Velvet Revolver Still Looking For Right Singer

After over six years of inactivity hard rock band Velvet Revolver are apparently STILL trying to find the right singer to replace original vocalist Scott Weiland. To be fair, many of the members have kept themselves busy with other projects over the years, but still. That's a long time to take to find someone. Anyway, lead guitarist Slash recently weighed in on the subject in an interview with Radio.com

“A lot of people are asking questions, and it’s been very active under the radar. I mean, nothing has happened with it as far as getting a new singer, so there’s nothing to talk about. But there is activity going on, and there’s people that we’ve been checking out. At some point the right guy’s gonna walk in the door, and at that point, then we’ll look into making another Velvet record. We started working with Scott for that period and we made some cool music, but it was just a really, really hard thing to keep together, that exact lineup. When you’re cutting off your nose to spite your face, there’s a point there where it’s, like, ‘You’ve gotta either get it together or we’re not gonna suffer through this.’"

 It's a shame that Weiland can't get his crap together enough because the original line-up of Velvet Revolver was really something else. However, if the guys can finally decide on a singer I'm sure whatever album they put out after that will be awesome. I just can't believe that it has taken this long, though. They certainly have their pick of anyone out there, though maybe that is the problem.

You can watch the video interview with Slash below:

Throwback Thursday: The Blizzard of Ozz, by Ozzy Osbourne

In 1979 heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne faced one of the worst moments of his life: Being fired from heavy metal pioneer band Black Sabbath due to his abuse of drugs and alcohol and the disastrous events that came as a result of them. For months afterward, Osbourne locked himself in a hotel room and did nothing but drink, do drugs, and order room service until his soon to be wife Sharon made him clean up his act enough to put a brand new band together. That is when Osbourne discovered one of the greatest neo-classical metal guitarists to ever live: Randy Rhoads.

Together in 1980 Rhoads and Osbourne with the help of bassist Bob Daisley's song writing abilities would create an album that would not only bring Osbourne back from the dead career-wise but would blast him into superstardom and even surpass his old band by a long shot. This album is called The Blizzard of Ozz. It contains many of Osbourne's most notable solo songs that are metal anthems even to this day such as I Don't Know, Crazy Train, and Mr. Crowley. The Blizzard of Ozz is astoundingly different from anything by Black Sabbath. Rhoads was far more speed and melody oriented when it came to guitar technique. However, the music was every bit as heavy.

Crazy Train. You can't go a day listening to classic rock radio without hearing this anthem once. This song is the definition of a headbanging tune. It has a signature riff that while extremely simple to play will get itself ingrained into your head for years to come. Every metal guitarist learns it almost right away. The guitar solo is also one that many guitarists learn early on because of how memorable it is. It does include a lot of techniques that many still try to emulate to this day. Naturally Crazy Train is still a staple in Osbourne's live performances.

One of the lesser known tunes on The Blizzard of Ozz that I particularly enjoy is Revelation (Mother Earth). It's more of a ballad type song about an eco-warrior. Osbourne puts a lot of emotion into every last lyric he sings in this song. Toward the end however, it gets heavier and then picks up the pace. When that happens, Rhoads's fingers absolutely FLY across the fretboard. His solo is melodic, speedy, and jaw dropping astounding. It's a shame that you don't hear it much on the radio or in Osbourne's current live sets. However, I guess it would be hard for any guitarist to tackle such a song.

It's a shame that after The Blizzard of Ozz Rhoads only did one more album with Osbourne before he died in a plane crash in 1982. Putting the two of them together is one of the single greatest things the god of rock ever did for us mortals. There is not a single bad track on this album. Even the songs that may seem like fillers kick serious ass. Any student of heavy metal can learn a lot by picking up The Blizzard of Ozz to put on their turntable, CD player, or mp3 playlist. It's worth every penny (even though Ozzy probably doesn't need any more money).

Track List:

1. I Don't Know
2. Crazy Train
3. Goodbye to Romance
4. Dee
5. Suicide Solution
6. Mr. Crowley
7. No Bone Movies
8. Revelation (Mother Earth)
9. Steal Away (The Night)

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Blizzard-Of-Ozz-Expanded-Edition/dp/B004DL5K2K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412915290&sr=8-1&keywords=Blizzard+of+Ozz

Album Review: Modern Vintage, by Sixx: A.M.

The musical wizards of Sixx: A.M. have done it once again. The super group composed of guitarist D.J. Ashba from Guns N' Roses, singer/producer/song writer James Michael (who has written songs for many notable artists such as Meatloaf), and Motley Crue bassist and song writer Nikki Sixx have pooled their talents to put together another album of profoundly written hard rocking music titled Modern Vintage which was released today (October 7). The title is representative of the sound the band was going for on this particular album, which was they style of classic rock they all grew up on while adding their own modern edge to it.

Sixx: A.M. came together back in 2006 when Nikki Sixx decided to put together a side project. The band's first release The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack came out in 2007 and was meant to act as a musical companion to Sixx's book of the same name which was comprised of diary entries he wrote during the height of his heroin addiction in 1987. The single Life is Beautiful instantly became widespread and popular amongst the general public. Since then Sixx: A.M. has released one other full album, This is Gonna Hurt in 2011 which was more along the lines of straight heavy rock/metal.

Modern Vintage has a surprising number of notable songs from it. I personally have been a fan of everything Sixx: A.M. has done but that didn't make me any less surprised at how good this new album actually is. Unfortunately I can only go through so many because otherwise this review would just go on forever...

The first notable one is the debut single Gotta Get It Right. For a three chord song it kicks some SERIOUS ass. There is no lack of power behind it. Plus, the mid-tempo swing of the rhythm makes it even more easy to connect to and have a good time rocking out. Michael's singing shines through brilliantly because he gets to showcase a lot of his vocal talent. He can go from straight up singing to some of the nicest falsettos you have ever heard. However, the only minor thing I would change about this song is to bring up the guitar more in the mix; especially in the chorus. It would be unbelievable that way.

DJ Ashba on the other hand really shines through on the opening track Stars. The riffs themselves are simple enough, but his rhythmic use of the crybaby pedal during the verses is absolutely delicious. It sounds cool and at the same time accentuates the singing and lyrical message Michael is trying to get across. Stars REALLY kicks into overdrive however when it comes to the solo. Ashba does NOT hold back. He shows exactly what he is made of with not only blazing fast guitar licks, but with memorable melodic sections as well. In fact, I recall hearing one or two parts of this solo in some of his live work with Guns N' Roses. That being said, Stars is absolutely killer and is some of the best few minutes you will EVER spend rocking out.

Ok, I will go through ONE more track because I like this album so much. Before It's Over. Just when you thought you had Sixx: A.M. figured out and knew exactly what to expect from them, they pull a total 180 and make your jaw hit the floor with this little ditty. It is a very exuberant tune that is extremely reminiscent of the song Seaside Rendezvous from Queen's A Night at the Opera album. While the tune has a similar vibe to Queen, it is still original and creative in its own right. I definitely don't feel held back from dancing around to it in my truck. It is a very positive note to end Modern Vintage on and I can't praise them enough for this lovely surprise.

As I said earlier, there are definitely more songs I could go into detail about from Modern Vintage, but then you would be here all night and we obviously wouldn't want that.... Or would we? Anyway, this album is a MUST have for rock n' rollers of all generations. I can guarantee you that you will find at the very least one track on it that you like. It is definitely a different musical direction for Sixx: A.M., but the meaningful and poetic lyrical style and raw passion of the music itself is very distinct of the band. I honestly feel that this may be their best release yet.

Modern Vintage, by Sixx: A.M. receives 5 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Stars
2. Gotta Get It Right
3. Relief
4. Get Ya Some
5. Let's Go
6. Drive
7. Give Me a Love
8. Hyperventilate
9. High on the Music
10. Miracle
11. Before It's Over

Buy the album on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Vintage-Sixx-Am/dp/B00MK1RDI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412739646&sr=8-1&keywords=Modern+Vintage

Slash Speaks Out on What He Admires About Axl Rose

It's no secret that during the past two decades there has been much attention drawn to the ongoing feud between former Guns N' Roses band mates Slash and Axl Rose. Mentioning the two names in the same sentence any more seems to carry quite a negative connotation.

However, there wasn't always this bad blood between the two of them. In fact, for many years Slash and Axl were both best friends and forged one of the greatest rock n' roll entities that ever existed. Slash himself seems not to have forgotten this despite all the more negative things mentioned in interviews with him over the years.

In a video interview with Loudwire the cat in the hat rattled off some of the more positive things about his former brother in arms, praising him as a front man, a singer, a song writer, and person in general.

Perhaps there is still hope at the very least for Axl and Slash to mend their friendship if not working together musically ever again. Given their profound history with one another it would be a shame for such a feud to continue into old age.

The video of the interview can be watched below:

B.B. King Falls Ill During Performance, Forced to Cancel Shows

It would seem that 89 year old king of the blues B.B. King has unfortunately fallen ill recently and is unfortunately being forced to cancel eight upcoming shows.

The following statement was given from King's official website:

“Mr. King fell ill (Friday, October 3) during his performance at the House of Blues in Chicago. He was immediately evaluated by a doctor and diagnosed with dehydration and suffering from exhaustion, whereby causing the eight remaining shows of his current tour to be cancelled.”

This is not the first time that King has become ill during a performance. Due to a health scare back in April during a performance in St. Louis he became quite erratic where he didn't play a single song for 45 minutes. He later had to give a public apology in order to smooth things over.

Unfortunately there is no other information on King's current health status, though hopefully he is back on his feet playing the blues better than ever soon. It would be an absolute shame to lose such a talent that helped give shape to blues and rock music as we know it today.

“Mr. King fell ill (Friday, October 3) during his performance at the House of Blues in Chicago,” according to a statement posted on King’s official website. “He was immediately evaluated by a doctor and diagnosed with dehydration and suffering from exhaustion, whereby causing the eight remaining shows of his current tour to be cancelled.”

Read More: B.B. King Cancels Remaining 2014 Shows Because of Illness | http://ultimateclassicrock.com/b-b-king-illness/?trackback=tsmclip

AC/DC's Brian Johnson Opens Up About Band's First Sessions Without Founding Member Malcolm Young

Within the past week rumors of AC/DC founding member rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young having to retire due to dementia were sadly confirmed by members of his family. That being said, for AC/DC's upcoming album (titled Rock or Bust, which will be released December 2nd) there was a big emotional change with the replacement of Malcolm and lead guitarist Angus Young's nephew Steven Young according to vocalist Brian Johnson.

In a recent interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Johnson said:

“We missed Malcolm, obviously. Stevie was magnificent in his stead, but when you’re recording with this thing hanging over you, and your work mate isn’t well, it’s difficult. I’m sure he was rooting for us the whole time we were over in Canada.”

According to Johnson, the track Man Down from the upcoming album will act as a tribute to Malcolm. “It’s from the heart. That’s just the way I am. Some of the guys thought it might be a bit negative — but I like that title.”, says Johnson.

Rock or Bust will be AC/DC's first release of new material since 2008's Black Ice album. It is a sad shame that this tragedy has befallen the band and the Young family overall. As a young teenager it was Malcolm Young's riffs that got me amped and totally psyched to listen to and learn to play rock n' roll. I'm sure the boys in AC/DC have done the absolute best they can to pay tribute to their ailing brother. I know I'll definitely be buying a copy of the new album when it comes out.

Throwback Thursday: Phenomenon, by UFO

In 1974, British hard rock band UFO had a new member added to its line-up: at the time young German guitarist Michael Schenker. With Schenker in the UFO's ranks, the band's most iconic classic line-up would be complete and in May of 1974 would release the album Phenomenon; which has the band's best known tune Doctor Doctor amongst other tunes well known in the classic hard rock/heavy metal community.

Where UFO's sound had been primarily bluesy space rock before, the addition of Schenker gave the band a more hard rock vibe to its sound especially in songs like: Doctor Doctor and Rock Bottom. However, there are a few songs on Phenomenon that still have very much an outer space kind of overtone to them such as: Space Child and Crystal Light. Interestingly enough however, there are quite a few tunes on the album that are not as much hard rock as you would expect. There are quite a few surprises.

Doctor Doctor is one tune that has been covered to death by countless heavy metal bands, including Iron Maiden in the late 90's. The build up at the start of the tune lets you know right away that something absolutely amazing is about to happen. When it breaks into the dual harmonized guitar riff that defines the song, the listener is NOT let down. Doctor Doctor is an upper mid-tempo swing rhythm but still has some real balls to it. Surprisingly there is no guitar solo, but with the main riff being what it is, it really doesn't need it.

Space Child on the other hand is far more laid back, but you get to hear more of Schenker's melodic soloing ability near the end. It is a bit of a forlorn sounding ballad but in a way makes you really feel like you're just aimlessly floating through outer space. Besides Schenker's soloing the focus of the song seems to be more on vocalist Phil Mogg's singing as well as what he is singing about. If you're in a bit of a down mood this song will absolutely hit the spot by empathizing with what you feel and then make you feel free at the same time as you listen to Schenker talk to you with his guitar.

To be fair, the other members of UFO had every bit as much of a part of Phenomenon as Michael Schenker did, but it was really the addition of him that made them everything that they could possibly be and more. Schenker shows off his wide range of capabilities with soft melodic instrumentals like Lipstick Traces to upbeat heavy metal rockers like Rock Bottom to blues infused tunes like Built For Comfort. Phenomenon really does have a lot of variety in it. It's worth the money to add it to your 70's rock or heavy metal collection.

Phenomenon, by UFO receives 4 out 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Too Young to Know
2. Crystal Light
3. Doctor Doctor
4. Space Child
5. Rock Bottom
6. Oh My
7. Time On My Hands
8. Built For Comfort
9. Lipstick Traces
10. Queen of the Deep

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Phenomenon-2008-Expanded-Version-UFO/dp/B000TNF7OC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1412312249&sr=1-1&keywords=ufo+phenomenon