Throwback Thursday: Bad Company, by Bad Company

In 1973, out of the ashes of multiple fairly well known bands at the time came one of the most heralded names in the classic rock genre: Bad Company. Singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke of the band Free, guitarist Mick Ralphs of the band Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell of the band King Crimson came together to make a whole new band. What would seem to be a super group ended up becoming so much more over the next decade with the original line-up of the band.

Bad Company released its 1974 self titled debut album Bad Company to a vast amount of commercial success internationally. It featured radio hits that are still played to this day such as Bad Company and Can't Get Enough. Bad Company did end up going number one in the charts in North America. The sound of the over-all album has some pop elements to it, but is still very much straight bluesy rock n' roll. Both casual and hardcore listeners of the band and genre can put the album in and have one hell of a good time.

The track Bad Company is a very emotional song both lyrically and emotionally. The soft piano and vocal intro does a vast amount to build up the suspense for when the rest of the band kicks in with the chorus. The only thing I would complain about is that I think the mix should have turned up the volume of the chorus a bit to give it a bit more of an impact. Rodgers is soulfully singing his heart out telling this heart wrenching tale (of the movie of the same name that the song is based off of) and the right punch would have gotten the point across a lot better. Be that as it may, it is still a classic and a good way to spend 5 minutes rocking out.

Movin' On is one of my personal favorites from the Bad Company album. Though not as well known as the previously mentioned track, a smile always appears upon my face whenever I hear the opening chords ring out with the almost freight train like rhythm of the drum sticks on the high hat fill up the background. Movin' On is a pretty basically structured upper mid-tempo blues rocker of a tune, but the timbre of the guitar (especially in the solo) is so pleasing to the ear that I always get into the groove and start to dance along a little bit. This is one of those times where simplicity is done in the best way it can possibly be done.

Bad Company is another must have for those who collect classic rock albums. It had a huge impact during the time it came out and many of the songs on it are still covered by many bands today. Heavy metal/heavy rock band Five Finger Death Punch released a cover of the title track a few years back. It isn't anywhere near as good as the original as far as I'm concerned, but I will admit that what it does try to do it does pretty well. Bad Company has everything: bluesy soulful vocals, punching guitar, well thought out melodies, and an overall groove that will stick with you for a long time to come.

Bad Company, by Bad Company receives 4 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Can't Get Enough
2. Rock Steady
3. Are You Ready For Love
4. Don't Let Me Down
5. Bad Company
6. The Way I Choose
7. Movin' On
8. Seagull

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Company/dp/B002DNIG7G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414728181&sr=8-2&keywords=Bad+Company

Jimmy Page Explains Why Led Zeppelin Disbanded After Bonham's Death

Throughout the history of rock n' roll, many iconic bands have lost key/original members to the other side. Many bands like AC/DC and The Who have had to go through this, yet somehow to decided to carry on as a band anyway. One band that notoriously did NOT however, is Led Zeppelin.

In 1980, Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham was lost due to his problems with alcohol. When this tragedy ensued, rather than find a replacement the band decided to call it quits with Led Zeppelin. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone guitarist Jimmy Page was asked why this was. Page says:

"Led Zeppelin wasn't a corporate entity. Led Zeppelin was an affair of the heart. Each of the members was important to the sum total of what we were. I like to think that if it had been me that wasn't there, the others would have made the same decision. And what were we going to do? Create a role for somebody, say, "You have to do this, this way?" That wouldn't be honest."

While there have been short lived reunions of Led Zeppelin throughout the years, they still have stood by their decision. Page continues:

"There were attempts [at reunion] that didn't work – trying to push it together in a hurry. That's why the [2007] show had to be done with such intent – rehearsing as much as we could so Jason [Bonham's son] felt he was part of the band as opposed to a novelty. He was filling big shoes, and we needed all of that."

Of course none of this has stopped fans for asking for a reunion tour for decades despite the countless number of times various members of Led Zeppelin have said no. I can't say I blame them considering what Page has said, but it would still be one hell of an experience to be able to see them live. I envy those who saw them in their 70's heyday.

Handwritten Letter by John Lennon Sells for $28,000 at Auction

Never in a million years would John Lennon have guessed something like this would happen at the time, but a hand written letter of his on Apple stationary to US TV host Joe Franklin asking him to listen to Yoko Ono's album Fly just sold for $28,000 at auction in Boston by RR Auction.

In his letter Lennon says, “Yoko can explain her music better in person – this is a kind of introduction. She was trained as a classical musician and took music composition in Sarah Lawrence College as her major. It's far out, but don't let it frighten you."

Personally I wouldn't blame Franklin for being frightened. No one wants to listen to nails on a chalk board cat wailing. They say love is blind, but in the case of John Lennon it was clearly deaf.

Other items that sold at the auction were: Beatles stock transfer sheets from 1969 for $16,000, Stairway To Heaven sheet music autographed by Led Zeppelin for $13,000, a Fender bass owned and used by Dee Dee Ramone for $38,000, and a Crosby, Stills and Nash Daylight Again gold disc for $245.

It's amazing what some people will pay for certain things. $28,000 for a handwritten letter is astounding, even if it was written by Lennon himself. I'm as big of a Beatles fan as anyone else, but there comes a point where you have to ask yourself if anything is REALLY worth that much. Things are only worth as much as you're willing to pay for them.

Top 5 Jack Bruce Tracks

With the sad passing of former Cream front man and solo artist Jack Bruce, I figured it would only be appropriate to take some time to list off five of his most notable tracks both with and outside of Cream. He had a remarkable career, worked with a multitude of high caliber musicians, and left a legacy that will not be forgotten any time in the near future. That being said, here are five of Jack Bruce's most notable songs (in no particular order):

1. White Room - Cream

From Cream's Wheels of Fire album, this song instantly became a classic. It's intro is loud and crashing. The solos are long, creative, and psychedelic beyond anything that the world had heard up to that point in time. Most importantly of all in this case, Bruce's legendary singing voice shines through like none other. It reminds me of a good smooth drink of Scotch, to be honest. It is strong, but has a lot of character and smooth over tone.

White Room, by Cream

2. The Loner - Cozy Powell

In 1979, drummer Cozy Powell who was well known for his session work and from having worked with some notable artists up to that point (Rainbow, Jeff Beck, and many others since then) decided to do a solo album. This album became known as Over the Top. Although there was no singing whatsoever on this album, Jack Bruce was the featured bass player on all of the songs. The Loner is a sad bluesy ballad of a song, but that kind of music was right up Bruce's alley. Bruce added a kind of depth to the song that made you feel it through your chest and straight to the heart.

The Loner, by Cozy Powell

 

3. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream

Who doesn't know this song even today? The signature riff is so thick you could cut it with a knife (although the guitar tone and solos were created all by guitarist Eric Clapton). It ingrains itself into your brain forever the moment you hear it. Originally featured on Cream's album Disraeli Gears, Bruce came up with the riff one night and then spent an all night creative session with poet Pete Brown coming up with the majority of the lyrics to the song. It became Cream's only gold selling single in the United States.

Sunshine of Your Love, by Cream

 

4. Into Money - B.L.T.

In 1981, Bruce teamed up with guitarist Robin Trower and drummer Bill Lordan for a collaboration that became known as B.L.T.; like the sandwich but with each of their last names being a different part of the acronym. Much of Trower's flashy bluesy almost Hendrix-like guitar work is prominent in the album's opening song Into Money, but Bruce sings this hot upbeat track with a fiery attitude that not many other people could really ever come close to matching. Once more however, what impresses me more than anything about Bruce's performance on this song is not just his singing and his impressive bass playing but the fact that he was able to do both simultaneously. B.L.T. isn't a very well known album, but it's still worth checking out.

Into Money, by B.L.T.

 

5. I Feel Free - Cream

Another one of Cream's more well known songs, I Feel Free has a very doo-wop a-Capella intro that leads into a groove that has a vibe very signature of the time period that it came from. It comes from Cream's first album Fresh Cream. At the time it was made the band still had much of the pop sound that The Beatles had put into place, but you could already hear bits and pieces of the psychedelic direction they would take as they would progress onward in their career. Again, Bruce's deep smooth voice is very prominent and is one of the crown jewels that makes I Feel Free as good as it is.

I Feel Free, by Cream

 

Former Cream Front Man and Solo Artist Jack Bruce Passes Away at 71

It is with heavy heart that I announce that Cream front man and solo artist Jack Bruce has passed away today (October 25th) at the age of 71. A message was posted earlier in the day on Bruce's website officially announcing the tragedy:

“It is with great sadness that we, Jack’s family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, granddad, and all round legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts.”

According to the Guardian the cause of Bruce's death was liver disease.

Former Cream drummer Ginger Baker had this to say on his Facebook page:

“I am very sad to learn of the loss of a fine man, Jack Bruce… My thoughts & wishes are with his family at this difficult time.”

Former Cream band mate and world renowned blues solo artist Eric Clapton said this through his Facebook:

"It is with great sadness that we learned that Jack Bruce had passed away this morning at his home in England.

"He was agreat musician and composer, and a tremendous inspiration to me" ec"

To read what others have said on Bruce's passing, go to the link blow:

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jack-bruce-death-twitter/

In a matter of only a few years in the late 60's, Bruce and Cream managed to change the face of rock n' roll by including more technical prowess, extending the lengths of songs, and including much more improvisation (especially in solos). Many of the songs he took lead vocals on are still played on the radio today. Such songs include Sunshine of Your Love, White Room, I Feel Free, etc. After Cream, Bruce went on to do many collaborations with people like Robin Trower, Uli Jon Roth, Leslie West, Bernie Marsden, Ringo Starr, etc.

It is sad to lose such a great talent, but at least Bruce has left behind a remarkable legacy and some of the greatest rock n' roll that the world has ever heard. I grew up rocking out to Cream a lot. I've even played quite a bit for my niece and nephew who are both of a very very young age group and they both LOVE it. Bruce may be gone, but he certainly will not be forgotten any time soon.

Throwback Thursday: Demons and Wizards, by Uriah Heep

To this day hard rock band Uriah Heep is known to many as one of the "Big Four of Hard Rock" along with other 1970's hard rock/heavy metal pioneers Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath. Unlike their peers however, much more emphasis was put on the Hammond organ/keyboard rather than guitar; even more so than Deep Purple. This of course can be attributed to the fact that the primary song writer for Uriah Heep was their keyboard player Ken Hensley.

By 1972 Uriah Heep had already made three albums but still had yet to gain any real commercial success as a group. However, this changed when bassist Gary Thain joined to complete what would be considered their classic line-up of him on bass, Hensley on keys, David Byron on lead vocals, Mick Box on guitar, and Lee Kerslake on drums. Together the band recorded the Demons and Wizards album; which contains one of their most well known and still played hits Easy Livin'. Once this album was released, Uriah Heep finally began getting some real positive reviews and became more renown.

Easy Livin' was the main single for Demons and Wizards and for good reason. It is a straight up rocker that is simple and easy to follow along with. It takes the idea of a simple three chord song and makes it loud, heavy, and in your face. The musical fireworks are kept to a minimum on this track (no keyboard or guitar solos! D:), but it works to its advantage. It's a more uptempo swing rhythm with crunchy guitar chords and organ playing that accents it perfectly. Byron shines through in his own way showing just how high he could get his falsettos. It's kind of ridiculous, but I don't knock it because it takes some serious talent to do that kind of thing consistently well.

There are many songs on the album that are real gems, but Paradise/The Spell is the one that really puts the cherry on the sundae in terms of epicness as far as I'm concerned. Technically these are two songs, but they bleed into one another on the album so I count them as one. Paradise is a mostly acoustic ballad, but there are some electric guitar and Hammond organ parts as well. It's quite a relaxing song, even if the subject matter is about heartbreak.

The Spell however is where things get absolutely AMAZING. It starts off with an upbeat almost 50's style boogie but with more elements of heavy organ. Byron and Hensley both trade off lead vocals in this song because they are both playing characters locked in an epic battle for the fate of the world. Things slow down in the middle of the song, but that's when Mick Box busts out this amazing melodic slide guitar solo that is backed by what sounds like a choir doing 'ahhs' (though it's probably just Byron multi-tracking). It will send chills down your spine and make the hairs on your arms and neck stand up like no other. When the solo ends it goes right back into the boogie and the battle finishes and ends the album in the most astounding way.

Demons and Wizards is what got me into Uriah Heep in the first place. They are more of an obscure band these days unfortunately, but if you do yourself the favor of tracking down this album I assure you that you are in for one hell of a musical treat. It stands up with even the more well known classic hard rock and heavy metal that gets more public mentioning these days. There isn't a single bad track on there. Those of you who listen to lots of melodic heavy metal could learn a thing or two by putting this into your player.

Demons and Wizards, by Uriah Heep receives 5 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. The Wizard
2. Traveler in Time
3. Easy Livin'
4. Poet's Justice
5. Circle of Hands
6. Rainbow Demon
7. All My Life
8. Paradise
9. The Spell

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Wizards-Uriah-Heep/dp/B000001F43/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414125420&sr=8-1&keywords=Demons+and+Wizards+Uriah+Heep

Michael Anthony Feels He Could Sing for Van Halen

Ex-Van Halen bassist and backing vocalist Michael Anthony has recently made quite a bold statement in an interview with 107.7 The Bone. Apparently he feels that he is more than capable of singing lead for rock n' roll titans Van Halen.

Anthony says, "I don't need that kind of pressure on me. Lead singers, they're their own breed. It wasn't until the fourth or fifth Van Halen record that people would go, 'Wow! You're singing backgrounds on those records. That's not David Lee Roth.' And I go, 'Hell, no! That's not David Lee Roth.'"

Anthony continues:

"I sang Somebody Get Me A Doctor. That actually goes over quite well. But I'd sing any of them. I could sing any of that crap. I can sing it all."

I will admit, Anthony does have some legitimate vocal chops. They blend very well with almost any singer that he has ever worked with in Van Halen and more recently hard rock super group Chickenfoot. However, I personally find it a little odd to picture him taking lead; especially on Van Halen songs. To be fair, he does have more vocal skill than lead singer David Lee Roth, but his style seems more suited for backing rather than lead. Maybe he could take the post, but I would personally like to hear solid proof before I could agree with him or not.

Anthony will supposedly be doing another album with Chickenfoot some time in the near future, as revealed by guitarist Joe Satriani. However, at the moment there is no certainty as to when the group will come together to make it happen.