Articles Observations and Musings 

AC/DC: The Night Stalker Murders

There is nothing evil about AC/DC. Despite titles like “Highway to Hell” and “Hell’s Bells,” the satanic themes of 80’s metal are largely absent from AC/DC songs. Regardless, the band incurred media wrath after a satanic serial killer was tenuously linked to the band. From the summer of 1984 until his capture in August 1985, Richard Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles. The sheer brutality of his assaults left residents terrified. As the murders grew in frequency, news outlets nicknamed the assailant “Night Stalker.” In March of 1985, investigators got a significant…

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Album Art Exploration Articles Observations and Musings 

AC/DC: The Australian Albums

AC/DC released several albums in their home country before breaking worldwide. These Australian pressings contain different art and exclusive music. For American and European fans, the Australian records provide a fascinating glimpse into the early years of AC/DC. HIGH VOLTAGE AC/DC released their debut album on February 17, 1975. The original High Voltage was released in Australia only and bears little resemblance to the international version. Legions of fans accustomed to seeing Angus grace High Voltage immediately notice the different artwork. The true shocker is the track list. “She’s Got Balls”…

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Articles Observations and Musings 

AC/DC: The Dave Evans Era

AC/DC had a revolving door of musicians before finding the right line-up. Although Bon Scott is often cited as the original singer, he wasn’t the first vocalist to front the iconic Aussie band. That distinction belongs to Dave Evans. In 1974, AC/DC entered EMI recording studio to record a single for the Albert Productions record label. With Evans behind the microphone, the band recorded an early version of “Can I Sit Next To You, Girl.” To fuel sales of the 7-inch record, a promotional video was filmed. The line-up was…

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Articles Observations and Musings 

Black Sabbath: The Dave Walker Era

Black Sabbath was a mess in 1977. Drug and alcohol abuse were rampant. The band was mired in financial and legal troubles. Ozzy Osbourne’s father passed away. At the conclusion of the Technical Ecstasy tour, Ozzy did the unthinkable and quit Black Sabbath. Determined to carry on, Sabbath brought in vocalist Dave Walker. Best known for brief tenures in Savoy Brown and Fleetwood Mac, Walker immediately began writing new material. The new union was not meant to be. Three months after his exit, Ozzy returned to Black Sabbath. Walker was…

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Album Reviews Articles 

Neil Young – ‘Roxy: Tonight’s the Night Live’ Review

Tonight’s the Night has a funny place in Neil Young’s discography. Despite being recorded directly after Harvest, the album was not released until 1975. Although Time Fades Away and On the Beach followed Harvest, Tonight’s the Night is the true successor to Young’s highest charting album. Tonight’s the Night was Neil Young’s artistic response to the deaths of roadie Bruce Berry and Crazy Horse guitarist Danny Whitten. The art, music, and lyrics are collectively dark; creating a morose aesthetic that alienated fans seeking the country vibe of Harvest. With a…

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Album Reviews Articles 

Metallica – The $5.98 EP: Garage Days Re-Revisited Review

Garage Days has FINALLY been reissued. Although the music is available on Garage Inc., the original EP had been out of print since 1989. Now, the artwork and track list have been restored. Furthermore, the songs have been remastered. Metallica have been truly exhaustive in their ongoing reissue campaign. Unlike the first three albums, the band opted not to release deluxe editions with bonus material. Instead, the focus is on recreating the listening experience of 1987. To meet this end, Metallica did not disappoint! Garage Days Re-Revisited is available in…

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Album Reviews Articles Observations and Musings 

Dee Dee King: The Ramones Rapper

Dee Dee Ramone is a punk icon. No mere bass player, Dee Dee was a creative driving force behind the Ramones. He penned many of the band’s most beloved songs and his consistent shout of “1-2-3-4” broke up the frantic pace of Ramones gigs. Drug use eventually landed the embattled musician in rehab. During his stay, fellow patients exposed Dee Dee to rap music. That musical discovery inspired a creative project that confused just about everyone. In 1987, Dee Dee launched a rap career. Reborn Dee Dee King, the bass…

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Album Reviews Articles 

Judas Priest: Firepower Review

Firepower marks the 18th studio album from the legendary Judas Priest. It’s official. The Priest is back! Firepower’s album cover harkens back to their 80’s glory days. It’s hard not to think of Screaming for Vengeance when glancing at the artwork. Obscured in a sea of flames, Firepower portrays an airborne beast of steel much like the Hellion. The color scheme of red and yellow only enhances similarities to the iconic record sleeve. This new metal monster is no nameless entity. Much like Screaming For Vengeance, Defenders of the Faith,…

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Album Art Exploration Articles 

Jimi Hendrix Experience – The Banned ‘Electric Ladyland’ Cover

Rock and roll has a long history of controversial album covers. These abominations are often conceived by record labels and forced upon musicians. One famous example of art gone wrong is the British pressing of Electric Ladyland. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was signed to Track Records in the UK. Attempting to build a buzz through controversy, the label photographed nineteen naked women and spread the photo across the outer gatefold. The band was not consulted and Electric Ladyland was shipped to retailers with the nude photograph. A handful of shops…

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Articles Top Ten Lists 

Songs With Sequels

PIGS ON THE WING Pink Floyd’s 1977 concept album is a largely dark affair. “Pigs on the Wing (Part One)” offsets the ominous mood that quickly overtakes Animals with a gentle acoustic guitar. “Pigs on the Wing (Part Two)” is nearly identical to the first version. A praise of domesticity, companionship offers reprieve from a cruel world. Serving as cheerful bookends to a grim album, both versions are essential to the overall vibe of Animals. MY MY, HEY HEY (OUT OF THE BLUE)/HEY HEY, MY MY (OUT OF THE BLACK)…

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