What song caught your attention today?

[Heavy Metal Spike]

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I'll leave this here ready to use since the new controls confused me once again.

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[Heavy Metal Spike]

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Ah bugger it - I'm not reusing my erroneous post above for THIS memory.

Whitesnake's absolute BEST appearance at Donington.

I cried (as did many others) when Coverdale cried during "Ain't no love . . . " as we all sang our hearts out to honour him, the band we loved, and the fandom that rejected all trends & fashion.

One of those memories that will be with me 'til the day I die (pun intended).

I still have the (very thin) T-shirt, programme, and ticket . . . and TONS of photos of the bands on stage (including Dio and ESPECIALLY Sister), along with me mates in various states of rapture!

Happy, emotional, "grateful for being alive" days.

Re-living it now by watching the (somewhat edited - regrettably) video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glAS1efUbGY

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[Heavy Metal Spike]

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Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons - Kings of the Asylum

OK - 'tis a pleasant day, as I find myself inspired to post another entry in the "no-one else gives a **** what Spike posts here but he does it for his own record keeping" thread.

Just 12hours ago, the wee boyos (+1) made the entire effin' album available on ye olde YouTube - and DAMN does it smack you in the face sideways with a 10lb hammer!

I loved the last album, but THIS - OMFG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My vinyl was mailed from the UK on Tuesday - and this was a VERY pleasant surprise while I wait for it to arrive.

Serious chills - effin' AMAZING !

• • • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2dO0S_IOM

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[tay666]

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Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons - Kings of the Asylum

OK - 'tis a pleasant day, as I find myself inspired to post another entry in the "no-one else gives a **** what Spike posts here but he does it for his own record keeping" thread.

Hey, I almost always give it a listen. And I tried every track on this one.
It's good, it just doesn't grab me. Only one that got my attention was Schizophrenia.
I think the problem for me, is they just don't come across well in studio. I like watching/listening to their live performances.
They just sound better live.

[Heavy Metal Spike]

. . . Hey, I almost always give it a listen. And I tried every track on this one.
It's good, it just doesn't grab me. Only one that got my attention was Schizophrenia.
I think the problem for me, is they just don't come across well in studio. I like watching/listening to their live performances.
They just sound better live.

Would have thought "Maniac " would appeal - major punk vibes

I love the whole album - hairs standing on end on very 1st listen of every single track (at various points).

Tracks 8 & 9 are ONLY "weaker" tracks for me (so you should like those too )

Here's the 3rd official vid - also released today . . . another banger (Motörhead spliced with AC/DC) PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS - Strike The Match https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAiL9xxDcQs

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[tay666]

Again, perfectly good song, just not one I would seek out to listen to.

Probably a lot to do with my current head-space.
I've spent the summer feasting on concert videos from Iron Maiden and The Warning
So I'm eating up bass-heavy tunes, and just loving the groove The Warning has.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-1gwSegQ7E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8VPX-diRl4

[tay666]

A little blast from the past on the radio today

Black Tide - Warriors of Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9mo7rFWLbY

[Heavy Metal Spike]

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I love it when Elizabeth "discovers" a song that I admire so much, especially when it's one that has important/emotional memories associated with it.

She titles the analysis as "Heart's greatest masterpiece!" - and while I wouldn't say that myself, this album (1987's "Bad Animals"), along with it's predecessor (1985's "Heart") . . . are easily my faves by them.

This song has 2 pleasant "musical equivalents" of those "jump scares" you get in horror movies . . . wonderful to see Elizabeth's reaction to those as always. I'll admit the 2nd one (Anne's "scream") isn't made any worse by Nancy's (ahem) attributes & flexibility - but OMG has that woman got a voice-and-a-half!

• • • • • Heart - "Alone"

• • • Elizabeth's analysis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-BCZapHYec
      
      The original video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cw1ng75KP0

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[tay666]

I haven't watched her reaction because I got burnt out on that song in the 80's and just can't stand it anymore. Same with 'These Dreams'.
Both were so overplayed I just became repulsed by them.
Which is a shame, because I really do enjoy Heart. Though I must say I prefer their classic stuff over the 80's stuff.

Not sure if you saw the notification, but I did catch this awesome video Friday.
Elizabeth and Will Ramos breaking down "We Got The Moves" by Electric Callboy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbDOBKVQIG4

Other than that I've just been farther down The Warning rabbit hole.

Oh, and impatiently waiting to hear the new stuff from Bruce and hoping he tours somewhere near me.

[Heavy Metal Spike]

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I've been following ma wee lass Sophie Lloyd for quite a while now - SUPREMELY talented guitarist who runs rings round a VERY high percentage of those who have come before her (and to be clear - I mean of EITHER gender).

She is stunningly beautiful, and has a figure to die for, but I'll admit that I wish she would use her sexuality less prominently . . . her musical talent is enough, without the need to do that (but I do understand the marketing approach).

She has assembled an amazing lineup of singers & guest artists for her upcoming album, and has released multiple videos over the last few months in the run-up to release date . . . Nov 10th 2023 - I've pre-ordered the coloured vinyl https://shop.sophieguitar.com/products/ ... ed-edition

Another one was uploaded today - the title track of the album - and she's found a little-known singer that most people won't recognise to join her - SHE seems like she could be quite talented too? (I'll have to do some research).

• • • • Sophie Lloyd (feat. Lzzy Hale) - "Imposter Syndrome" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_dktp84FxI

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[tay666]

Ok. Really liked that one. So I took a little dip in her other stuff.
Runaway - was good. Reminded me of an 80's hair-metal tune.
Hang On - that one really kills! I mean Lauren on vocals doesn't hurt, but I like the style too.
I was afraid after the first two that the guitar work was gonna be a lot of style with little substance, but Hang On shows she can put some soul into her playing. That one went on one of my YouTube playlists.
Lost - is a great instrumental with some feel too it. Never gets boring. It's flashy, but not too flashy, just wish there was a bit more bass present in the mix.
Fall of Man - there's the bass. Still not loud enough, but at least it's there. A bit too much flashy guitar work. The song does rock though.

Overall, I'd say the lady can shred, and put together some great songs.
I see what you say about her putting her assets to work. And I agree with you, I think she would be better off toning down her look a bit and let her playing speak for her. But who knows, maybe she just likes that look and prefers to dress like that. In which case, more power to her.

EDIT - I forgot to give you a hard time about not putting a link to her stuff in your post.

[Heavy Metal Spike]

Ok. Really liked that one. So I took a little dip in her other stuff.
Runaway - was good. Reminded me of an 80's hair-metal tune.
Hang On - that one really kills! I mean Lauren on vocals doesn't hurt, but I like the style too.
I was afraid after the first two that the guitar work was gonna be a lot of style with little substance, but Hang On shows she can put some soul into her playing. That one went on one of my YouTube playlists.
Lost - is a great instrumental with some feel too it. Never gets boring. It's flashy, but not too flashy, just wish there was a bit more bass present in the mix.
Fall of Man - there's the bass. Still not loud enough, but at least it's there. A bit too much flashy guitar work. The song does rock though.

Overall, I'd say the lady can shred, and put together some great songs.
I see what you say about her putting her assets to work. And I agree with you, I think she would be better off toning down her look a bit and let her playing speak for her. But who knows, maybe she just likes that look and prefers to dress like that. In which case, more power to her.

EDIT - I forgot to give you a hard time about not putting a link to her stuff in your post.

Glad we've hit on something else we can both appreciate. She truly is very talented. Her channel includes a couple of BTS vids from last years "Machine Gun Kelly" tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hCIouTDMoY

She's a very "down to earth" lady. A Londoner (I won't hold that against her though) . . . and only 27 (reminds me of Lzzy when she was just a bab).

Love every one of the upcoming album tracks she's uploaded so far - but "Fall of Man" is my least fave.

How embarrassing on the "missing link" (I'm talking the URL to Sophie's video, NOT that gene-spliced merging of Scott & bigfoot) . . . added.

• • Do Or Die (feat. Nathan James) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PzePG86FGU
  
  • Pressure (feat. Brandon Saller of Atreyu) (* no video yet *)
  
  • Imposter Syndrome (feat. Lzzy Hale) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_dktp84FxI
  
  • Let It Hurt (feat. Chris Robertson) (* no video yet *)
  
  • Runaway (feat. Michael Starr) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8k8JWQAsvc
  
  • Fall Of Man (feat. Matthew K. Heafy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6kI7d4RO5k
  
  • Lost (feat. Cole Rolland) (* instrumental *) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXAXHar5vfI
  
  • Hanging On (feat. Lauren Babic) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1iDYtp1h9U
  
  • Avalanche (feat. Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch) (* no video yet *)
  
  • Won't You Come (feat. Marisa Rodriguez) (* no video yet *)
  
  • Judge And Jury (feat. Tyler Connolly) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGahk9aJ4p4

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[tay666]

Ooo! A couple of the upcoming vids look interesting. I like Atreyu and TFK so hopefully those are as good as the Babic one.

She's a very "down to earth" lady. A Londoner (I won't hold that against her though) . . . and only 27 (reminds me of Lzzy when she was just a bab).

I still think Dani from the Warning reminds me more of Lzzy.
She's got the snarl and some of the grit in her voice. And the guitar playing is top notch.
Especially when she is playing the custom guitar that Lzzy gave her when they were opening for Halestorm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z26GyuRArYQ (Queen of the Murder Scene)

Granted, she doesn't have the clean singing Lzzy has yet, but in these videos she is only 22.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1vbioHf9zo (When I'm Alone)

[Heavy Metal Spike]

. . . The Warning . . .

Taking into account the fondness you have for this band, I've not wanted to post any negativity, so I've generally adopted the "if you haven't got anything nice to say . . . " approach (* © Trevor Ylisaari 2001 *)

Despite their young age and the MASSIVE amount of talent they have - there's just something about the songs and (sorry!) THEM that bugs the heck out of me. Don't know why exactly - but it is what it is.

HOWEVER - I genuinely REALLY like that 2nd song you linked. There's hope yet


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[tay666]

Hey, no offense taken. I get it. Just like some of the stuff you love just doesn't click with me.
I am glad you have something that resonates with you even if it does nothing for me. I still like to give things a listen because you never know. One of these times I might find something cool. Like the one I checked out last night. I was serious about that going on a playlist. I listened to it a couple more times last night.
And I had figured from your silence that you didn't really care for them.
That 2nd song is one Dani wrote when she was a homesick 15 year-old as an assignment at Berkeley. The studio version was recorded 6 years ago and sounds perfectly fine. But that live version from last year has the more mature voice she has now, as well as the amazing stage presence she has developed after a couple years of touring. I look forward to seeing it done in a few more years to see how things have progressed.

And that's the thing. They are still evolving. If I would have found them in like 2018-2020 I would have probably said, kind of cool, but doesn't grab me. It's cute how young they are, and kind of neat that the drummer sings. Objectively, if I wasn't already into the band, the older songs and older performances wouldn't have done much for me when they were new. Now that I am a fan though, it is cool to see that older stuff and see the foundation for what they are now forming.
Much like, if I would have heard Iron Maiden's first album in 1980 I might not have become a fan. But after getting hooked on NOTB, going back and listening to IM and Killers they got extra attention, and extra leeway when it came to appreciating how good they were.

[Heavy Metal Spike]

. . . Much like, if I would have heard Iron Maiden's first album in 1980 I might not have become a fan. But after getting hooked on NOTB, going back and listening to IM and Killers they got extra attention, and extra leeway when it came to appreciating how good they were.

. . . Spike crosses Trev's name off the will . . .


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[tay666]

Oh, like DiAnno's voice is so enthralling

[Heavy Metal Spike]

Oh, like DiAnno's voice is so enthralling

Ah - but for the time - NWOBHM + crossovers between punk & metal etc. . . . he fitted in quite nicely. Of course I prefer Bruce - who wouldn't!

Some folks always crack on about how awful music today is in general, and some rock fans even whine about modern metal etc., but when you examine the general quality of acts back in the late 70's and early 80's (NWOBHM period, leading into the hair metal days in the states), bands & music nowadays are off-the-charts awesome in comparison.

Talented rock bands back then were very few-and-far-between compared to the last 10-15 years. The exceptions proved themselves by surviving.

The way the industry has changed as regards record contracts, YouTube & social media to do self-promotion, availability of equipment etc. etc. has transformed things, and it's great that we now have SO much variety to choose from.

I'll still always look back on the late 70's though early 90's with fondness, but the quality of rock/metal musicians & releases is generally (looked at as a whole) much better these days.


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[tay666]

Some folks always crack on about how awful music today is in general, and some rock fans even whine about modern metal etc., but when you examine the general quality of acts back in the late 70's and early 80's (NWOBHM period, leading into the hair metal days in the states), bands & music nowadays are off-the-charts awesome in comparison.

I can actually see both sides of this statement.
Yes, modern bands have to meet a certain standard in order to get much lasting attention these days. In that respect, the bar has been raised.
But I also vividly remember the late 70's, early 80's music scene. And a lot of those bands felt like they were amazing and had some real quality.
I think they only lost their luster when they either couldn't follow up with more great stuff, or couldn't stand out from everyone else copying what they had started doing. And I see that happening with current bands. The difference is, that the music industry machine of today won't let them die off. They keep having them headline multi-band shows to fill the seats because the actual headliner really doesn't have the draw to do it on their own anymore. They take a band like Three Days Grace that used to have great music and huge draw, now they stick them on a tour with 3 or 4 other bands and they coast on their 'classics' and fill the seats with fans of the other bands.
Because everyone's record sales are horrible now, all that matters is what name can put butts in seats for a concert tour.

Maybe my opinion is biased because that era of music had a lot of fun to it. The insane music videos. The themes of the music, and the look of the acts. It was all a crazy, fun filled ride of style over substance. Now, 40 years later, we can look back and see which bands actually had some real substance to them. Will be curious to see 40 years from now, which of the more recent acts do the same.

[Heavy Metal Spike]

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I think we're both on the same page (with apologies to Jimmy)


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