The penultimate bundle …
(81) Arena – The Butterfly Man
The great thing about “The Butterfly Man” is the idea of a being wandering around collecting the souls of people and leaving them in timeless oblivion. That aside, the song is a superb piece of progressive rock, the kind I love. Well done Arena – scary. The link below plays only half of the song but hopefully it will give you some idea of just how good the song is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgO_UYvGO5k
(82) Black Sabbath – Spiral Architect
Slightly out of order (because I forgot about it) is “Spiral Architect” an enigmatic song by the classic Black Sabbath line up. It is different from most of their offerings and has the most bizarre lyrics by the band. When I first heard the song I was unsure who the band was until Ozzy’s unique voice joined in. A great, if not strange song from the brilliant “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCgoE_eAW0I
(83) Silver Ginger 5 – Take It All Why Don’tcha?
In one of his many breaks from the Wildhearts, one of Ginger’s side projects was a one off album called “Black Leather Mojo” released under the name “Silver Ginger 5”, an album of pure brilliance, better in fact than a lot of Wildhearts albums. There is not a single bad song on the album – all of them are almost perfect. All of them are infectious and leave you wanting more. I almost wore out the CD. The best song is “Take It All Why Don’tcha?”, a real stomping rock song that is pure brilliance. I can’t say more than that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDeKvKjEgAE
(84) Silver Ginger 5 – More Is The Law
“Black Leather Mojo” contains a bonus CD with live tracks and three demos. One of those demos is a song called “More Is The Law”, a belter of a song that is raw and a true fist-pounder. To be honest if Ginger ever decides to polish it and pop it onto a Wildhearts album it will be a classic. Sadly you’ll just have to take my word for it.
(85) Ten – Thunder In Heaven
One of Ten’s greatest albums is a concept album called “Babylon” featuring the legendary Don Airey on keyboards who was a guest for that one release. It is a highly polished offering full of fantastic songs, culminating in a climax with “Thunder In Heaven”, a great storming rock song with superb guitars augmented by Airey’s keyboard wizardry. Unbeatable. Sadly once more, you will have to take my word for it but, trust me, if you get your hands on “Babylon” you will love it.
(86) Queens Of The Stone Age – No One Knows
Although the band had been around for ages, “No One Knows” was the first song I heard from the album, played all the time on rock music channels and rock radio. On the strength of this one song, I bought the album “Songs For The Deaf” and saw the band live. Wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnyRUzgqj7k
(87) Rammstein – Links 2 3 4
“Mutter” is my favourite album by the magnificent Rammstein and the strongest song on that record is “Links 2 3 4” a total chunk of metal ecstasy. I don’t headbang but this song certainly tempts me to stomp around the room bellowing in a deep guttural German voice. It doesn’t get much better than this. Wunderbar!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6XrKN16cuc
(88) Terrorvision – D’Ya Wanna Go Faster
Just when I thought Terrorvision were no more, I heard this highly infectious explosion of rock from the boys from Bradford. When I saw the badn recently on yet another reunion tour, this song was the one that had the crowd jumping up and down most – myself included (sadly). Top tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zIGVjeRtZI
(89) Foo Fighters – All My Life
“All My Life” is without doubt my favourite song by the Foo Fighters. It is a diamond amongst gems and has resulted in me howling in glee in my car, much to the amusement of fellow drivers. If you haven’t been lucky enough to see Dave Grohl’s boys live, believe me when I say the crowd erupt into a frenzy of ecstasy when the distinctive guitars introduce the song. Done, done and I’m on to the next one …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXlF6waTUKE
(90) Rush – Secret Touch
After the slightly disappointing album “Test For Echo”, Rush had an enforced hiatus due to a double personal tragedy for the drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. For a few years I thought that my favourite band were no more. Imagine my delight when they finally got back together in 2002 and released a glorious album called “Vapour Trails”. It was a true return to form and is one of my favourite albums. The best song is “Secret Touch”, a wonderful rock song that borders on being a headbanger – unusual for Rush. And the good news is that the band are still going strong! Splendid!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxL7x2AHgs0
91 to 100 to follow …
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Monday, 30 June 2008
100 Rock Songs (71 to 80)
… and the next cluster
(71) Nine Inch Nails - Closer
“Closer” was the first song I heard from Nine Inch Nails and is the reason I love the Trent Reznor’s music so much. It has everything you would expect from Trent Reznor including the most memorable chorus, which of course includes very explicit lyrics. The album this song comes from is “The Downward Spiral”, a superbly dark and menacing album that pulls no punches. Thankfully I found a copy of the video and song that removes the expletives for those who may easily be offended. However, I think that for once the language is necessary and the song is worse without it. Enjoy the darkness and depression.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4VAv8y2hHM
(72) Ten – The Name Of The Rose
“Who?” I hear you ask. The band is a local Manchester band called “Ten” and is the brainchild of Gary Hughes, a singer/songwriter with a unique talent to write epic melodic rock anthems. The band have released several albums since the mid-nineties but have definitely not had the recognition they deserve, which is a real shame. Gary Hughes has a great voice and writes songs that are quite frankly superb. The very best is “Name Of The Rose”, a beautiful song that switches between being a melodic ballad and a supreme hard rock anthem. A beautiful masterpiece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsQVoZ1C-fU
(73) The Wildhearts – Do The Channel Bop
“Do The Channel Bop” from “Fishing For Luckies” is a wonderfully catchy song that really makes you want to dance around with your air guitar. At a cool seven minutes long, it is one of the longer offerings from Ginger and company. Sadly you will have to buy or borrow a copy of “Fishing For Luckies” to hear the song in all of its glory, something I would recommend because it is a great album.
(74) The Foo Fighters – New Way Home
Everybody raves on about Nirvana – and I can see why; I like them a lot too – but the Foo Fighters are vastly superior in my humble opinion. The second album by Dave Grohl and his mates, “The Colour And The Shape” is truly superb. However, if you listen to the songs that weren’t released as singles, there are some true gems there, none better than the last track “New Way Home”. I love the way it begins like any other song and then half way through simply stops and starts again very quietly before building up to a tremendous crescendo that makes you want to stomp around the room in bliss. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHLBMFnDsVg
(75) Rammstein – Du Hast
I am so glad that I discovered Rammstein. For the uninitiated, they are a very loud and very heavy German rock band, who have chosen to sing in their native language and are not afraid to court controversy. That aside, they also produce some of the best rock songs I have heard. “Du Hast” is a typical offering, a real stomper. I went to see the band a couple of years ago at the MEN Arena and the crowd were jumping up and down and singing in German despite not knowing what the words meant. I have tried to translate with my limited German and sought the true meaning from the internet. I can see why they are regarded with such disdain in some quarters. Personally though I couldn’t give a damn. They are a fantastic band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm2eT-sTVys
(76) Skin – The Only One
Skin were a great British rock band of the nineties who faded after three albums. Personally I thought they improved with each album so I was disappointed when it came to an end. They had a measure of chart success but as is usually the case, there were plenty of gems that only die-hard fans like myself were exposed to. “The Only One” is a great example and if you follow the link below you will hear a snippet that hopefully will convince you that they faded before their time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcClqHSjYAk
(77) Ten – The Robe
“The Robe” is another epic rock anthem from the brilliant Gary Hughes and his band Ten. Clocking in at a cool nine minutes, this song is from the album of the same name and is one of their greatest contributions to the rock world. I’m sure that if this band had had the airplay they deserved then they would be playing to vast crowds worldwide. It’s such a shame. And of course the only way you can appreciate this great song is by launching an expedition for the album. Well worth the effort in my opinion since there are many other classic songs to be found.
(78) Nine Inch Nails – Star[s]uckers, Inc
As you can imagine it is difficult to tell you about this song simply because it doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination. Needless to say the title above is slightly inaccurate and bizarrely I’ve managed to find a video where the many expletives and explicit lyrics are “replaced”. That said, I can’t help but love the song. Trent Reznor at his very best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hclkb76IvY
(79) Ten – The Alchemist
“Spellbound” by Ten is one of my favourite albums, with a distinctive Celtic feel to it. “The Alchemist” is a wonderful rock song that requires an air guitar to appreciate it fully. Sadly, once more, you will need to embark upon a trek to discover the majesty of the album. Good luck – once more it is worth it.
(80) Alice Cooper – Brutal Planet
After all of these years, Alice Cooper is still out there scaring audiences and young children to death with his tongue firmly implanted in his cheek. The marvellous news is that he is till producing great music. In 2000, I saw the man live for the first time for the “Brutal Planet” tour. The title track is so heavy it is brilliant and is my favourite song. Brutal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA3OWll_Das
81 to 90 to follow …
(71) Nine Inch Nails - Closer
“Closer” was the first song I heard from Nine Inch Nails and is the reason I love the Trent Reznor’s music so much. It has everything you would expect from Trent Reznor including the most memorable chorus, which of course includes very explicit lyrics. The album this song comes from is “The Downward Spiral”, a superbly dark and menacing album that pulls no punches. Thankfully I found a copy of the video and song that removes the expletives for those who may easily be offended. However, I think that for once the language is necessary and the song is worse without it. Enjoy the darkness and depression.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4VAv8y2hHM
(72) Ten – The Name Of The Rose
“Who?” I hear you ask. The band is a local Manchester band called “Ten” and is the brainchild of Gary Hughes, a singer/songwriter with a unique talent to write epic melodic rock anthems. The band have released several albums since the mid-nineties but have definitely not had the recognition they deserve, which is a real shame. Gary Hughes has a great voice and writes songs that are quite frankly superb. The very best is “Name Of The Rose”, a beautiful song that switches between being a melodic ballad and a supreme hard rock anthem. A beautiful masterpiece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsQVoZ1C-fU
(73) The Wildhearts – Do The Channel Bop
“Do The Channel Bop” from “Fishing For Luckies” is a wonderfully catchy song that really makes you want to dance around with your air guitar. At a cool seven minutes long, it is one of the longer offerings from Ginger and company. Sadly you will have to buy or borrow a copy of “Fishing For Luckies” to hear the song in all of its glory, something I would recommend because it is a great album.
(74) The Foo Fighters – New Way Home
Everybody raves on about Nirvana – and I can see why; I like them a lot too – but the Foo Fighters are vastly superior in my humble opinion. The second album by Dave Grohl and his mates, “The Colour And The Shape” is truly superb. However, if you listen to the songs that weren’t released as singles, there are some true gems there, none better than the last track “New Way Home”. I love the way it begins like any other song and then half way through simply stops and starts again very quietly before building up to a tremendous crescendo that makes you want to stomp around the room in bliss. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHLBMFnDsVg
(75) Rammstein – Du Hast
I am so glad that I discovered Rammstein. For the uninitiated, they are a very loud and very heavy German rock band, who have chosen to sing in their native language and are not afraid to court controversy. That aside, they also produce some of the best rock songs I have heard. “Du Hast” is a typical offering, a real stomper. I went to see the band a couple of years ago at the MEN Arena and the crowd were jumping up and down and singing in German despite not knowing what the words meant. I have tried to translate with my limited German and sought the true meaning from the internet. I can see why they are regarded with such disdain in some quarters. Personally though I couldn’t give a damn. They are a fantastic band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm2eT-sTVys
(76) Skin – The Only One
Skin were a great British rock band of the nineties who faded after three albums. Personally I thought they improved with each album so I was disappointed when it came to an end. They had a measure of chart success but as is usually the case, there were plenty of gems that only die-hard fans like myself were exposed to. “The Only One” is a great example and if you follow the link below you will hear a snippet that hopefully will convince you that they faded before their time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcClqHSjYAk
(77) Ten – The Robe
“The Robe” is another epic rock anthem from the brilliant Gary Hughes and his band Ten. Clocking in at a cool nine minutes, this song is from the album of the same name and is one of their greatest contributions to the rock world. I’m sure that if this band had had the airplay they deserved then they would be playing to vast crowds worldwide. It’s such a shame. And of course the only way you can appreciate this great song is by launching an expedition for the album. Well worth the effort in my opinion since there are many other classic songs to be found.
(78) Nine Inch Nails – Star[s]uckers, Inc
As you can imagine it is difficult to tell you about this song simply because it doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination. Needless to say the title above is slightly inaccurate and bizarrely I’ve managed to find a video where the many expletives and explicit lyrics are “replaced”. That said, I can’t help but love the song. Trent Reznor at his very best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hclkb76IvY
(79) Ten – The Alchemist
“Spellbound” by Ten is one of my favourite albums, with a distinctive Celtic feel to it. “The Alchemist” is a wonderful rock song that requires an air guitar to appreciate it fully. Sadly, once more, you will need to embark upon a trek to discover the majesty of the album. Good luck – once more it is worth it.
(80) Alice Cooper – Brutal Planet
After all of these years, Alice Cooper is still out there scaring audiences and young children to death with his tongue firmly implanted in his cheek. The marvellous news is that he is till producing great music. In 2000, I saw the man live for the first time for the “Brutal Planet” tour. The title track is so heavy it is brilliant and is my favourite song. Brutal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA3OWll_Das
81 to 90 to follow …
100 Rock Songs (61 To 70)
Ten more. Chronological again …
(61) Def Leppard – Desert Song
Def Leppard are huge and appeal to those whose favourite genre isn’t necessarily rock music. Their most successful albums are commercially very good, but nothing from “Hysteria” or “Pyromania” enters my list of favourite songs. Some of the band’s best songs are not those that were thrust into the American charts. The first entry for the band comes from 1993’s “Retroactive”. “Desert Song” is the first song on the album and is a mean and moody rock song that pushes all the right buttons. Those who like the commercial efforts will probably loathe this song but to me it represents the band at their brilliant best. Wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3UW2fR4x1Q
(62) Coverdale Page – Absolution Blues
“Absolution Blues” is another magnificent track from the brilliant Coverdale Page album. This track is more upbeat and Coverdale shrieks alongside Page’s guitar. What a shame they didn’t combine their talents to produce more albums. Unforgettable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkwchxtO6cA
(63) Rush – Stick It Out
“Stick It Out” from the album “Counterparts” is not a typical Rush song; it is a lot heavier than they normally present to their fans with massive emphasis on the guitar and very little keyboard. Alex Lifeson uses his guitar talent to inject darkness into the song that you wouldn’t normally associate with the band. Top tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrquiUCuID4
(64) The Wildhearts – TV Tan
The man behind the Wildhearts, the enigmatic Ginger, is a flawed genius. He has the knack to write highly infectious punky rock songs that are so addictive you play them over and over again. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated rock stars in Britain. The album “Earth versus the Wildhearts” is a work of brilliance. I heard “TV Tan” on a late night rock show and was so obsessed with it that I bought the album, playing repeatedly for months. The man can do no wrong. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8y-M_0UffE
(65) Coverdale Page – Don’t Leave Me This Way
With both Coverdale and Page being fans of the blues it was inevitable that there would be at least one bluesy song on their album. And what a song it is. “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is so breath-taking it brings tears of joy every time I hear it. Close your eyes, turn up the volume and listen to one of the best blues rock songs you will ever hear. Blues at its peak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcv6PiwkKEI
(66) Rush – Cut To The Chase
“Cut To The Chase” is another song from “Counterparts”, one of the best albums by Rush. Of all the songs by the band, this one is oddly addictive. Many won’t consider it to be one of their best but I find it fascinating. Again the keyboards have been minimised in favour of Alex Lifeson’s guitars to produce a great song. Sadly it is not widely available but certainly worth listening to if you are lucky enough to grab a copy of “Counterparts”
(67) Terrorvision – Discotheque Wreck
“Discotheque Wreck” is the best song from Bradford’s Terrorvision. They’re not everybody’s cup of tea but I really like the song – it’s amusing and fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF-Cf3MhP4w
(68) Deep Purple – Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming
When Ritchie Blackmore finally walked out on Deep Purple, I was bitterly disappointed. My favourite line up disintegrated before my eyes. I saw the band at the Manchester Apollo on that ill-fated tour and there was clear tension between Blackmore and Gillan. Blackmore’s replacement was Steve Morse and the band returned with the album “Purpendicular”. Despite the crap title, the album was terrific. “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming” is the best song on that album and highlights just how good a guitarist Steve Morse is. The song is a wonderful bluesy number with great guitar. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7xF51AFkys
(69) The Wildhearts - Caprice
“Caprice” is a fantastic song from the genius that is Ginger. Taken from the album “P.H.U.Q.”, the song shows the Wildhearts at their sonorous best. A true fist-pounder, it pushes all the right buttons and, typical of the Wildhearts, takes you on wonderfully heavy journey before ending abruptly just as you want more. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI0Dcrzfcu4
(70) Def Leppard – Pearl Of Euphoria
My favourite song by Def Leppard is a really obscure track from the album “Slang”. “Pearl Of Euphoria” is the last song on the album and, despite the title, is moody and dark. Sadly once again the song is not easily available so I implore you to listen to “Slang” and fast forward to the last song. You will definitely not regret it. Truly magnificent.
71 to 80 to follow …
(61) Def Leppard – Desert Song
Def Leppard are huge and appeal to those whose favourite genre isn’t necessarily rock music. Their most successful albums are commercially very good, but nothing from “Hysteria” or “Pyromania” enters my list of favourite songs. Some of the band’s best songs are not those that were thrust into the American charts. The first entry for the band comes from 1993’s “Retroactive”. “Desert Song” is the first song on the album and is a mean and moody rock song that pushes all the right buttons. Those who like the commercial efforts will probably loathe this song but to me it represents the band at their brilliant best. Wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3UW2fR4x1Q
(62) Coverdale Page – Absolution Blues
“Absolution Blues” is another magnificent track from the brilliant Coverdale Page album. This track is more upbeat and Coverdale shrieks alongside Page’s guitar. What a shame they didn’t combine their talents to produce more albums. Unforgettable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkwchxtO6cA
(63) Rush – Stick It Out
“Stick It Out” from the album “Counterparts” is not a typical Rush song; it is a lot heavier than they normally present to their fans with massive emphasis on the guitar and very little keyboard. Alex Lifeson uses his guitar talent to inject darkness into the song that you wouldn’t normally associate with the band. Top tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrquiUCuID4
(64) The Wildhearts – TV Tan
The man behind the Wildhearts, the enigmatic Ginger, is a flawed genius. He has the knack to write highly infectious punky rock songs that are so addictive you play them over and over again. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated rock stars in Britain. The album “Earth versus the Wildhearts” is a work of brilliance. I heard “TV Tan” on a late night rock show and was so obsessed with it that I bought the album, playing repeatedly for months. The man can do no wrong. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8y-M_0UffE
(65) Coverdale Page – Don’t Leave Me This Way
With both Coverdale and Page being fans of the blues it was inevitable that there would be at least one bluesy song on their album. And what a song it is. “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is so breath-taking it brings tears of joy every time I hear it. Close your eyes, turn up the volume and listen to one of the best blues rock songs you will ever hear. Blues at its peak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcv6PiwkKEI
(66) Rush – Cut To The Chase
“Cut To The Chase” is another song from “Counterparts”, one of the best albums by Rush. Of all the songs by the band, this one is oddly addictive. Many won’t consider it to be one of their best but I find it fascinating. Again the keyboards have been minimised in favour of Alex Lifeson’s guitars to produce a great song. Sadly it is not widely available but certainly worth listening to if you are lucky enough to grab a copy of “Counterparts”
(67) Terrorvision – Discotheque Wreck
“Discotheque Wreck” is the best song from Bradford’s Terrorvision. They’re not everybody’s cup of tea but I really like the song – it’s amusing and fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF-Cf3MhP4w
(68) Deep Purple – Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming
When Ritchie Blackmore finally walked out on Deep Purple, I was bitterly disappointed. My favourite line up disintegrated before my eyes. I saw the band at the Manchester Apollo on that ill-fated tour and there was clear tension between Blackmore and Gillan. Blackmore’s replacement was Steve Morse and the band returned with the album “Purpendicular”. Despite the crap title, the album was terrific. “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming” is the best song on that album and highlights just how good a guitarist Steve Morse is. The song is a wonderful bluesy number with great guitar. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7xF51AFkys
(69) The Wildhearts - Caprice
“Caprice” is a fantastic song from the genius that is Ginger. Taken from the album “P.H.U.Q.”, the song shows the Wildhearts at their sonorous best. A true fist-pounder, it pushes all the right buttons and, typical of the Wildhearts, takes you on wonderfully heavy journey before ending abruptly just as you want more. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI0Dcrzfcu4
(70) Def Leppard – Pearl Of Euphoria
My favourite song by Def Leppard is a really obscure track from the album “Slang”. “Pearl Of Euphoria” is the last song on the album and, despite the title, is moody and dark. Sadly once again the song is not easily available so I implore you to listen to “Slang” and fast forward to the last song. You will definitely not regret it. Truly magnificent.
71 to 80 to follow …
Sunday, 29 June 2008
100 Rock Songs (51 to 60)
The next ten …
(51) Guns ‘n’ Roses – You Could Be Mine
In my opinion, “Use You Illusion II” is the greatest album created by Axl Rose and his buddies. “You Could Be Mine”, featured on the soundtrack of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”, is the best song on the album. A true rock song. Superb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlzptZ9wieQ
(52) Kingdom Come – Should I?
Kingdom Come were condemned as “Led Zeppelin-clones” and its not difficult to see why. The German singer, Lenny Wolf, has a very similar voice to Robert Plant and the great band’s influence on Kingdom Come is there for all to see. That said, when I heard “Should I?” I was so impressed that I immediately bought the album. The song is terrific and is so similar to Led Zeppelin it is uncanny. Led Zeppelin fans may hate them but I think this song is a classic. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjDXd8XhtZg
(53) Metallica – Enter Sandman
Metallica were always too heavy and thrashy for me. Their early stuff, to me, was a wall of deafening noise that had no direction. That’s just my opinion. “Enter Sandman” changed all that. The song is loud and heavy but it shows that the band are essentially great musicians. It is one of my favourite songs of all times. Scary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRYDetbwegs
(54) Nine Inch Nails - Wish
Trent Reznor is an innovative genius who can do nothing wrong in my view. I discovered “Wish” very recently, although it was released fifteen or so years ago. It is wonderfully dark and heavy and represents Trent Reznor at his very best. Fast drums, wailing guitars and extreme angst – pure ecstacy! I can’t stress how much I love the guy’s work. Deep, dark, nasty and brilliant!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KxXeeHXHk
(55) Ozzy Osbourne – No More Tears
Ozzy has blossomed since leaving Black Sabbath. The self-proclaimed “Prince Of Darkness” is at his menacing best in “No More Tears”, the title track of the album of the same name. The song is dark and heavy yet has an orchestral interlude that slots in perfectly. A great rock anthem. Menacing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHNmyN6mPsM
(56) Brian May And Cozy Powell - Resurrection
Somebody bought Brian May’s solo album “Back To The Light” as a Christmas present and I was not bowled over until I heard the brilliant “Resurrection”. Brian May as part of Queen has performed on many of the band’s heaviest anthems but with the aid of Cozy Powell I don’t think Queen have produced anything as good as this song. Cozy Powell’s influence is there for all to see and with Brian May at his very best as a guitarist we have a stormer of a song. Blistering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9BgCvNz1jA
(57) Joe Satriani – Summer Song
I saw Joe Satriani for the first time when he toured with the album “The Extremist”, probably his most successful album to date. “Summer Song” is the big hit from that album and is as the name suggests a feelgood rocker touched with Joe Satriani’s guitar virtuosity. Performed live, the entire audience jumped up and down. A wonderful tune. Heavenly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icdnKydffZQ
(58) Thunder – Empty City
.
“Empty City” from the album “Laughing On Judgement Day” is my favourite song by Thunder. It begins slowly and gradually mutates into a thoroughly decent rock monster. I love it but sadly is not available to view, sad because some of Thunder’s inferior songs can be heard all over the internet. Never mind. As before, if you get a chance to listen to “Laughing On Judgement Day” go straight to “Empty City”. You will not be disappointed.
(59) Ugly Kid Joe - Neighbor
Ugly Kid Joe came to prominence thanks to with “I Hate Everything About You”. From the same album, comes “Neighbor”, a much better song with the same tongue in cheek lyrics. The accompanying video captures the essence of the song perfectly. Very amusing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtNW88sgO04
(60) Coverdale/Page – Whisper A Prayer For The Dying
When David Coverdale and Jimmy Page got together for a one off album in 1993 they created a work of genius. I was sceptical to be honest but after listening to it, I found that the two men had combined the very best of Whitesnake and Led Zeppelin to produce something special. “Whisper A Prayer For The Dying” is typical of the album, a larger than life rock anthem. Jimmy Page’s guitar is exquisite and David Coverdale’s voice is as good as it has ever been. Colossal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7ryUDF_uK0
61 to 70 to follow …
(51) Guns ‘n’ Roses – You Could Be Mine
In my opinion, “Use You Illusion II” is the greatest album created by Axl Rose and his buddies. “You Could Be Mine”, featured on the soundtrack of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”, is the best song on the album. A true rock song. Superb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlzptZ9wieQ
(52) Kingdom Come – Should I?
Kingdom Come were condemned as “Led Zeppelin-clones” and its not difficult to see why. The German singer, Lenny Wolf, has a very similar voice to Robert Plant and the great band’s influence on Kingdom Come is there for all to see. That said, when I heard “Should I?” I was so impressed that I immediately bought the album. The song is terrific and is so similar to Led Zeppelin it is uncanny. Led Zeppelin fans may hate them but I think this song is a classic. Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjDXd8XhtZg
(53) Metallica – Enter Sandman
Metallica were always too heavy and thrashy for me. Their early stuff, to me, was a wall of deafening noise that had no direction. That’s just my opinion. “Enter Sandman” changed all that. The song is loud and heavy but it shows that the band are essentially great musicians. It is one of my favourite songs of all times. Scary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRYDetbwegs
(54) Nine Inch Nails - Wish
Trent Reznor is an innovative genius who can do nothing wrong in my view. I discovered “Wish” very recently, although it was released fifteen or so years ago. It is wonderfully dark and heavy and represents Trent Reznor at his very best. Fast drums, wailing guitars and extreme angst – pure ecstacy! I can’t stress how much I love the guy’s work. Deep, dark, nasty and brilliant!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68KxXeeHXHk
(55) Ozzy Osbourne – No More Tears
Ozzy has blossomed since leaving Black Sabbath. The self-proclaimed “Prince Of Darkness” is at his menacing best in “No More Tears”, the title track of the album of the same name. The song is dark and heavy yet has an orchestral interlude that slots in perfectly. A great rock anthem. Menacing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHNmyN6mPsM
(56) Brian May And Cozy Powell - Resurrection
Somebody bought Brian May’s solo album “Back To The Light” as a Christmas present and I was not bowled over until I heard the brilliant “Resurrection”. Brian May as part of Queen has performed on many of the band’s heaviest anthems but with the aid of Cozy Powell I don’t think Queen have produced anything as good as this song. Cozy Powell’s influence is there for all to see and with Brian May at his very best as a guitarist we have a stormer of a song. Blistering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9BgCvNz1jA
(57) Joe Satriani – Summer Song
I saw Joe Satriani for the first time when he toured with the album “The Extremist”, probably his most successful album to date. “Summer Song” is the big hit from that album and is as the name suggests a feelgood rocker touched with Joe Satriani’s guitar virtuosity. Performed live, the entire audience jumped up and down. A wonderful tune. Heavenly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icdnKydffZQ
(58) Thunder – Empty City
.
“Empty City” from the album “Laughing On Judgement Day” is my favourite song by Thunder. It begins slowly and gradually mutates into a thoroughly decent rock monster. I love it but sadly is not available to view, sad because some of Thunder’s inferior songs can be heard all over the internet. Never mind. As before, if you get a chance to listen to “Laughing On Judgement Day” go straight to “Empty City”. You will not be disappointed.
(59) Ugly Kid Joe - Neighbor
Ugly Kid Joe came to prominence thanks to with “I Hate Everything About You”. From the same album, comes “Neighbor”, a much better song with the same tongue in cheek lyrics. The accompanying video captures the essence of the song perfectly. Very amusing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtNW88sgO04
(60) Coverdale/Page – Whisper A Prayer For The Dying
When David Coverdale and Jimmy Page got together for a one off album in 1993 they created a work of genius. I was sceptical to be honest but after listening to it, I found that the two men had combined the very best of Whitesnake and Led Zeppelin to produce something special. “Whisper A Prayer For The Dying” is typical of the album, a larger than life rock anthem. Jimmy Page’s guitar is exquisite and David Coverdale’s voice is as good as it has ever been. Colossal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7ryUDF_uK0
61 to 70 to follow …
Saturday, 21 June 2008
100 Rock Songs (41 to 50)
The next lot – again vaguely chronological …
(41) Guns’n’Roses – Paradise City
Forget the hype – G’n’R are/were a fantastic band and “Appetite For Destruction” was a landmark album. Initially I refused to be swept away with it all but when I heard “Paradise City” for the first time I realised that I had made a mistake. The song reaches its peak at the end when the tempo is switched to overdrive. Superb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsrDv3K7RNI
(42) Helloween – I Want Out
Helloween are a German rock band founded in the early eighties. “I Want Out” is a brilliant power metal anthem with driving guitars and screaming vocals – just the way I like it. Wonderful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjV8SHjHvHk
(43) Queensrÿche – Anarchy-X/Revolution Calling
“Operation Mindcrime” is the magnum opus of Queensrÿche, a brilliant concept album full of pure magnificence. It is certainly my favourite concept album and that includes everything produced by Rush. “Anarchy-X” and “Revolution Calling” need to be combined together in my view and start the album with an angry explosion that demonstrates the pure initial anger of the protagonist, Nicky. If you haven’t heard “operation Mindcrime” I urge you to borrow it or buy it. You won’t regret it. Revolutionary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJb3Lcvtn4M
(44) Yngwie J. Malmsteen – Heaven Tonight
“Heaven Tonight” features Joe Lynn Turner, the former Rainbow vocalist. The song is a big eighties metal anthem by Yngwie J. Malmsteen who is a fabulous guitarist from Sweden. I really love this song due to its bombastic nature and partly due to Joe Lynn Turner’s vocals. Typical of eighties metal but I love it all the same. Pounding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp2jNhZWxBM
(45) Blue Murder – Ptolemy
John Sykes played guitar with David Coverdale in Whitesnake and with Phil Lynott in Thin Lizzy. With a pedigree like that it was hard to ignore his subsequent band Blue Murder. I bought the album having just heard one song called “Valley Of The Kings”, which was a totally piece of rock pomposity. However, there was one song on the album that blew it away – the incredible “Ptolemy”. This is metal at its very best. Get that air guitar ready – you will wear it out. Grandiose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhIET6KwLq8
(46) Faith No More – From Out Of Nowhere
When Mike Patton joined Faith No More, the band became huge. “The Real Thing” was a superbly different album and Mike Patton added something special to the group. The opening track on the album is the brilliant “From Out Of Nowhere” and, in my opinion, the band have never written a better song. Belting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BusOupjBJaY
(47) Joe Satriani – Big Bad Moon
Joe Satriani is the greatest guitar player I have ever seen, end of story. The man is a genius. I have never seen a man play the guitar so well. Normally his albums a purely instrumental but, on the album “Flying In A Blue Dream”, he actually sings on a couple of the songs. One of them is “Big Bad Moon”. Now his voice may not be perfect but who cares? The song is outstanding and my favourite by the main man. Virtuoso.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK-slJC_2TY
(48) AC/DC - Thunderstruck
“Thunderstruck” is my favourite post-Bon Scott song by the brilliant AC/DC. It is real head-banging fist-pounder. It is another song requiring an air guitar. Thunderous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w
(49) Queensrÿche – Silent Lucidity
Queensrÿche’s follow up to “Operation Mindcrime” was “Empire”, which actually sold millions more. While the album is not as good as “Operation Mindcrime” there are some great songs on it, including my favourite by the band, a power ballad called “Silent Lucidity” that features an orchestra. The singer Geoff Tate has a raw rock voice but on “Silent Lucidity” his voice fits the power ballad style perfectly. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC444i8tcyc
(50) Thunder – Backstreet Symphony
Thunder are brilliant. I have seen this band more times than any other and I still pop to see their annual visit to Manchester even now. The band has a lot of fun and has created some of the best rock songs to come out of the United Kingdom. They never fail to disappoint. “Backstreet Symphony” is the title track to their first album and is typical of the band. Keep going lads. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDL1iFX2Vm0
51 to 60 to follow …
(41) Guns’n’Roses – Paradise City
Forget the hype – G’n’R are/were a fantastic band and “Appetite For Destruction” was a landmark album. Initially I refused to be swept away with it all but when I heard “Paradise City” for the first time I realised that I had made a mistake. The song reaches its peak at the end when the tempo is switched to overdrive. Superb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsrDv3K7RNI
(42) Helloween – I Want Out
Helloween are a German rock band founded in the early eighties. “I Want Out” is a brilliant power metal anthem with driving guitars and screaming vocals – just the way I like it. Wonderful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjV8SHjHvHk
(43) Queensrÿche – Anarchy-X/Revolution Calling
“Operation Mindcrime” is the magnum opus of Queensrÿche, a brilliant concept album full of pure magnificence. It is certainly my favourite concept album and that includes everything produced by Rush. “Anarchy-X” and “Revolution Calling” need to be combined together in my view and start the album with an angry explosion that demonstrates the pure initial anger of the protagonist, Nicky. If you haven’t heard “operation Mindcrime” I urge you to borrow it or buy it. You won’t regret it. Revolutionary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJb3Lcvtn4M
(44) Yngwie J. Malmsteen – Heaven Tonight
“Heaven Tonight” features Joe Lynn Turner, the former Rainbow vocalist. The song is a big eighties metal anthem by Yngwie J. Malmsteen who is a fabulous guitarist from Sweden. I really love this song due to its bombastic nature and partly due to Joe Lynn Turner’s vocals. Typical of eighties metal but I love it all the same. Pounding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp2jNhZWxBM
(45) Blue Murder – Ptolemy
John Sykes played guitar with David Coverdale in Whitesnake and with Phil Lynott in Thin Lizzy. With a pedigree like that it was hard to ignore his subsequent band Blue Murder. I bought the album having just heard one song called “Valley Of The Kings”, which was a totally piece of rock pomposity. However, there was one song on the album that blew it away – the incredible “Ptolemy”. This is metal at its very best. Get that air guitar ready – you will wear it out. Grandiose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhIET6KwLq8
(46) Faith No More – From Out Of Nowhere
When Mike Patton joined Faith No More, the band became huge. “The Real Thing” was a superbly different album and Mike Patton added something special to the group. The opening track on the album is the brilliant “From Out Of Nowhere” and, in my opinion, the band have never written a better song. Belting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BusOupjBJaY
(47) Joe Satriani – Big Bad Moon
Joe Satriani is the greatest guitar player I have ever seen, end of story. The man is a genius. I have never seen a man play the guitar so well. Normally his albums a purely instrumental but, on the album “Flying In A Blue Dream”, he actually sings on a couple of the songs. One of them is “Big Bad Moon”. Now his voice may not be perfect but who cares? The song is outstanding and my favourite by the main man. Virtuoso.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK-slJC_2TY
(48) AC/DC - Thunderstruck
“Thunderstruck” is my favourite post-Bon Scott song by the brilliant AC/DC. It is real head-banging fist-pounder. It is another song requiring an air guitar. Thunderous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w
(49) Queensrÿche – Silent Lucidity
Queensrÿche’s follow up to “Operation Mindcrime” was “Empire”, which actually sold millions more. While the album is not as good as “Operation Mindcrime” there are some great songs on it, including my favourite by the band, a power ballad called “Silent Lucidity” that features an orchestra. The singer Geoff Tate has a raw rock voice but on “Silent Lucidity” his voice fits the power ballad style perfectly. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC444i8tcyc
(50) Thunder – Backstreet Symphony
Thunder are brilliant. I have seen this band more times than any other and I still pop to see their annual visit to Manchester even now. The band has a lot of fun and has created some of the best rock songs to come out of the United Kingdom. They never fail to disappoint. “Backstreet Symphony” is the title track to their first album and is typical of the band. Keep going lads. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDL1iFX2Vm0
51 to 60 to follow …
Friday, 20 June 2008
100 Rock Songs (31 to 40)
The next bunch – again roughly chronological …
(31) Thin Lizzy – Thunder And Lightning
“Thunder And Lightning” was the last album by Thin Lizzy and arguably the best. It is certainly my favourite and heavier than a lot of their previous offerings. The title track is a great example of this. Subtle it is not. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHmu9k6WWcg
(32) Yes – Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Fans of Yes are not generally fans of “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”. From a personal point of view, though, I think the song is wonderful. Okay it is a little commercial and more of a pop song than a rock song to be fair. Despite this, I think it works and Yes fans who moan should take the song on its own merits. Classy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpmmeT69cE
(33) Deep Purple – Perfect Strangers
Deep Purple reformed in 1984 with the greatest line up, the Mark IV version, with Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Ian Paice and of course Jon Lord. “Perfect Strangers” the album was the result and the title track was released as the first single. And what a song it is. I’ve seen the band a couple of times and one of the highlights is the performance of this deep and moody number complete with lasers. Excellent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwoTaisFMIE
(34) Whitesnake – Slow And Easy
“Slow And Easy” is a bluesy masterpiece from Whitesnake, just before David Coverdale ditched this line up and set sail for superstardom in America. A real foot stomping song and shows Whitesnake at their very best. Unbeatable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW4LQN1Bx1Q
(35) Faith No More – We Care A Lot
“We Care A Lot” is a great song by Faith No More with a superb bass line and great lyrics. To be honesty I prefer the band when Mike Patton was singing (he’s not present on this song) and have been fortunate to see him actually perform it. Top tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDwiTxXzFsA
(36) Megadeth – Peace Sells
I must admit that I didn’t really like Megadeth in the 1980’s. They were just a little too heavy for me. However, when I played “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” the song cropped up on the radio and it grew on me immensely, so much in fact that after several plays I was hooked. I rate it as one of the finest truly heavy metal songs from that decade. Heavy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DWoJBHibhM
(37) Rush – Turn The Page
“Hold Your Fire” is a classic Rush album full of fabulous songs. Every song is a classic in my view and “Turn The Page” is the best of them. Turn the volume up full and ascend into prog rock heaven. Songs like this prove that Rush are the greatest band on the planet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E0m0Gcblp0
(38) Whitesnake – Still Of The Night
David Coverdale morphed the Whitesnake I loved into a big-haired American rock band in 1987 and stripped away the blues to produce an album full of appeal to young college students. I was sad when I first heard the album “1987”. However, one track stood out a mile. “Still Of The Night” is a masterpiece and I take my hat off to David Coverdale for giving the world this fabulous track amongst AOR banality. What’s more, the accompanying video features Tawny Kitaen – say no more! Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqb5EcU65IQ
(39) Aerosmith – Rag Doll
Aerosmith are massive and have produced some great music over the decades. My favourite album is the first one I bought; “Permanent Vacation” from the late eighties. I bought it on the strength of two songs, one of which is featured in this list. “Rag Doll” is a superb feelgood song. Aerosmith are also one of the best bands I have seen live. Amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIAYxFApsEM
(40) Gary Moore – Over The Hills And Far Away
Gary Moore now sings the blues and while it is admirable that he has gone back to his roots and the music he loves, it is such a shame that he has left behind the pure belting rock music he performed in the eighties. “Over The Hills And Far Away” is a classic Celtic rock anthem, with pounding drums and violins. Unbeatable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyJEytBlp1I
41 to 50 to follow …
(31) Thin Lizzy – Thunder And Lightning
“Thunder And Lightning” was the last album by Thin Lizzy and arguably the best. It is certainly my favourite and heavier than a lot of their previous offerings. The title track is a great example of this. Subtle it is not. Fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHmu9k6WWcg
(32) Yes – Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Fans of Yes are not generally fans of “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”. From a personal point of view, though, I think the song is wonderful. Okay it is a little commercial and more of a pop song than a rock song to be fair. Despite this, I think it works and Yes fans who moan should take the song on its own merits. Classy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpmmeT69cE
(33) Deep Purple – Perfect Strangers
Deep Purple reformed in 1984 with the greatest line up, the Mark IV version, with Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Ian Paice and of course Jon Lord. “Perfect Strangers” the album was the result and the title track was released as the first single. And what a song it is. I’ve seen the band a couple of times and one of the highlights is the performance of this deep and moody number complete with lasers. Excellent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwoTaisFMIE
(34) Whitesnake – Slow And Easy
“Slow And Easy” is a bluesy masterpiece from Whitesnake, just before David Coverdale ditched this line up and set sail for superstardom in America. A real foot stomping song and shows Whitesnake at their very best. Unbeatable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW4LQN1Bx1Q
(35) Faith No More – We Care A Lot
“We Care A Lot” is a great song by Faith No More with a superb bass line and great lyrics. To be honesty I prefer the band when Mike Patton was singing (he’s not present on this song) and have been fortunate to see him actually perform it. Top tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDwiTxXzFsA
(36) Megadeth – Peace Sells
I must admit that I didn’t really like Megadeth in the 1980’s. They were just a little too heavy for me. However, when I played “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” the song cropped up on the radio and it grew on me immensely, so much in fact that after several plays I was hooked. I rate it as one of the finest truly heavy metal songs from that decade. Heavy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DWoJBHibhM
(37) Rush – Turn The Page
“Hold Your Fire” is a classic Rush album full of fabulous songs. Every song is a classic in my view and “Turn The Page” is the best of them. Turn the volume up full and ascend into prog rock heaven. Songs like this prove that Rush are the greatest band on the planet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E0m0Gcblp0
(38) Whitesnake – Still Of The Night
David Coverdale morphed the Whitesnake I loved into a big-haired American rock band in 1987 and stripped away the blues to produce an album full of appeal to young college students. I was sad when I first heard the album “1987”. However, one track stood out a mile. “Still Of The Night” is a masterpiece and I take my hat off to David Coverdale for giving the world this fabulous track amongst AOR banality. What’s more, the accompanying video features Tawny Kitaen – say no more! Brilliant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqb5EcU65IQ
(39) Aerosmith – Rag Doll
Aerosmith are massive and have produced some great music over the decades. My favourite album is the first one I bought; “Permanent Vacation” from the late eighties. I bought it on the strength of two songs, one of which is featured in this list. “Rag Doll” is a superb feelgood song. Aerosmith are also one of the best bands I have seen live. Amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIAYxFApsEM
(40) Gary Moore – Over The Hills And Far Away
Gary Moore now sings the blues and while it is admirable that he has gone back to his roots and the music he loves, it is such a shame that he has left behind the pure belting rock music he performed in the eighties. “Over The Hills And Far Away” is a classic Celtic rock anthem, with pounding drums and violins. Unbeatable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyJEytBlp1I
41 to 50 to follow …
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
100 Rock Songs (21 to 30)
Again no specific order apart from chronologically …
(21) Nazareth – No Mean City
The album “No Mean City” is one of my all time favourite albums and the title track is the best song on it. The song is a masterpiece and Dan McCafferty’s voice is at its very best. The album cover is superbly menacing (as you can see from the link below) and the song reflects the atmosphere conjured by the image. Mean and moody!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBeeDZT8RKk
(22) Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb
“Comfortably Numb” is easily the best song from the epic concept album “The Wall”. The song is beautiful and disturbing at the same time and once more Dave Gilmour’s guitar playing is exemplary. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qt6b8B5Bd4
(23) Judas Priest - Steeler
Judas Priest perform pure British heavy metal at its very best. The album “British Steel” was ground-breaking and “Steeler” is the last and best song from that wonderful record. Rob Halford has a unique voice perfectly crafted to sing heavy metal anthems. You’ll need that air guitar again. Metal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVSypb9caqI
(24) Thin Lizzy – Killer On The Loose
I miss Phil Lynott. Thin Lizzy were a superb band who wrote chart friendly rock music and were wildly popular in the 1970’s. “Killer On The Loose” is a sinister head banger that is darker than their usual offerings. Menacing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdSVUcDgs
(25) Rush – Red Barchetta
1981 was a formidable year for me musically because I discovered the best band on the planet. I am talking of course about the Canadian power trio, Rush. They are by far my favourite band and I can listen to their music all day long. “Red Barchetta” is from the album “Moving Pictures” and is one of my favourite tracks of all time. Listen to the song and you will feel a deep euphoria. Awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVGhqvl_8A
(26) Whitesnake – Don’t Break My Heart Again
David Coverdale conquered America with Whitesnake in 1987 and many of those fans are unaware that before then, Whitesnake were a bluesy rock band. I prefer the band from that period, with Bernie Marsden, Micky Moody and of course the legendary Deep Purple keyboard player, Jon Lord. For the album “Come An’ Get It” Deep Purple’s Ian Paice was also in the band. “Don’t Break My Heart Again” is my favourite song by the band. Bluesy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEpQYIPdXGU
(27) Gillan – Bite The Bullet
The best Gillan album is “Future Shock” and the best song on that album is “Bite The Bullet”. It is another blistering fist pounder from Ian Gillan, ably supported by the thumping brilliance of Mick Underwood on the drums. The song reaches an amazing crescendo and once more leaves you shell shocked. It’s a shame it isn’t widely available but believe me, if you get the chance to listen to “Future Shock” you will love this song. Unbelievable.
(28) Iron Maiden – Run To The Hills
When Bruce Dickinson joined Iron Maiden, the improvement was there for all to see. The band have never looked back, with album after brilliant album. However, my favourite song by the band came from that first album with Bruce Dickinson way back in 1981. “Run To The Hills” is from the album “The Number Of The Beast” and is classic heavy metal at its most excellent. Get that air guitar ready again. Screamer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5Snehl2bAk
(29) Jim Steinman – Stark Raving Love
Jim Steinman is the man behind the success of Meat Loaf and his “Bat Out Of Hell” trilogy of albums. In 1981, however, Jim Steinman released his own album called “Bad For Good” which I actually prefer to the massive “Bat Out Of Hell”. I don’t think that Steinman has the greatest voice, yet the songs more than make up for this. “Stark Raving Love” is a magnificent Steinman grand musical opus which Steinman himself sampled for Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For A Hero”. The original is the best and contains magnificent guitar work as the song reaches a superb crescendo. Again, it’s a shame its not widely available but the song is brilliant. Epic.
(30) Rush – The Analog Kid
The first Rush album I bought was “Signals” and I was lucky enough to see them for the first time in 1982 when they toured with the album. I couldn’t get enough of the band and it wasn’t long before their previous albums were also in my collection. “The Analog Kid” is a great little song that is typical of the band. Terrific.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR1PzhLy4HM
31 to 40 to follow …
(21) Nazareth – No Mean City
The album “No Mean City” is one of my all time favourite albums and the title track is the best song on it. The song is a masterpiece and Dan McCafferty’s voice is at its very best. The album cover is superbly menacing (as you can see from the link below) and the song reflects the atmosphere conjured by the image. Mean and moody!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBeeDZT8RKk
(22) Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb
“Comfortably Numb” is easily the best song from the epic concept album “The Wall”. The song is beautiful and disturbing at the same time and once more Dave Gilmour’s guitar playing is exemplary. Beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qt6b8B5Bd4
(23) Judas Priest - Steeler
Judas Priest perform pure British heavy metal at its very best. The album “British Steel” was ground-breaking and “Steeler” is the last and best song from that wonderful record. Rob Halford has a unique voice perfectly crafted to sing heavy metal anthems. You’ll need that air guitar again. Metal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVSypb9caqI
(24) Thin Lizzy – Killer On The Loose
I miss Phil Lynott. Thin Lizzy were a superb band who wrote chart friendly rock music and were wildly popular in the 1970’s. “Killer On The Loose” is a sinister head banger that is darker than their usual offerings. Menacing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdSVUcDgs
(25) Rush – Red Barchetta
1981 was a formidable year for me musically because I discovered the best band on the planet. I am talking of course about the Canadian power trio, Rush. They are by far my favourite band and I can listen to their music all day long. “Red Barchetta” is from the album “Moving Pictures” and is one of my favourite tracks of all time. Listen to the song and you will feel a deep euphoria. Awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVGhqvl_8A
(26) Whitesnake – Don’t Break My Heart Again
David Coverdale conquered America with Whitesnake in 1987 and many of those fans are unaware that before then, Whitesnake were a bluesy rock band. I prefer the band from that period, with Bernie Marsden, Micky Moody and of course the legendary Deep Purple keyboard player, Jon Lord. For the album “Come An’ Get It” Deep Purple’s Ian Paice was also in the band. “Don’t Break My Heart Again” is my favourite song by the band. Bluesy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEpQYIPdXGU
(27) Gillan – Bite The Bullet
The best Gillan album is “Future Shock” and the best song on that album is “Bite The Bullet”. It is another blistering fist pounder from Ian Gillan, ably supported by the thumping brilliance of Mick Underwood on the drums. The song reaches an amazing crescendo and once more leaves you shell shocked. It’s a shame it isn’t widely available but believe me, if you get the chance to listen to “Future Shock” you will love this song. Unbelievable.
(28) Iron Maiden – Run To The Hills
When Bruce Dickinson joined Iron Maiden, the improvement was there for all to see. The band have never looked back, with album after brilliant album. However, my favourite song by the band came from that first album with Bruce Dickinson way back in 1981. “Run To The Hills” is from the album “The Number Of The Beast” and is classic heavy metal at its most excellent. Get that air guitar ready again. Screamer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5Snehl2bAk
(29) Jim Steinman – Stark Raving Love
Jim Steinman is the man behind the success of Meat Loaf and his “Bat Out Of Hell” trilogy of albums. In 1981, however, Jim Steinman released his own album called “Bad For Good” which I actually prefer to the massive “Bat Out Of Hell”. I don’t think that Steinman has the greatest voice, yet the songs more than make up for this. “Stark Raving Love” is a magnificent Steinman grand musical opus which Steinman himself sampled for Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For A Hero”. The original is the best and contains magnificent guitar work as the song reaches a superb crescendo. Again, it’s a shame its not widely available but the song is brilliant. Epic.
(30) Rush – The Analog Kid
The first Rush album I bought was “Signals” and I was lucky enough to see them for the first time in 1982 when they toured with the album. I couldn’t get enough of the band and it wasn’t long before their previous albums were also in my collection. “The Analog Kid” is a great little song that is typical of the band. Terrific.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR1PzhLy4HM
31 to 40 to follow …
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