Rock Resolutions

It's the last day of 2007. Time for champagne and resolutions.

Not surprising, most of my resolutions revolve around this website. In 2008, I would like to:

1) Increase my interviews. I'm proud of my interviews from this past year, but I want to land some higher profile artists.

2) Increase my Rocklahoma coverage. This could be exhausting because 2007 about killed me, but I think it can be done with a little planning.

3) Expand my brand. I want the Bring Back Glam! name more widely known. I'm not 100% sure how to make that happen, but I'm sure I'll need your help.

 
4) Attend more shows and write more reviews.

5) Continue breaking news reporting. I love breaking stories, so that means constant cultivation of sources.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for reading and commenting in 2007. I also love hearing from you, either here on the site or via email. It's always great to get your opinions about music and suggestions of new music I may have overlooked. Thanks for making 2007 more successful - and fun - than I ever imagined.

Five Songs, One Life

Heather has posed me - and all of you - a challenge. She was simply sitting on my couch, suddenly turned to me, and said "If you could only listen to five songs for the rest of your life, what would they be?"

I blinked at her.

How is it possible to choose just five songs - for perpetuity? I mean, I'm only 28. I'd like to think there's a lot of music left in my life. It's also sort of like rubbing the bottle, finding a genie and getting three wishes. After world peace and ending hunger it's perfectly natural to want to choose a completely selfish wish.

Still, this challenge is a good exercise so I'll go ahead and try to choose five songs.

There's no question in my mind that one of those songs would be Aerosmith's "Nobody's Fault" from the album Rocks. I firmly believe there is no better rock album than Rocks and "Nobody's Fault" is the hidden gem of that record. The song represents Aerosmith getting a little dirty and Brad Whitford handles the lead guitar duties, which is abnormal and makes the track that much more special.

My second song choice would be "Trashed and Scattered" from Avenged Sevenfold. Featured on the massively successful City of Evil,  "Trashed and Scattered" is long and changes patterns several times, making the track interesting. I figure if I only get five songs for the rest of my life, those works better be both complex and enjoyable. Plus, I thought it important to add a modern song to my list.

For my third choice, I'll go with "McKitty's Back" by Girl. Featured on the album Wasted Youth, it's my favorite song from this British glam band. It's also, naturally, a B-side. I have an affinity for lesser known tracks I guess. In case you're wondering, "Thru the Twilight" was the single that featured "McKitty's Back" on the flip side.

Now I've only got two choices left and the pressure is mounting. For my fourth choice, I'll go with "Danger" by Motley Crue.  For some reason, it seems like I'm the only person that likes this Shout at the Devil B-side. Actually, you probably know by now it's my favorite Motley song. While "Nobody's Fault" is not my favorite song by Aerosmith, I felt it was easier to just go with my favorite Motley tune for this list. I think I find "Danger" so appealing because it's a song of street grit and really shows where Motley came from - and then rose above.

One song left. This is probably the hardest choice of them all, because there are tons of songs I can't imagine living without, including "Malaria" by L.A. Guns, "Baba O'Riley" by the Who, "Shout at the Devil" by Motley Crue and "White Lightning" by Def Leppard. Still, I've got one choice left...and I'm going to give it to "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin. Featured on the album Physical Graffiti, Robert Plant has been quoted as saying that "Kashmir" is Led Zeppelin's signature song. It's been my favorite Led Zeppelin song since I was about 14 and started listening to classic rock radio. Actually, I still get excited when it comes on the radio. Above all else, it's both complex and inventive and doesn't sound dated.

So, now it's on you. What five songs would you choose? Remember, this is for the rest of your life, so choose wisely. Good luck.

New Feature

A lot of you have been asking for a message board or chat room. To left of this entry in the "Navigation" section, I've added a message board. It's nothing fancy...but it's a good stop gap until I can design something else.

Feel free to post new topics about the music you love!

No Easy Way Out

So it's late and I'm stumbling around YouTube, looking for some good glam. What do I find? Roxx Gang.

Formed in the mid-80s, Roxx Gang just oozed sleaze appeal - and their songs sounded good, too.

Originally released in 1988, the band's debut Things You've Never Done Before features some really cool songs. I don't own this album, but I'm pleasantly surprised to find it easily available on Amazon. This means it will be mine soon enough!

Roxx Gang released several albums before breaking-up in the early 1990s. It's a shame the band was so overlooked...maybe if they'd hit the scene a little sooner, they'd still be together today.

By the way, Roxx Gang founder Kevin Steele is still active in the music scene. These days, he takes care of lead vocal duties in Mojo Gurus. You can visit them at Mojo Gurus on Myspace.

Back to Roxx Gang. Here's the video for "No Easy Way Out." It's a cross between Warrant and INXS. Somehow, it works.

So, do you think Roxx Gang are vastly underrated or achieved a level of success due their musical ability?

Bring Back Glam! Top 15 Albums of 2007

It's the end of the year, and that inevitably means "best of" lists. Today, here's my vote for the 15 best albums of the past 12 months. Not every album is glam, so don't panic. After all, variety is the spice of life!

15. Soul Doctor – Blood Runs Cold
A German band you've probably never heard of until now. Think Led Zeppelin meets Cheap Trick. Visit them at Soul Doctor on Myspace

14. Richie Kotzen – Return of the Mother Head's Family Reunion
Kotzen can shred and he spent, like, 15 minutes in Poison when C.C. DeVille was getting really high. This album is very mature, signaling a career switch for Kotzen. Watch for my review soon on Metal Express Radio. Richie Kotzen on Myspace

13. Ozzy Osbourne – Black Rain
Um...if you haven't heard this album, I guess you've been living under a rock. One of Ozzy's best, in my opinion. Ozzy on Myspace

12. Shaw/Blades – Influence
Amazing harmonies and great musicianship make this duo a personal favorite. Shaw/Blades on Myspace

11. Gypsy Pistoleros – Wild, Beautiful, Damned
The best flamenco glam band of all time! Seriously, as many times as I mention these guys, I should be on their payroll. Gypsy Pistoleros on Myspace

10. Sebastian Bach – Angel Down
This is one of the most hyped rock albums of the year - and for good reason: Bas can still sing! The only caveat: skip "Back in the Saddle." Aerosmith's version is already perfect, and no one is going to improve upon the classic. Sebastian Bach on Myspace

09. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Raising Sand
One of the most beautiful albums I've heard in years. Alison Krauss has an amazing voice and Robert Plant is a legend. Surprisingly great chemistry makes this a must-own release. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss on Myspace

08. Crashdiet – The Unatractive Revolution
I was the first person to bring you both the track listing and cover art for this album. Member - and life - changes also lead to a more mature sound for this Swedish sleaze band. Band members were smart enough to ask for help when needed, and Mick Mars of Motley Crue obliged. The result is a top notch sleaze release. Crashdiet on Myspace

07. Empyrios - …And the Rest Is Silence
Italians know Metal, too! A mix between Queensryche and Symphony X, this band should be headlining stadiums - not wasting time in obscurity. Check them out at Empyrios on Myspace

06. EndeverafteR – Kiss or Kill
I reviewed this album yesterday, so it's pretty easy for you to read my expanded thoughts on this one. 2008 could be a huge year for EndeverafteR. I hope they hit it big. Endeverafter on Myspace

05. Dirty Penny – Take It Sleezy
I first learned of Dirty Penny through the Rocklahoma forum and then saw the band live at the massive glam fest. The songs on Take It Sleezy are upbeat and fun, just like the guys who recorded them. For the life of me, I can't figure out why this band hasn't been picked up by a major label yet. At least time is on their side. Dirty Penny on Myspace

04. Hanoi Rocks – Street Poetry
You can debate all day whether or not Hanoi Rocks is glam, but one thing is for certain: Street Poetry is a damn strong release. There's no melancholy here: just straight up rock n' roll. Michael Monroe's voice hasn't sounded this strong in years. Check it out at Hanoi Rocks on Myspace

03. Crazy Lixx – Loud Minority
There must be something in the water in Sweden, because that country knows how to grow musical talent. If you like glam, you'll love Loud Minority. Crazy Lixx serve up big choruses...and even bigger hair. Thank goodness someone still gets it. Crazy Lixx on Myspace

02. SIXX: AM – The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack
Nikki Sixx is no dummy, and that's the understatement of my life. Who knew that you could die of a heroin overdose...live to tell the story...then make a killing off a book and album deal? In all seriousness, The Heroin Diaries is beautifully dark and the lyrics pure genius. Sixx's best work since recordingDr. Feelgood with his Motley Crue brothers. If we're lucky, we'll hear more from SIXX: AM in the future. SIXX AM on Myspace

01. Avenged Sevenfold – Avenged Sevenfold
The band Metal fans love to hate. Either I didn't get the memo or I just don't care what others think because I love Avenged Sevenfold and their self-titled release is easily the strongest of all their albums. Haters be damned! Avenged Sevenfold on Myspace

Several other websites are also doing this topic today. Check out lists at:
Hair Metal Mansion

Hard Rock Hideout

Heavy Metal Addiction

Heavy Metal Time Machine

Imagine Echoes

Layla's Classic Rock Faves

The Metal Minute

Raise Your Fists

Rock of Ages

Rock and Roll and Meandering Nonsense

I can hardly wait for your comments on this one. Bring it on!

Kiss or Kill

My glam goodness, EndeverafteR sure is good. Their debut effort Kiss or Kill (Razor & Tie) is easily one of the best glam releases of the past five years. This band has it all: big songs, big guitar solos, and big attitudes.

The track listing for Kiss or Kill looks like this:

I Wanna Be Your Man
Baby Baby Baby
Gotta Get Out
Poison
Next Best Thing
Tip Of My Tongue
Road To Destruction
All Night
Slave
From the Ashes Of Sin
Long Way Home

In addition to the fast rockers like “Tip of My Tongue” and “Baby Baby Baby” the album features some slower tunes, such as “Long Way Home,” and “Next Best Thing.” It is on these slower songs that Michael Grant’s voice really shines. When I spoke with Grant on the phone a few days ago (that interview is forthcoming to Bring Back Glam!) he told me he is principal songwriter for the band. I’ll go ahead and assume Grant had his heart broken a few times in the not so distant past. “Next Best Thing” is probably the best song you’ve never heard; an eloquent rock ballad and appropriate for pop radio, too.

A few months ago, I posted the video for “Baby Baby Baby.” A lot of you were excited then, and you should still be excited now. If life was fair, EndeverafteR would be more famous than Nickelback. We all know the world isn’t fair, but EndeverafteR sure have the chops and songs like “All Night” and “Slave” are proof.

My favorite song on Kiss or Kill is "Poison." It’s a little heavier than the other tunes, and features a faster tempo and some nice drum parts and intricate guitar work. Since I love fast guitars, it’s not surprising this is my choice cut. Use some of your holiday money and buy Kiss or Kill. You know you want to.

Oh yes: EndeverafteR is now on board for the Motley Cruise. I’ll be sure to post a concert review from one of the performances!

Endeverafter on Myspace

My Love Affair with Danger Danger

I love Danger Danger and I really hope they land on the bill for Rocklahoma 2008. If you're reading this website, chances are good that you also love the underrated band.

If VH1's Metal Mania didn't suck so bad, I'm sure we'd see more Danger Danger in the rotation. Instead, we get the same videos every weekend, which are usually Whitesnake "Is This Love?" and Dio, "Rainbow in the Dark." Both are great songs...but some variety would be very nice.

Like nearly every glam band, Danger Danger went through some line-up changes from the very beginning to after achieving more than moderate success. Even after the band tried to oust singer Ted Poley in the mid-nineties, there was no denying that he always will be the unmistakable voice of Danger Danger.

Danger Danger's self-titled debut hit store shelves in 1989, and featured the songs "Naughty Naughty," "Bang Bang" and "Don't Walk Away." While Danger Danger's calling card became "Naughty Naughty," I firmly believe "Bang Bang" is a stronger single.

Want controversy? I'll say right here that "Don't Walk Away" is likely the single best power ballad of the entire genre.

You don't have to take my word for that, though. There's an acoustic version of the song on YouTube, and it's posted below. Watch it, listen to it, love it.

All this talk of Danger Danger makes me want to interview the band, so I guess I'll add that to my list of chores for the coming days. I've always thought drummer Steve West to be particularly cute...except for the patch of hair he kept over his eyes. I'm sure he doesn't do that anymore.

Here's "Bang Bang." I love the bass part and I'd like to learn this song. Trouble is, no one seems to have the Danger Danger tab book.

So, I've put my thoughts out there. What do you think of Danger Danger?