Friday, August 24, 2007
....Maybe not...
OK - Top 100. Bad idea. I may consider doing a Top 250, but not right now. So, now I am thinking...I woke up this morning tasting Jim Beam......
Monday, August 20, 2007
My Top 100 Albums
OK - I have decided to try and post a top 100 albums list. Since the annual top 10's became too much of a project, I thought this may be interesting.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Minor Ramblings
I have not updated for a while, with work and family commitments keeping me busy. Anyway, here are some random thoughts and observations:
1. Critics claim the Topps 1973 baseball cards are no good, but that is nonsense. This was one of Topps coolest releases. Who cares if you can't see Johnny Bench's face. The action cards in that set were great.
2. While Rush's new album is disappointing, they were great live. Rush caters their sets to their fans, unlike some bands who cater their sets to the person seeing them for the first time.
3. The Star Wars prequel trilogy was good, except that it really diminishes the Darth Vader character. In the original movies, he is a real bad ass, but we find out that he is really a whiny bitch.
4. The 2008 Presidential election is really frightening. I mean the best candidate is a TV DA.
5. I am really behind in getting new music. I can't believe I have not even picked up the new Slough Feg album. Shame on me.
Well, that cover the major topics.
1. Critics claim the Topps 1973 baseball cards are no good, but that is nonsense. This was one of Topps coolest releases. Who cares if you can't see Johnny Bench's face. The action cards in that set were great.
2. While Rush's new album is disappointing, they were great live. Rush caters their sets to their fans, unlike some bands who cater their sets to the person seeing them for the first time.
3. The Star Wars prequel trilogy was good, except that it really diminishes the Darth Vader character. In the original movies, he is a real bad ass, but we find out that he is really a whiny bitch.
4. The 2008 Presidential election is really frightening. I mean the best candidate is a TV DA.
5. I am really behind in getting new music. I can't believe I have not even picked up the new Slough Feg album. Shame on me.
Well, that cover the major topics.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Rush - Sankes & Arrows - A Far Cry From a Good Rush Album
Neal Peart has serious issues. The man should be in therapy. His self loathing and guilt is evident on this record in so many places, I wouldn't be surprised is every shrink within a 100 kilometer radius of Toronto was calling Rush's management to try and procure the disturbed drummer as their next deep pocketed patient.
Now Neil's issues are certainly understandable, with the untimely deaths of his wife and daughter a few years back, his anger and guilt are expected. But when do Geddy and Alex say "enough is enough"; how about another theme on a Rush song besides the evil of religion and the unfairness of fate. Hey Neil, read a sci-fi novel or something!
Other than the distinguished Far Cry and the very commendable three instrumentals (where we do not have to be preached at by a bitter anti-American atheist), the remaining nine songs are a tirade on misery and the sad state of the world, and it hints that evangelical Christianity is to blame. Now I am no Bible Thumper, but to me the Christian Right is nothing more than an annoyance. They do not drive car bombs into flea markets and kill thirty people, but I digress, this is not a political statement, but a commentary on this poor record that says Rush on it.
After Far Cry, we are greeted by "Armor and Sword" where Peart's message is not crystal clear, but he is clearly griping about a problem with religion. Although it is only certain religions that still believe the line, "no one gets to their heaven without a fight".
"The Larger Bowl" is "Roll the Bones" part deux. Same exact theme, as such, I am unsure why the song even exists other than it gives Peart another chance to vent as to how guilty he is that he is filthy rich and that there are billions of people trapped in poverty, slavery, etc. This song is a total throw away.
"Spindrift" asks, "Who cares what a fool believes?" Normally, I wouldn't read too much into this, but as we continue on, the message seems obvious.
"The Way the Wind Blows" is a complete diatribe that I need not elaborate on here, as it has a similar message to "Armor and Sword" but is far more obvious. We see more of the same in "Faithless" though "The Way the Wind Blows" is macro-moralizing whilst "Faithless" is micro-moralizing. Either way, I do not care to be hit over the head with the same message 100 times in a record.
The remaining songs, save the instrumental, are more of the same philosophical bullshit Rush fans have had to put up with for the first 40 minutes of this record, but said a little differently.
I agree with Steve Harris when he quipped in "For the Greater Good of God" that "religion has a lot to answer for", but Iron Maiden is far more relevant today than Neil Peart is. Snakes & Arrows makes me long for another Geddy Lee solo album, because let's face it. My Favorite Headache is a far cry better than Snakes & Arrows.
Now Neil's issues are certainly understandable, with the untimely deaths of his wife and daughter a few years back, his anger and guilt are expected. But when do Geddy and Alex say "enough is enough"; how about another theme on a Rush song besides the evil of religion and the unfairness of fate. Hey Neil, read a sci-fi novel or something!
Other than the distinguished Far Cry and the very commendable three instrumentals (where we do not have to be preached at by a bitter anti-American atheist), the remaining nine songs are a tirade on misery and the sad state of the world, and it hints that evangelical Christianity is to blame. Now I am no Bible Thumper, but to me the Christian Right is nothing more than an annoyance. They do not drive car bombs into flea markets and kill thirty people, but I digress, this is not a political statement, but a commentary on this poor record that says Rush on it.
After Far Cry, we are greeted by "Armor and Sword" where Peart's message is not crystal clear, but he is clearly griping about a problem with religion. Although it is only certain religions that still believe the line, "no one gets to their heaven without a fight".
"The Larger Bowl" is "Roll the Bones" part deux. Same exact theme, as such, I am unsure why the song even exists other than it gives Peart another chance to vent as to how guilty he is that he is filthy rich and that there are billions of people trapped in poverty, slavery, etc. This song is a total throw away.
"Spindrift" asks, "Who cares what a fool believes?" Normally, I wouldn't read too much into this, but as we continue on, the message seems obvious.
"The Way the Wind Blows" is a complete diatribe that I need not elaborate on here, as it has a similar message to "Armor and Sword" but is far more obvious. We see more of the same in "Faithless" though "The Way the Wind Blows" is macro-moralizing whilst "Faithless" is micro-moralizing. Either way, I do not care to be hit over the head with the same message 100 times in a record.
The remaining songs, save the instrumental, are more of the same philosophical bullshit Rush fans have had to put up with for the first 40 minutes of this record, but said a little differently.
I agree with Steve Harris when he quipped in "For the Greater Good of God" that "religion has a lot to answer for", but Iron Maiden is far more relevant today than Neil Peart is. Snakes & Arrows makes me long for another Geddy Lee solo album, because let's face it. My Favorite Headache is a far cry better than Snakes & Arrows.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
1993 - A Razor Right Up Your Spine
1993 was another relatively bad year for hard rock and metal for me. The Thrash and Death sub genres were the flavor of the day, and for me that makes for a bad crop of metal albums. However, I did find about 20 decent albums that came out in 1993, but the operative word here is decent. In general it was a better year than 1992 (except for the brilliant Images and Words by Dream Theater) but really not one of these albums would be considered a must have classic.
10. Rage - The Missing Link
Rage was churning out albums in the 1990's like no one else, and to make that even more impressive, the albums were pretty good. As far as Germanic Speed Metal, these guys are good (I prefer Running Wild, but Rage is still a good band). This is perhaps a slightly better effort than 1992's Trapped!, and Rage continues to make competent metal to this day.
9. Pearl Jam - Vs.
Pearl Jam's sophomore effort was a bit of a let down, failing to capture the energy of their first album. I think they tried to evolve, but most of it ends up flat, a couple of really good songs (i.e. Rearviewmirror, Rats, Dissident, etc.) save this record from the really bad songs (WMA, Blood, etc.).
8. Death - Individual Though Patterns
As I stated above, Death Metal is not one of my favorite sub-genres, but these guys did it so well, that one had to appreciate it. Musically, it reminded me more of technical progressive metal (think Watchtower) in some parts. Kind Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque adds to the mix to make this one of Death's best albums.
7. Conception - Parallel Minds
Conception always had the right mix of Prog and Power, though the epic track Soliloquy is all prog for sure. Khan and Ostby's second album is certainly an improvement from their debut (1991's The Last Sunset) as it is more focused and concise. Still finding their way, Parallel Minds is merely a stand out album in a weak field. Better things were in the future for Khan and Ostby.
6. Skyclad - Jonah's Ark
Kind of folksy, Skyclad is an interesting band. The use of violin is very different (especially for 1993) and it really works here. I guess this is where the band turned the corner and let more of the folk influences creep into their sound. Guitarist Steve Ramsey and bassist Graeme English were both in the NWOBHM group Satan (one of my personal favorites from that movement) and the influences of that band can certainly be heard here.
5. Mercyful Fate - In the Shadows
The big reunion album from Mercyful Fate, and it did not fail to impress. Essentially the follow up to Don't Break the Oath, this record really picks up where Fate left off when they originally disbanded in the 80's. No new ground is broken here, but it is a return to form for both King and the band, and a good release.
4. Savatage - Edge of Thorns
Finally we have an album that features the playing of Criss Oliva without the crappy vocals of his hack brother. Zak Stevens is the singer here, and he is miles ahead of Jon Oliva. The music here is great, Criss Oliva is less flashy that normal, but the riffs, hooks and melodies are great. It is unfortunate that this is the only album to feature the playing of Criss Oliva without a horrendous singer.
3. Gamma Ray - Insanity and Genius
Scheepers is the insanity and Hansen is the genius. Actually I like Ralf Scheepers' voice, but always felt Gamma Ray was better without him. This is no exception, but in a year where no album really stands out, this Gamma Ray release is very impressive indeed.
2. Rush - Counterparts
The irony of this album is, I don't think it would make a Rush top ten, yet here it is, second best album of 1993. Relatively keyboardless, this album kind of follows the stripped down trend in music of the early nineties. It is a good album, but after many listens, tracks like Alien Shore and Double Agent become obscure and are very "filler"-ish.
1. Motörhead - Bastards
A big big improvement from March or Die. Lemmy steered the ship in the right direction with this record. There are a lot of different sounds on this record, and MOST of them work great. Gone are the Ted Nugent covers and Ozzy Osbourne influences, and all that is left is Lemmy et al rocking out like they are supposed to. This is clearly not the greatest Motörhead album ever, but for 1993, it is the best.
10. Rage - The Missing Link
Rage was churning out albums in the 1990's like no one else, and to make that even more impressive, the albums were pretty good. As far as Germanic Speed Metal, these guys are good (I prefer Running Wild, but Rage is still a good band). This is perhaps a slightly better effort than 1992's Trapped!, and Rage continues to make competent metal to this day.
9. Pearl Jam - Vs.
Pearl Jam's sophomore effort was a bit of a let down, failing to capture the energy of their first album. I think they tried to evolve, but most of it ends up flat, a couple of really good songs (i.e. Rearviewmirror, Rats, Dissident, etc.) save this record from the really bad songs (WMA, Blood, etc.).
8. Death - Individual Though Patterns
As I stated above, Death Metal is not one of my favorite sub-genres, but these guys did it so well, that one had to appreciate it. Musically, it reminded me more of technical progressive metal (think Watchtower) in some parts. Kind Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque adds to the mix to make this one of Death's best albums.
7. Conception - Parallel Minds
Conception always had the right mix of Prog and Power, though the epic track Soliloquy is all prog for sure. Khan and Ostby's second album is certainly an improvement from their debut (1991's The Last Sunset) as it is more focused and concise. Still finding their way, Parallel Minds is merely a stand out album in a weak field. Better things were in the future for Khan and Ostby.
6. Skyclad - Jonah's Ark
Kind of folksy, Skyclad is an interesting band. The use of violin is very different (especially for 1993) and it really works here. I guess this is where the band turned the corner and let more of the folk influences creep into their sound. Guitarist Steve Ramsey and bassist Graeme English were both in the NWOBHM group Satan (one of my personal favorites from that movement) and the influences of that band can certainly be heard here.
5. Mercyful Fate - In the Shadows
The big reunion album from Mercyful Fate, and it did not fail to impress. Essentially the follow up to Don't Break the Oath, this record really picks up where Fate left off when they originally disbanded in the 80's. No new ground is broken here, but it is a return to form for both King and the band, and a good release.
4. Savatage - Edge of Thorns
Finally we have an album that features the playing of Criss Oliva without the crappy vocals of his hack brother. Zak Stevens is the singer here, and he is miles ahead of Jon Oliva. The music here is great, Criss Oliva is less flashy that normal, but the riffs, hooks and melodies are great. It is unfortunate that this is the only album to feature the playing of Criss Oliva without a horrendous singer.
3. Gamma Ray - Insanity and Genius
Scheepers is the insanity and Hansen is the genius. Actually I like Ralf Scheepers' voice, but always felt Gamma Ray was better without him. This is no exception, but in a year where no album really stands out, this Gamma Ray release is very impressive indeed.
2. Rush - Counterparts
The irony of this album is, I don't think it would make a Rush top ten, yet here it is, second best album of 1993. Relatively keyboardless, this album kind of follows the stripped down trend in music of the early nineties. It is a good album, but after many listens, tracks like Alien Shore and Double Agent become obscure and are very "filler"-ish.
1. Motörhead - Bastards
A big big improvement from March or Die. Lemmy steered the ship in the right direction with this record. There are a lot of different sounds on this record, and MOST of them work great. Gone are the Ted Nugent covers and Ozzy Osbourne influences, and all that is left is Lemmy et al rocking out like they are supposed to. This is clearly not the greatest Motörhead album ever, but for 1993, it is the best.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Checking In
While I am working on a 1993 top ten, and still mulling over the top 10 of 2006, I decided to post a couple of random thoughts:
1. A few years ago, the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency terrified me. Now I am merely scared.
2. The new Rush album is pretty good. Better than Vapor Trails, but still not as good as I think they are capable of doing.
3. If the Rangers win Game 5 in Buffalo, I really believe they have a shot at the Cup.
4. Iron Maiden's set list for this leg of their tour blows.
5. American Idol is the worst example of watered down homogeneous music meant to dull the mind and kill the spirit.
6. George Bush is as dumb as the liberals said he was.
7. The liberals are as bad as Ann Coulter says they are.
8. I really do not care for Moonsorrow's new album.
9. The History Channel's documentary on The Dark Ages was good.
10. Al Gore's documentary on Global Warming was good, and well done, but I have a problem trusting politicians.
1. A few years ago, the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency terrified me. Now I am merely scared.
2. The new Rush album is pretty good. Better than Vapor Trails, but still not as good as I think they are capable of doing.
3. If the Rangers win Game 5 in Buffalo, I really believe they have a shot at the Cup.
4. Iron Maiden's set list for this leg of their tour blows.
5. American Idol is the worst example of watered down homogeneous music meant to dull the mind and kill the spirit.
6. George Bush is as dumb as the liberals said he was.
7. The liberals are as bad as Ann Coulter says they are.
8. I really do not care for Moonsorrow's new album.
9. The History Channel's documentary on The Dark Ages was good.
10. Al Gore's documentary on Global Warming was good, and well done, but I have a problem trusting politicians.
Monday, January 08, 2007
1992 - The Miracle and The Sleeper
I have decided to continue the top 10 lists, sort of as a side project. Hopefully, I will find other things to write. Really, the blog from now on will be postings and ramblings of what I find interesting, be it music, sports, current events, the planned murder of Bill Bellicheck, etc.
Anyway, back to 1992. As I stated in an early blog, these were not good times for metal, especially if you don't really like thrash. In any case, I narrowed down 1992 to about 15 albums I really liked. Most of these are good albums, but nothing I would consider great or special. Competent is a good word.
10. Rage - Trapped!
Rage is one of those compromise bands. So, if you have 4 metal heads in a car for three hours, and one of them is an Iron Maiden fan, and another listens to Opeth, a third likes Motley Crue, and the last prefers Xasthur, you can still put on a Rage CD, and no one can legitimately complain.
9. Axel Rudi Pell - Eternal Prisoner
Axel Rudi Pell has had this solo band of his since 1989, and while I have not heard his more recent releases, Eternal Prisoner is traditional metal fare for the age. Slick guitar and clean production are the draws here, as the vocals and lyrics are perfunctory at best. All things considered, this is a good album.
8. Immortal - Sons of Northern Darkness
I really am not a Black Metal fan, but there is something special about this album, the debut from Norway's Immortal. Immortal would produce better albums than this one, but this one is the beginning, and in a weak year, deserves a spot in the top 10.
7. Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond
Perhaps Blind Guardian's best album, Somewhere Far Beyond is what Power Metal should be. It is fast, melodic, and flawless executed. Certainly, the slow parts here ooze with cheese, and stories of elves and fairies are never my favorite. That said, this is still a real good album, and worth your time to give it a chance.
6. Black Sabbath - Dehumanizer
I still say this record is a disappointment. Far below Heaven and Hell and The Mob Rules, Dehumanizer is a competent Black Sabbath album, comparable to all of the albums of the Tony Martin era. Still, it is one of the top albums in a dismal year for metal.
5. W.A.S.P. - The Crimson Idol
One of the rare concept albums that actually works, Crimson Idol is W.A.S.P.'s finest hour. Lawless' vocals are great, and as far as traditional metal is concerned, the band really finds their sound. Gone are the pseudo glam elements from early in their career, and what remains is pure metal. Good stuff.
4. Iron Maiden - Fear of the Dark
While still one of the worst Iron Maiden records ever made, it was a vast improvement from the dismal No Prayer for the Dying. Perhaps a tad experimental, and while most of it falls flat, I give Maiden some credit for trying. By now it was obvious Dickinson was mailing it in. Still the title track is one of the greatest Maiden songs ever done, and really does redeem the album.
3. Alice in Chains - Dirt
Not at all metal, but still a damn good album, Dirt is probably the single best album to come out of the short-lived (thankfully) grunge movement.
2. Running Wild - Pile of Skulls
The highpoint of Running Wild's career is Pile of Skulls. It is a great album through and through, from the playing to the production, song writing and execution. Perhaps it is neither brilliant nor ground breaking, but flawless nevertheless.
1. Dream Theater - Images & Words
The best album of the 1990's, by far, bar none. It is so far ahead of anything else that came out in 1992, or really the entire decade for that matter. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It is so hard to sum it up in one paragraph, but really what it always comes down to is, the songs are all great. The album is progressive, yet focused. The playing is brilliant, yet not at all self-indulgent. It is the perfect album, and sadly the only such album Dream Theater would ever record.
Anyway, back to 1992. As I stated in an early blog, these were not good times for metal, especially if you don't really like thrash. In any case, I narrowed down 1992 to about 15 albums I really liked. Most of these are good albums, but nothing I would consider great or special. Competent is a good word.
10. Rage - Trapped!
Rage is one of those compromise bands. So, if you have 4 metal heads in a car for three hours, and one of them is an Iron Maiden fan, and another listens to Opeth, a third likes Motley Crue, and the last prefers Xasthur, you can still put on a Rage CD, and no one can legitimately complain.
9. Axel Rudi Pell - Eternal Prisoner
Axel Rudi Pell has had this solo band of his since 1989, and while I have not heard his more recent releases, Eternal Prisoner is traditional metal fare for the age. Slick guitar and clean production are the draws here, as the vocals and lyrics are perfunctory at best. All things considered, this is a good album.
8. Immortal - Sons of Northern Darkness
I really am not a Black Metal fan, but there is something special about this album, the debut from Norway's Immortal. Immortal would produce better albums than this one, but this one is the beginning, and in a weak year, deserves a spot in the top 10.
7. Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond
Perhaps Blind Guardian's best album, Somewhere Far Beyond is what Power Metal should be. It is fast, melodic, and flawless executed. Certainly, the slow parts here ooze with cheese, and stories of elves and fairies are never my favorite. That said, this is still a real good album, and worth your time to give it a chance.
6. Black Sabbath - Dehumanizer
I still say this record is a disappointment. Far below Heaven and Hell and The Mob Rules, Dehumanizer is a competent Black Sabbath album, comparable to all of the albums of the Tony Martin era. Still, it is one of the top albums in a dismal year for metal.
5. W.A.S.P. - The Crimson Idol
One of the rare concept albums that actually works, Crimson Idol is W.A.S.P.'s finest hour. Lawless' vocals are great, and as far as traditional metal is concerned, the band really finds their sound. Gone are the pseudo glam elements from early in their career, and what remains is pure metal. Good stuff.
4. Iron Maiden - Fear of the Dark
While still one of the worst Iron Maiden records ever made, it was a vast improvement from the dismal No Prayer for the Dying. Perhaps a tad experimental, and while most of it falls flat, I give Maiden some credit for trying. By now it was obvious Dickinson was mailing it in. Still the title track is one of the greatest Maiden songs ever done, and really does redeem the album.
3. Alice in Chains - Dirt
Not at all metal, but still a damn good album, Dirt is probably the single best album to come out of the short-lived (thankfully) grunge movement.
2. Running Wild - Pile of Skulls
The highpoint of Running Wild's career is Pile of Skulls. It is a great album through and through, from the playing to the production, song writing and execution. Perhaps it is neither brilliant nor ground breaking, but flawless nevertheless.
1. Dream Theater - Images & Words
The best album of the 1990's, by far, bar none. It is so far ahead of anything else that came out in 1992, or really the entire decade for that matter. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It is so hard to sum it up in one paragraph, but really what it always comes down to is, the songs are all great. The album is progressive, yet focused. The playing is brilliant, yet not at all self-indulgent. It is the perfect album, and sadly the only such album Dream Theater would ever record.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Top 10 of 2006 - Not Yet
Now is the time we see a lot of those top 10 lists. I still am undecided on my top 10 for 2006, but I think the year was not quite as good as 2005 in general. I also looked back at my 2005 list that I did around this time last year, and that list no longer holds up, so any list I do now, will invariably change a year from now, as I discover new bands.
Anyway, just for fun, here is my 2005 list as it originally appeared:
1. Moonsorrow - Verisäkeet
2. Slough Feg - Atavism
3. Masterplan - Aeronautics
4. Gamma Ray - Majestic
5. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
6. Candlemass – Candlemass
7. Brainstorm - Liquid Monster
8. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
9. Primordial - The Gathering Wilderness
10. Arcturus - Sideshow Symphonies
The revised list would probably look like:
1. Subterranean Masquerade - Suspended Animation Dreams
2. Moonsorrow - Verisäkeet
3. Slough Feg - Atavism
4. Masterplan - Aeronautics
5. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
6. Machine Men - Elegies
7. The Absence - From Your Grave
8. Silent Stream of Godless Elegy - Relic Dances
9. Primordial - The Gathering Wilderness
10. Kamelot - The Black Halo
Those 7-10 spots are pretty interchangable as there are about 10 other albums that could go there.
So, the moral of the story is, Who Gives A F%@*, or WGAF.
Anyway, just for fun, here is my 2005 list as it originally appeared:
1. Moonsorrow - Verisäkeet
2. Slough Feg - Atavism
3. Masterplan - Aeronautics
4. Gamma Ray - Majestic
5. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
6. Candlemass – Candlemass
7. Brainstorm - Liquid Monster
8. Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor
9. Primordial - The Gathering Wilderness
10. Arcturus - Sideshow Symphonies
The revised list would probably look like:
1. Subterranean Masquerade - Suspended Animation Dreams
2. Moonsorrow - Verisäkeet
3. Slough Feg - Atavism
4. Masterplan - Aeronautics
5. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
6. Machine Men - Elegies
7. The Absence - From Your Grave
8. Silent Stream of Godless Elegy - Relic Dances
9. Primordial - The Gathering Wilderness
10. Kamelot - The Black Halo
Those 7-10 spots are pretty interchangable as there are about 10 other albums that could go there.
So, the moral of the story is, Who Gives A F%@*, or WGAF.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
#1 - The Prisoner - Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast
This song literally has it all. It embodies everything that is great about Iron Maiden. Plus the Clive Burr drum intro caps it.
#2 - Orgasmatron - Motorhead - Orgasmatron
Motorhead, sounding extra evil is more than I can bear. This song blows me away every time.
#3 - Scared - Dangerous Toys - Dangerous Toys
I can never hear this one too much or too loud. Just a really really great song. Many will dismiss it as hair metal but this song is great. The rest of the album is OK too.
#4 - Burn the Sun - Ark - Burn the Sun
Why why why did Ark have to split up after this album. Both Ark albums are great, but this one is better. This song has it all, plus it is all sci-fi and stuff.
#5 - Phantom of the Opera (Live) - Iron Maiden - BBC Archives
This version comes from their Reading Festival appearence in 1982. The intro referring to "Aggressive Harris" is the icing on the cake. A kick ass version of a kick ass song.
#6 - Bleak - Opeth - Blackwater Park
If you will ever accept death metal vocals, this will be the song that hooks you. Sometimes I listen to this song and marvel at how good this band can be. I am very disappointed it was not on the Lamentations DVD.
#7 - The Coffin Ships - Primordial - The Gathering Wilderness
If you claim not to like this song, I will bet you have never heard it.
#8 - Six Strings to Cover Fear - Subterranean Masquerade - Suspended Animation Dreams
Can't wait for the follow up to this album. Tomer Pink is working on it, but he is taking his time.
If you have not heard this album, do yourself a favor and get it. It is the best album of the century so far.
If you have not heard this album, do yourself a favor and get it. It is the best album of the century so far.
#9 - Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper - Dream Theater - Images and Words
What a great song, what a great album. Some songs are so hard to describe, and this is one of them. If you have not heard this one in a while, put it on, and you will be speechless.
#10 - Fear of the Dark (Live) - Iron Maiden - Death on the Road
I could have picked almost any of the myriad of official live versions of this song, but I picked this one because Adrian is on it. I never realized how much I loved this song until I went to a Maiden show where they did not play it (Early Days Tour). Anyway it is a great song, and live it is explosive. The crowd reaction to it this past tour was overwhelming (though maybe for the wrong reasons!!)
#11 - Victim of Changes (Live) - Unleashed in the East - Judas Priest
The best song from the best live album ever. Once when asked what his favorite Priest track is, Glenn Tipton responded, "Victim of Changes, that's what its all about". I must agree.
#12 - Dante's Inferno (Live) - Iced Earth - Alive in Athens
Before the Ted McGinley of heavy metal, aka Ripper Owens, joined Iced Earth, they were a legitimate band, instead of the punch line they have become. Of course Jon Schaeffer is to blame as well, but I digress.
Anyway, there was no better metal band in the 1990's than Iced Earth. Who else can boast 5 strong studio albums that decade (maybe Running Wild or Motorhead)? Anyway, Iced Earth's shining moment is their epic Dante's Inferno, from their brilliant 3 CD live set Alive in Athens, which may be my favorite live album of all time, save Unleashed in the East.
Anyway, there was no better metal band in the 1990's than Iced Earth. Who else can boast 5 strong studio albums that decade (maybe Running Wild or Motorhead)? Anyway, Iced Earth's shining moment is their epic Dante's Inferno, from their brilliant 3 CD live set Alive in Athens, which may be my favorite live album of all time, save Unleashed in the East.
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