" and called Rush a heavy metal band. Therefore, in reaction to that, they went for the more synthesizer sound to squash the stereotype. At first I believed it but now in my old age, I don't really care if it was true at the time or not. I just like the album.

While Rush are not heavy metal, it doesn't stop many metalheads like myself from liking them, a lot. In the opening pages of "Rock And Roll Children," the main characters play "Grace Under Pressure" to mellow out a bit after an evening of heavy metal records. I have to admit, when I heard the first single, "Distant Early Warning," I wasn't too sure about them. Maybe they had sold out and gone commercial. I guess in my naivety, I expected them to continue in the same vein as my favourite Rush album. But believe me, "Grace Under Pressure" was no sell out and it was many levels above some of the other synthesizer music that was manifesting at the time.

What Rush did with "Grace Under Pressure" was take the emerging synth sound and made it into something of their own. I've said a number of times that all three members are talented musicians and together, they can create some fantastic music which all will enjoy no matter what camp you're in. For me, sure I was slightly disappointed at first that the guitar takes a back seat on the album, but it doesn't go away completely. You can clearly hear Liefson's licks laying down the foundation along with Peart's beat in support of Lee's keyboard skills and vocals. I have always stated that Lee has been underrated as a keyboards player. As for Alex, he does nail solos on "The Body Electric"  and the closer, "Between the Wheels," and I do like his intro on "The Enemy Within." That has to be my favourite track on the album. Now, I won't break down the album into individual songs because they all are good on their own and all compliment each other and that makes a good album.

Track Listing:

1. Distant Early Warning
2. Afterimage
3. Red Sector A
4. The Enemy Within
5. The Body Electric
6. Kid Gloves
7. Red Lenses
8. Between the Wheels

[caption id="attachment_552" align="aligncenter" width="264"] Rush[/caption]

Geddy Lee- vocals, synthesizers, bass

Alex Liefson- guitars

Neil Peart- drums, percussion

I think that "Grace Under Pressure" achieves what Rick, Frankie, Jeff and Bob were going for in "Rock and Roll Children." They were looking something to just kick back and listen to. The album allows you to do that because that's when you begin to hear and appreciate all the small intricacies contained there in and that's when you know how good it is.

Next post: Rod Stewart- Camouflage

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

Great Metal Albums of 1983: Lee Aaron- Lee Aaron's First LP

 

Onto the debut album from Canada's own Lee Aaron. Now, something else that the music websites say I got wrong. It seems that this album didn't come out in 1983. Originally it was released in 1982 and re-issued in 1984. However, I got this on cassette as part of a double album set with Lee's next album, "Metal Queen." Anyway, I thought for sure that it said on the cassette that the "Lee Aaron's First LP" was copyrighted in 1983 and have had it in my noggin for over thirty years that it came out in said year. Since it's too much trouble to go up into my attic and dig out the cassette to check, I must ask for clemency on any misrepresentation of this album.

Now that's over, let's move on. I remember reading an interview of Lee Aaron in 1987 where she said she laughs when she hears this, her first album. I can see where she is coming from. Back then she was brand new to the industry and rather naive and listening to the album, one can probably say that if she had more say on the album, it might have sounded different. She only wrote on four of the songs. Lee, I hope it wouldn't have sounded too much different because this first LP really rocks!

While she might slightly blush over the lyrics of the tracks, "I Like My Rock My Hard" and "Should Have Known," hell, I blush for her but they are still good sounding metal songs. In fact, I have to take my hat off to Rik Emmett of Triumph who produced the album. I always thought he did a good job of taking Lee under his wing because I can't fault any of the tracks on here. Her vocals are just phenomenal and there are some good musician work to accompany those vocals. Though I can't ascertain why Rik only played on one song, the opener, "Under Your Spell." Stand out tracks for me are "Night Riders" and "Took My Heart Away" to begin with. Her cover of the famous Willie Dixon blues classic, "I Just Want to Make Love to You," which has been covered by so many bands is one of the best. Before, I heard her version, it was Foghat's version I liked but now there's a power struggle in my brain. However, my favourite tracks on the album are definitely "Texas Outlaw," where she doubles with Buzz Sherman and the closing track and even though it's only on the 1984 re-issue, I'm going to include it here, "Under the Stars." This track is recorded live and makes me regret never seeing Lee Aaron live. So, while she might laugh at this album, I really like it.

Track Listing:

1. Under Your Spell
2. Lonely For Your Love
3. Night Riders
4. Texas Outlaw
5. I Like My Rock Hard
6. I Just Want to Make Love to You
7. Runnin' From His Love
8. Should Have Known
9. Took My Heart Away
10. Under the Stars

Lee Aaron- lead vocals

Rik Emmett- guitar, track 1

Dave Alpin- guitar, tracks 1 and 7

Rick Santers- guitar, tracks 2-4, 6, 8, 9

Earl Johnson- guitar, tracks 4,6,8

Frank Soda- track 5

John Albani- guitar, track 10

George Bernhardt- guitar, track 10

Buzz Sherman- co-lead vocals tracks 4 and 8, backing vocals track 8

Bill Wade- drums- tracks 1 and 7

Mark Santers- drums, tracks 2-4, 6, 8, 9

Gen Gratto- drums, track 5

Randy Infuso- drums, track 10

Gene Stout- bass, track 1 and 7

Rick Lazaroff- bass, tracks 2-4, 6, 8, 9

Peter Crolly- bass, track 5

Jack Meli- bass, track 10

Like I said, Lee Aaron might have been embarrassed about her first album but I'm sure not. It is a good rocking album even if the lyrics of some of the songs on it do sound a bit childish. Still, you can't fault her fabulous vocals and the musicians Rik Emmett put together to make this fine album. One of these guitarists will stay with Lee but you'll have to wait to her future albums before I sing his praises. In the meantime, enjoy this one.

Next post: Mercyful Fate- Melissa

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

Great Metal Albums of 1983: Anvil- Forged in Fire

 

It's probably a psychological thing with me but whichever album I hear first from any given band tends to be my favourite one from that band. This is most likely the reason why my favourite Van Halen album is Van Halen II, my favourite Twisted Sister album is "You Can't Stop Rock and Roll" and my favourite Lynyrd Skynyrd album is "One More From the Road." The same principle applies to Anvil. "Forged in Fire" was the first Anvil album I listened to and it is my favourite. However, I tend to believe that even if I didn't hear this album first, it still would have been my favourite Anvil album.

Why is "Forged in Fire" my favourite Anvil album other than it being the first of theirs I listened to? The answer is quite simple, there are just so many great songs on it. The title track alone, which I first heard on a metal compilation album, was enough to capture my interest. I loved the pounding guitars on the song and after over thirty years, I'm not sure whether or not to take the lyrics to "Forged in Fire" seriously. Still, it doesn't matter because I love the song so much. I mean who couldn't be amused at these lyrics:

"Power blasted streams engage the injection
The mechanism reacts with affection"

If I were to levy one criticism at the album, it would be the placing of the first two songs. I know Anvil albums open with the title track and even though I love the title track on this album so much, I can't help thinking that the second track, "Shadow Zone" should have been the opener. That is definitely an ear catching speed metal tune that would wake up the dead. However, this is just me thinking too much.

The rest of the album carries on with one great song after another. All tracks are great metal tunes that can stand on their own. Back then, I took the lyrics of "Free as the Wind" to heart as that was how I felt after leaving the marines. Even the change in momentum when Dave Allison sings lead on "Never Deceive Me" only seems to make the album sound that much better. Many of the songs are might be considered speed metal like "Shadow Zone" as they are played very fast and ferociously. I find "Hard Times and Fast Ladies" a very interesting song and while I might mentally debate which song should be the opener, there is no question that Anvil made the right choice for the closer with "Winged Assassins."

Another reason why I like this album so much is that Steve 'Lips' Kudrow really goes to town on the guitar on just about all of the songs on here. His most noted ones are on "Free as the Wind" and "Winged Assassins" but there are noble efforts throughout. Therefore, I will be expecting the same when I go to Gloucester this Tuesday evening as see Anvil in all their glory. That's right, I'm finally getting to see these guys live and why I posted the album now. I wonder how many songs from "Forged in Fire" they'll actually play.

Track Listing:

1. Forged in Fire
2. Shadow Zone
3. Free as the Wind
4. Never Deceive Me
5. Butter-Bust Jerky
6. Future Wars
7. Hard Times, Fast Ladies
8. Make It Up to You
9. Motormount
10. Winged Assassins

[caption id="attachment_2368" align="aligncenter" width="226"] Anvil[/caption]

Steve 'Lips' Kudrow- vocals, lead guitar

Dave Allison- guitar, lead vocal on "Never Deceive Me"

Ian Dickson- bass, backing vocals

Rob Reiner- drums

Following "Forged in Fire" tragedy would strike for Anvil. For many, this would be considered their last album as they would descend into obscurity and wouldn't be heard from again until the documentary would be released about them in 2008. As a result, I have made an executive decision and will visit the so-called obscure albums they made in the late 1980s. However, "Forged in Fire" is definitely a great album to go out in style to.

Next post: Anvil Live in Gloucester

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

Great Rock/Metal Albums of 1983: Aldo Nova- Subject, Aldo Nova

 

"Subject...Aldo Nova" was the follow up to Aldo's much adored debut album. The big question will always be: Was it as good as the first? At first, I was tempted to answer no but after a few more listens, I'm not so sure. On "Subject," Aldo does go for a more commercial 1980s sound and therefore it's not as hard rock as the debut. However, the hard stuff definitely does not totally disappear on the album. Maybe he was under pressure from the record company to go for a more commercially viable sound but I can't say. It's still a very good album nonetheless.

The first three tracks are all space rock sounding instrumentals which can easily be blended into a single track. These tracks tell you from the outset that "Subject" is going to be a little different. "Monkey On Your Back" does bring things back to what I liked about the first album. In fact, it reminds me quite a bit of "Fantasy" so you know it's a cool song. From there, things go even harder with the next two songs and he definitely nails the guitar solo on "Cry Baby Cry."

Further evidence that Aldo is not trying to veer too far away from the first album's format comes with the first power ballad, "Victim of a Broken Heart." Unfortunately, this song is more ballad and less power but he still manages to land another great guitar solo which saves the song for me. Then comes the thirty-nine second "Africa (Primal Love)" which has me wondering: Was this necessary? Personally, I don't see the point of it being included here but hey ho, things return to normal with "Hold Back the Night." The big difference here was that there is a bit of barely audible talking in the middle which made me stop what I was doing and listen intently to hear what he was saying. I still couldn't make it out. But there's another cool guitar solo after so who cares?

"Always Be Mine" ventures back into the realm of more commercial rock so I'm assuming that it was an intended single. The chorus is rather catchy so that's a feather in its cap. After "All Night Long," which is more synth sounding but starts with a good solo, the album kind of goes out the same way it came in, with two short instrumentals only the final track, "Paradise" is a full length song and a bit of a power ballad but the guitar solo does take the album out on an absolute high. All in all, "Subject" doesn't quite climb to the heights reached by its predecessor but still gets pretty high up the mountain.

Track Listing:

1. Subject's Theme
2. Armageddon (Race Cars)
3. Armageddon
4. Monkey On Your Back
5. Hey Operator
6. Cry Baby Cry
7. Victim of a Broken Heart
8. Africa (Primal Love)
9. Hold Back the Night
10. Always Be Mine
11. All Night Long
12. War Song
13. Prelude to Paradise
14. Paradise

[caption id="attachment_3516" align="aligncenter" width="296"] Aldo Nova[/caption]

Aldo Nova- guitars, vocals

Billy Carmassi- drums

David Sikes- bass on track 5

Neal Jason- bass on tracks 8,9,10 and 12

Steve Buslowe- bass on track 11

Dennis Chartrand- piano

Chuck Burgi- drums on track 10

Kevin Carlson- 2nd guitar solo on tracks 3 and 12

Aldo Nova had hit the ground running with his debut album and still going strong on "Subject." It seemed as far as American commercial rock was concerned, he would disappear but I can't help thinking that his other albums are as good as his first two.

Next post: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts- Album

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

Great Rock/Metal Albums of 1983: Aldo Nova

 

When my household finally caught up with the times in 1983 and got MTV, the video for the big single, "Fantasy," from Canadian rocker Aldo Nova's debut album received a fair amount of airplay. Okay, it may not have been played as much as Big Country's "In a Big Country" or the full twenty minute video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller," but I saw it a good few times. Naturally, I assumed that the song was current. It was only later that I discovered that the song and the album were actually released over a year earlier. Therefore, this was another great album that came out in 1982, which I missed on account of my commitments to the military back then. It is also the reason why I am still posting it for 1983. I guess I should be grateful to MTV or else I might have missed it all together.

Even before I first saw the video for "Fantasy," Aldo Nova was making a name for himself in metal circles back then. He supported giants Rainbow and Blue Oyster Cult on two different tours and the reports I received from my friend and my sister was that he was pretty good. That, along with the single I heard, was enough grounds to explore the debut album and what a wise decision that turned out to be.

In typical 1982 fashion, the album opens with the big single but like so many other great rock and metal albums from that year, the rest of the album carries on very well. In the case of Aldo, the tracks "Hot Love" and "It's Too Late" keep me headbanging away. Both are great rocking gems. Then comes the power ballad, "Ball and Chain" and it is this track that has forced me to put Aldo Nova into the category of deeply under appreciated guitarists. He really rips his solo here. "Ball and Chain" also has me pondering something else. This song, along with April Wine's "Just Between You and Me" and the Killer Dwarfs' "Fire In Your Eyes," has me thinking that maybe Canadian bands are the best at power ballads. Something to debate anyway.

It would have been wrong of me to say that the album picks up after the power ballad because it never really slowed down. Still, "Heart to Heart" is a great song and in metal power, I put it between the power ballad and first three tracks. Following it is what sounds for me was a definitely intended AOR single, "Fooling Yourself." However, the chorus is quite catchy so I don't blame him for this one. Even more so because the next track, "Under the Gun" is the best rocking track on the album complete with another great guitar solo.

The album seems to slow down a great deal after that. I wouldn't call "You're My Love" and "Can't Stop Lovin' You" power ballads, just ballads although the latter has a cool guitar solo reminding me of why I added Aldo to my ever growing list of underrated guitarists. I would like to say that the album closes with a blinder but I really can't say that about "See the Light." The song reminds me of something you would hear from a nightclub band. It is done very well and sounds good despite being keyboard dominated but with all the harder tracks, I found myself straining in anticipation for a power chord that never comes. It's only Aldo's guitar solo that saves it for me and that gets me into the song at the end. While the last three songs may not measure up to the rest of the album in my view, those other seven songs are more than enough to make this album a great one.

Track Listing:

1. Fantasy
2. Hot Love
3. It's Too Late
4. Ball and Chain
5. Heart to Heart
6. Fooling Yourself
7. Under the Gun
8. You're My Love
9. Can't Stop Lovin' You
10. See the Light

[caption id="attachment_3516" align="aligncenter" width="334"] Aldo Nova[/caption]

Aldo Nova- vocals, guitars, bass, synthesizers, keyboards

Dennis Chartrand- piano

Michel Pelo- bass

Robert Biagioni- bass

Michael La Chapelle- drums, percussion

Terry Martel- drums, percussion

Daniel Barbe- backing vocals

Dwight Druck- backing vocals

Thank God for MTV is all I can say. While their playing of the video for "Fantasy" may have misled me as to when Aldo Nova's first album came out, it did give me the opportunity to actually discover Aldo and listen to the album. Something I will always be glad about.

Next post: Aldo Nova- Subject Aldo Nova

To buy Rock and Roll Children,

Great Rock Albums of 1983: Loverboy- Keep It Up

 

Before I begin, let me thank a gentleman named Damien for coming in with the big save. While my memory of the 1980s is pretty good or at least I like to think so, there have been some big albums I have probably missed out. If it hadn't been for Damien, I would have missed out on the live Pat Benatar album and the "Keep It Up" album from Loverboy.

The first two tracks from the album brought all of the memories flooding back to me. I remember "Hot Girls in Love" back in the day and thought it was a really cool song, it still is and I curse my memory for letting it slip. The same with "Strike Zone." This is one of the harder songs on the album and takes me back to their first album. I do like the guitar work on this song, praise be to Paul Dean on it. Probably why it's my favourite track on the album.

Many of the other songs on "Keep It Up" in my mind, attempt to straddle the line between 1970s progressive rock and 1980s synth pop. Take track three for instance. "It's Never Easy" has a really cool progressive style keyboard intro and has me thinking, well done. Then the song goes into that pop sort of feel and this seems to be accented by the vocals. I don't know if Mike Reno is trying to sing a ballad or a rock song here. Still the song is redeemed with another great Dean guitar solo and it ends with the progressive keyboards that match the beginning.

"Queen of the Broken Hearts" is another example. A good song but for me it's a case of Meatloaf's "I'll Do Anything for Love" meets Loverboy's own "Working for the Weekend" from the "Get Lucky" album.  It might sound like a strange combination here but somehow it works and works well. I think that's the theme of "Keep It Up." It is more keyboarded and not as hard rock as Loverboy's previous two albums but it's still enjoyable.

Track Listing:

1. Hot Girls in Love
2. Strike Zone
3. It's Never Easy
4. Chance of a Lifetime
5. Queen of the Broken Hearts
6. Prime of Your Life
7. Passion Pit
8. One Sided Love Affair
9. Meltdown

[caption id="attachment_2282" align="aligncenter" width="275"] Loverboy[/caption]

Mike Reno- vocals

Paul Dean- guitar, vocals

Doug Johnson- keyboards

Scott Smith- bass, vocals

Matt Frenette- drums

Loverboy's third album is not quite as good as the first two but it's still a good album nonetheless. While the attempt to straddle the line isn't completely successful, it's not a failure. If it wasn't for the over saturation of keyboards, this would be a good hard rocking album. Still, at least I got to rekindle the memory of "Hot Girls in Love."

Next post: Bonnie Tyler- Faster Than The Speed of Night

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

Great Metal Albums of 1983: Killer Dwarfs

 

I stated that sometime during the tour of 1983, I would make a revelation. My original plan was to wait a little further down the line before I made this revelation but recent posts on another blog has made it impossible for me to hold it in any longer. So now, I am going to reveal my favourite Canadian band of all time. Yep, you guessed it, it's the Killer Dwarfs, who released their debut, self titled album in 1983.

It was the name alone that first got my attention. While browsing around my local record shop, I happened to pick up a compilation album, which I will visit in 1984, and the third track in was the single "Heavy Mental Breakdown" by the Killer Dwarfs. Being a Dungeons and Dragons player,  the name gave me a tickle and that, along with some of the other great tracks I did know, was enough for me to buy the album. A couple of listens to the song on the compilation album was enough for me to send a cheque to Attic Records in Canada and buy their debut album. Unlike Chris DeBurgh, it was the best record buying decision I ever made and I've been a huge Killer Dwarfs fan ever since. My best experience was seeing them open for Iron Maiden at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1988.

Let's talk about the debut album. I'll be the first to say that future albums were better and more polished than this one but that doesn't stop this album from being a killer, yes pun intended. The opener, "Are You Ready," sucks you in from the first notes and the second track, "Can't Lose" does a great job in keeping your attention. Both songs are good rockers with catchy rhythms. Things go along very nicely through the next to tracks to the mentioned single to close out side one and leaving you very curious to hear what side two is going to sound like. Well, the second side doesn't disappoint and I found it better than side one. All five songs stand out very well all the way down to a very good power ballad of a closer. That was why when I read about Russ Dwarf's recent acoustic recordings of some of the classic Killer Dwarfs songs, I questioned why "Fire in Your Eyes" wasn't included among them. While the song on this album has some great electric power chords, I still think it would sound great unplugged.

Now let's talk about my favourite track on this album. If I were ever to write my auto-biography or there were to be a film made about my life, I would call it or insist it be called, "Outlaw of a Modern Man." Besides the fact that I think that title applies to me at least a little bit, I found the title to be very amusing. At least the band and I have a similar sense of humour. The song itself is just a great power rocker. Only barely more than three minutes long, it packs a lot of dynamite into that short time. In spite of all the accusations of being pop metal, this song shows that the Killer Dwarfs can rock! But I knew that when I bought this album.

Track Listing:

1. Are You Ready
2. Can't Lose
3. Drifter
4. Prisoner
5. Heavy Mental Breakdown
6. Read Between the Lines
7. Gotta Lose to Win
8. Outlaw of a Modern Man
9. Time to Move On
10. Fire in Your Eyes

 

[caption id="attachment_3211" align="aligncenter" width="200"] This is the only photo I could get of the first line up.[/caption]

Russ 'Dwarf' Graham- vocals

Bryce 'Dwarf' Trewin- guitar

Ange 'Dwarf' Fodero- bass

Darrell 'Dwarf' Millar- drums

Unfortunately, after their debut album, the Killer Dwarfs would nearly fade into obscurity. Both members of the string section would leave and the band would part ties with its record label. However, they would be back and better than ever but that story is best left for the appropriate time. The other unfortunate thing is that on account of all this, their debut album would be pretty much forgotten. I would be one of the ones who wouldn't because it was the first album that made me a die hard Killer Dwarfs fan.

Next post: Huey Lewis and the News- Sports

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

Great Rock Albums of 1983: Bryan Adams- Cuts Like a Knife

 

For this one, anyone under the age of 30 has to forget anything they heard from or about Bryan Adams in the 1990s. Yes, I'm in the camp that believes the song "Everything I Do, I Do It For You" is an embarrassment to hard rock and metal, even if it did stay number one in the UK charts for sixteen weeks. Now my ex wife may point out that I liked the song at the time. Well that was because at the time, I thought it was a great poke in the eye at what was in the UK charts at the time. All that massed produced Stock, Aikman and Waterman crap and techno which always seemed to be around at the time. It was great that a rock song could take the number one slot and stay as long as it did. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Let's forget about the 90s as it's the 80s I'm here to talk about. Back in 1983, Bryan Adams was a fresh faced kid who put out a decent album with some good songs on it. I think the best way to describe the album "Cuts Like a Knife" is to use the term 'innocent.' There is no attempt to go in any commercial or non-commercial direction with it. I like the think that Bryan was just out to make a record here and what happens, well it happens.

There are several ballads/power ballads on "Cuts Like a Knife." In fact, it was the title cut I first heard on radio from him. It's not a bad song but it doesn't quite measure up to the bar for power ballads set by Bryan's countrymen two years earlier. However, I do like the guitar solo in it. "Straight From the Heart" is another one as is "I'm Ready" but he's honest about them. Some rock/metal artists put out ballads but downplay them. There are some decent rockers on here too. "This Time" reeks of commercial, single material but it's okay. "Take Me Back," "What's It Gonna Be" and "Don't Leave Me Lonely" are better ones and my pick for favourite tracks. Well, Eric Carr from KISS fame did co write "Don't Leave Me Lonely."

Track Listing:

1. The Only One
2. Take Me Back
3. This Time
4. Straight From the Heart
5. Cuts Like a Knife
6. I'm Ready
7. What's It Gonna Be
8. Don't Leave Me Lonely
9. Let Him Know
10. The Best Was Yet To Come

[caption id="attachment_3046" align="aligncenter" width="170"] Bryan Adams[/caption]

Bryan Adams- lead vocals, guitar, piano on "Straight From the Heart"

Mickey Curry- drums

Tommy Mandel- organ, synthesizer, piano

Keith Scott- guitar, backing vocals

Dave Taylor- bass, backing vocals

In the South Park Movie, there is a line about the Canadian government apologising for Bryan Adams. Whoever came up with that must not have heard this album. There is nothing to apologise for with "Cuts Like a Knife."

Next post: U2- War

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

Great Metal Albums of 1982: Triumph- Never Surrender

 

Just learned something. Different internet sites can provide different information about the same thing. Heavy Harmonies states that this classic album, "Never Surrender" from Triumph came out in 1982, while Wikapedia states that it was released in January, 1983. I can't say because I never had to buy it at the time, my sister's then boyfriend had it and let me borrow it. Needless to say, it got played to death.

I must also confess that I lied last year. I said that "Allied Forces" was my favourite Triumph album. Actually, "Never Surrender" is, although there isn't much between the two and knowing me, I could listen to the other one again and things would revert back. That's just how good both albums are.

It just so happens that "Never Surrender" contains my definite all time favourite Triumph song, "World of Fantasy." The acoustic intro followed by the thundering guitar and supplemented with a catchy chorus and a great guitar solo from Emmett, make for an all time great. Full marks should be given to the band for creating such a masterpiece. It is always the first song to come to mind when someone says Triumph and that catchy chorus is playing through my head as I write.

Of course, there are other great songs on the album, otherwise the album wouldn't be great. There are some great straight forward hard rock tunes starting with the opener, "Too Much Thinking," which starts things off just right. Others include "All the Way" and "Writing on the Wall." Then there's the reggae sounding title track. Well not totally reggae because it does rock. Like my all time fave, "When the Lights Go Down" also starts with a cool acoustic intro, except this one sounds almost like it's going to be a country or Southern rock song. It's not, just typical hard rocking Triumph. Finally, while Emmett's guitar skills are present throughout, I must say that his best effort is the instrumental closer, "Epilogue." He really shines on this one. Putting all of these great tracks together, it's easy to see why "Never Surrender" is such a stupendous album.

Track Listing:

1. Too Much Thinking
2. World of Fantasy
3. Minor Prelude
4. All the Way
5. Battle Cry
6. Overature (Procession)
7. Never Surrender
8. When the Lights Go Down
9. Writing on the Wall
10. Epilogue (Resolution)

[caption id="attachment_1547" align="aligncenter" width="208"] Triumph[/caption]

Rik Emmett- lead vocals, guitar

Mike Levine- bass, organ, synthesizer, piano

Gil Moore- drums, percussion, backing vocals

It doesn't matter whether or not "Never Surrender" was released in 1982 or 83. Whatever year, the album totally kicks ass as Triumph were at their prime. As I already said a number of times, 1982 was a famine year for me musically on account of my military commitments. I have come to regret missing many of those albums I have written about in that year but never got to listen to at the time. The sacrifices we make serving one's country. However, 1983 would be different and I will be starting that pivotal year with albums that were released in 82 but brought my 83 in with such hard rocking style. But first, a break in the action.

Next post: Tribute to another great rock club

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

Great Metal Albums of 1982: Anvil- Metal on Metal

 

The other night I was watching Anvil performing the title track to their 1982 album, "Metal on Metal" and it got me thinking about the now famous Anvil Documentary that came out a few years back. Many bands admitted that they were blown away by Anvil back in the day and seeing their performance on You tube, I now know why. They were just so full of energy and the way they played was just mind blowing. I wished I could have seen them back then. Fortunately, their first three studio albums were just as mind blowing, including this one.

While I can easily say that all the songs on "Metal on Metal" are mind blowing metal anthems, it is the title track that I like best. Seeing it performed live only makes it that much sweeter. It's just metal as metal was intended. However, it is likewise for the rest of the album as well. I get the distinct impression that the band had a good time recording this one. "Mothra," "Jackhammer" and "Heat Sink" all fall in line with the title track, all great head bangers. The instrumental "March of the Crabs" show that these guys can actually play. One thing I do find surprising is the closer "666." I'm surprised that it hasn't appeared on an American fundamentalist Christian hit list, just for the title alone. The other reason I'm surprised the album hasn't appeared on the same list is that "Metal on Metal" is what metal was meant to be. If someone with no experience of metal, who wanted to hear it in its purest form, this would be one of the albums I would reach for.

Track Listing:

1. Metal on Metal

2. Mothra

3. Stop Me

4. March of the Crabs

5. Jackhammer

6. Heat Sink

7. Tag Team

8. Scenery

9. Tease Me Please Me

10. 666

[caption id="attachment_2368" align="aligncenter" width="226"] Anvil[/caption]

Steve 'Lips' Kudrow- vocals, guitar

Dave Allison- guitar, vocals on "Stop Me"

Ian Dickson- bass

Rob Reiner- drums

One observation I've made about Anvil today and was probably true back in the early 1980s, was that people either loved them or hated them. No prizes for guessing which side I'm on. Even when they played Bloodstock in 2012, these things were said. All I know is that their first three albums were all killer ones and though I didn't experience them until 1984, I was glad for the opportunity.

Next post: Girlschool- Screaming Blue Murder

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

Great Metal Albums of 1982: April Wine- Power Play

 

When I returned from my second tour of the Mediterranean in the summer of 1982, I was quite excited to discover that April Wine had put out a new album. After all, their 1981 album "Nature of the Beast" was one of the albums that made that year for me. Therefore, it was logical for me to conclude that "Power Play" was going to be just as kick ass. Unfortunately, it wasn't but the band should not hang their head in shame because the album didn't make me want to remove it from the turntable and throw it directly in the bin. It really is a decent album.

First, let me get the obvious compare and contrast between "Power Play" and "Nature of the Beast" over and done with straight away. The main issue here is that with the previous album, April Wine recorded a power ballad that set the bar for all power ballads ever since. Expecting them to create another one as mind blowing as "Just Between You and Me" is asking them to make tea in a chocolate kettle. "Enough is Enough," "What if We Fall in Love" and "Tell Me Why" don't come close to touching the bar but on the other hand, I didn't find myself wanting to hit the fast forward button when those songs came on. With hindsight, that could be the problem with this album. Maybe the band was too engrossed in writing another kick ass power ballad, that it detracted from the rest of the album.

When they weren't focusing on power ballads, the rest of the album is pretty good. I love the opener, "Anything You Want, You Got It." When I first heard it back then and even now, I think that this is a great start to what I hoped would be a great album. The song really does rock. Furthermore, I like the guitar work on "Waiting on a Miracle." It proves that April Wine still had a trick or two up their metal sleeves. I can say the same for "Doing it Right," another really good rocking song. Those three songs redeem the album for me.

Now let's go to what some called the "ostrich in the room." Yes, I mean the song "If You See Kay" and yes I know, everyone sees the innuendo here. I too, admit that I thought the song was going to be a shitty song disguised by an amusing sounding name but I have to admit, it's not that bad. The down side to it is I think that the band wasn't sure whether to make it a power ballad or a rocker, it kind of lingers in between both nor is there anything rude about the lyrics. It's just about a girl named Kay.

Track Listing:

1. Anything You Want, You Got It

2. Enough is Enough

3. If You See Kay

4. What if We Fall in Love

5. Waiting for a Miracle

6. Doing it Right

7. Ain't Got Your Love

8. Blood Money

9. Tell Me Why

10. Runners in the Night

[caption id="attachment_2349" align="aligncenter" width="348"] April Wine[/caption]

Myles Goodwin- vocals, guitars, keyboards

Gary Moffet- guitars, backing vocals

Steve Lang- bass, backing vocals

Brian Greenway- vocals, guitars

Jerry Mercer- drums

The fact that "Power Play" didn't live up to the expectations set by its predecessor made some of the less informed at the time dismiss them as one album wonders. They obviously never to listened to the early albums. I did and I can say how good they were. However, like I said, while the album isn't as good as the previous, it's still a pretty good album and it was a good one to come home to.

Next post: Michael Schenker Group- Assault Attack

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

 

Great Rock Albums of 1982: Rush- Signals

Rush's 1982 album "Signals" is almost another album in that year that escaped my attention. Fortunately, there was somebody in my platoon who was a huge Rush fan so thanks to him, I got to listen to this album. My first reaction to "Signals" was that it wasn't as hard rock as some of the songs on their previous "Moving Pictures" album but it was an enjoyable album nonetheless.

In the eyes of many, "Signals" marked the beginning of Rush's turn towards more synthesizer oriented music. While I won't dispute that belief, I can say that some of the old Rush is still present in some of the songs. You just have to listen carefully. Alex Leifson's guitar is definitely there underneath the keyboards of Geddy Lee.  Together, they make a definite statement for progressive rock not long before it gave way to more synth pop later in the 80s were quality musicianship wouldn't count for much. What is good is that every song on this album follows along in this formula although I can say that Liefson does hammer out great guitar solos on tracks 2, 3 and 4. That's probably why those songs stand out for me even though it was "Subdivisions" and "New World Man" that got the most radio airplay at the time. Those two songs probably deserved it anyway. If I were to compare this album to anything, it would be the second side of the "Moving Pictures" album and that's definitely a good thing.

Track Listing:

1. Subdivisions

2. The Analogue Kid

3. Chemistry

4. Digital Man

5. The Weapon

6. New World Man

7. Losing It

8. Countdown

[caption id="attachment_860" align="aligncenter" width="242"] Rush[/caption]

Geddy Lee- vocals, bass, keyboards, Moog Taurus pedals

Alex Liefson- guitars, Moog Taurus pedals

Neil Peart- drums, percussion

Whether or not you liked Rush or thought they sold out during what was now commonly called, "their synthesizer period," you can't fault this album. "Signals" in my mind, will always be considered a great progressive rock album.

Next post: Michael Stanley Band- MSB

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