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New Album Review – Richie Kotzen ’50 for 50′

Richie Kotzen continues his insane amount of output with his most bold project to date. ’50 for 50′ is a celebration of all things Kotzen. 50 songs for 50 years of life. It’s a dense collection of new material that covers all of the different eras of Kotzen’s storied career. From his beginnings as an instrumentalist, to joining Poison, to Mr. Big, to finding his own voice and solo career. All the vibes are there and they’re all good.

Drunken Vince Neil Video Contradicts Motley’s Tour Claims

As we all know, Motley Crue have ripped up their cease a desist contract forbidding the band from touring. To mixed feelings and reviews. They then planned this massive tour with Poison and Def Leppard, among other artists and guests. Promoting the tour as an ultimate event. Which I honestly think it has the potential to be. But recently Motley have been under fire when frontman Vince Neil sent a drunken, disoriented birthday video to a super fan.

New Album Review – Sons of Apollo ‘MMXX’

Sons of Apollo are back after their excellent debut and subsequent tour. One of the many supergroups that have come out in the past decade. The band consists of Mike Portnoy (drums) and Derick Sherinian (Keys) of Dream Theater. The former has also been in an endless string of projects. Portnoy’s fellow bass player from The Winery Dogs, Billy Sheehan. Also, Bumblefoot (guitars) and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals) are on board. After their amazing first album, I wondered if they would ever return. Portnoy does have a tendency to move on from project to project. But Sons of Apollo seem to be here to stay, releasing their unreal sophomore effort that eclipses their first.

Faith No More, System Of A Down and Korn Tease Three Way

The alternative metal world is loosing its collective head. The three big bands of the genre: System Of A Down, Korn and Faith No More, all teased Instagram images, captioned ‘Monday,’ that indicate a possible tour may be in the works.

Grammy, Whammy, Kind of Scammy

Another Grammy awards is in the books. And it’s getting worse and worse. The bias favoring certain genres and artists is more apparent than ever.

Aerosmith Drummer Joey Kramer Sues Band In Ousting

It’s always unfortunate when bands don’t get along. It’s really unfortunate when that band has had the original members in it for 50 years minus the first four of the 1980’s. But that’s exactly what’s happening with the legendary Aerosmith, who are scheduled to perform at the Grammy’s on Sunday and receive a lifetime achievement award on Saturday. The band have effectively ousted drummer of 50 years, Joey Kramer, from performing at the shows.

In Defense of…Megadeth’s ‘Risk’

It just may be the most polarizing album in Megadeth’s extensive catalog. Some, myself included, love the album and understand what Dave Mustaine was trying to accomplish. Then there’s the thrash and heavier fans who hate the album. Because it is such a departure from albums such as ‘Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?’ and ‘So Far So Good…So What?.’ Which is understandable. But if you really listen to ‘Killing Is My Business…’ all the way through ‘Risk,’ you’ll notice a natural progression of the songwriting that would inevitably end up producing an album like ‘Risk.’ It’s not even a far deviation from the previous album ‘Cryptic Writings.’ Which is one of the most praised Megadeth albums. So in defense of the album, here is an argument for it.

First off, the album does contain heavy moments that are often overlooked because the band decided to release ‘I’ll Be There’ and ‘Ecstasy’ as the singles. But the album opens with two killer tracks: ‘Insomnia’ and ‘Prince of Darkness.’ The former being a tremendous hard rock song that leans on the heavy side of the genre. It’s manic mood and drive certainly being oh so Megadeth. The latter being what I consider a classic late 90’s heavy metal piece. I just wish that the band would follow through with the song in their concerts. They open with the prolog dialog from the track but then cut it and go into a different opening. ‘Prince of Darkness’ could be a great opener for the hardcore fans. With a great breakdown chug rhythm. It’s especially tasty when there’s a solo over it. There’s also ‘Seven’ which is a driving hard rock song that packs a catchy riff punch. Not to mention ‘Crush ‘Em.’ A potential arena game signature. Despite it’s semi-beginner lyrics. ‘Time: The End’ is honestly a pretty classic Megadeth song. A chugging, groove heavy head banger.

But that’s not all. The other songs that aren’t that heavy are also great tracks. Whether the album retains classic Megadeth ‘heaviness’ is moot. Because pretty much all the songs are strong. ‘Breadline’ could have been a major hit had it been promoted and advertised properly. The melody in the chorus is so catchy. And Mustaine’s voice is in top form throughout the album. The best example being ‘Wanderlust.’ An epic, road trip and adventure singalong track that hits the sweet spot. Mustaine’s vocal passion shines throughout. It’s one of his greatest vocal performances. From a guy who never really considered himself a singer. ‘The Doctor Is Calling’ is a classic Megadeth track. It might not be as heavy as say ‘Take No Prisoners.’ But it retains a really creepy vibe. A prominent Megadeth trope obviously.

The three ballads may seem a little out of place for Megadeth. But that doesn’t take away from their strength. ‘I’ll Be There’ is still played sometimes and is clearly a crowd favorite on the ‘That One Night: Live in Buenos Aries.’ It’s a ballad, sure, but it’s a rockin’ ballad. And it’s not like Mustaine hansn’t balladed before. ‘A Toute Le Monde’ is a signature Megadeth song from the ‘Youthanasia’ album. ‘Ecstasy’ is a nice, mid-tempo ballad. You can def hear Megadeth going for a hit on the song. And I can see why it didn’t take with some hardcore fans. But never the less, it’s a great track. I just think that maybe people didn’t know what to think of a song like ‘Ecstasy’ from a band entitled Megadeth. ‘Time: The Beginning’ is the final ballad and softest track on the album. It possesses a deep Alice In Chains vibe. Which makes sense, it was 1999. Most bands were going for that kind of sound at the time. It’s a sad, slow track. Not entirely inappropriate for Megadeth. It’s not like he’s writing these bright, poppy songs that you hear from Coldplay and whatnot. Yet, that’s how the album is almost treated.

‘Risk’ is truly a great album. Tons of catchy hard rock songs, sprinkled with heavy metal. It’s a far cry from the early material but the album hold its own. It’s strength is in the song quality. And to be honest, the 2004 remaster sounds really really well produced and mixed. Which can’t be said for all of the remasters. It’s just as complete of a record in strength as any other Megadeth album.

New, Killer Track From Elton John and Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy has collaborated with Elton John for the new track ‘Ordinary Man’ for the upcoming Ozzy album. And it’s a beautiful ballad that’s excellently written. A wonderful duet that culminates both artists lives and sounds in a sentimental, intricate ballad that recalls both mens lives.

New Recording Academy Head Debrah Dugan Ousted

Looks like the most recent head of the Recording Academy didn’t want to play ball with the dumb ass elitists who run the show. After just five short months on the job, Debrah Dugan was fired from her position at the Recording Academy.

Most Metal/Non-Metal Bands: Huey Lewis and the News

There have been countless acts to emerge from the bay area scene over the past 50 years. From Journey to Metallica to…well…I’ll end the list there because it’ll never end if I don’t. But one of the more streamlined and grand acts to come out of San Fran is the one and only Huey Lewis and the News. One of the most metal non-metal bands of all time.