Happy Halloween! Elvira is Calling

Remember Elvira? You know, the Mistress of the Dark? Played by Cassandra Peterson, I also sort of associated the Elvira character as being pretty Metal. I have no idea if this is a fair assessment or not, but she sure is a good topic for this Halloween Saturday. The following are some pretty cool Elvira clips. Have a great Halloween!

Why Every Band Needs Their Own 'November Rain'

I listen to music when I work. I’ve done this for as long as I can remember, from high school, through college then at my “real jobs.”

My most recent real job is ending soon – at the end of next month and I couldn’t be happier. Finally, after years and years of trudging through work that meant nothing to me, I’m turning the tables and doing what I want with my life. Yes, I’m about to become a full-time writer. It’s what I should have been doing all along, but an expensive wedding, buying a home, needing a car and paying for school all sort of got in the way. No more. In 27 days, I’ll be a 100% full time writer, working on my own schedule, writing about music as much as I want. I’ll also be penning a book, which sort of leads me back off this circuitous path and to today’s topic at hand.

While working on corporate webcast slideware, I popped on some classic Guns n’ Roses and pretended I was somewhere else. As I clicked through the Illusion records, a thought crossed my mind: “Does every band strive for a ‘November Rain’ song, and will I basically be doing the same thing during my writing career?” I think the answer is an unequivocal "yes."

I’m sure a lot of you can name every GnR song ever recorded. The thing is, you and me, we’re different. We’re the metal music elite – we can talk with much educated authority about any 80s band you throw at us. It’s like a quirky parlor game. Trot us out to your friends! Step right up, try to stump us, one and all! Of course, for the masses, a lot of people only know “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain.” The latter being the more grand and complicated of the GnR canon. Of course, every band wants (needs?) a “November Rain.” Every band wants (needs?) something great in their catalog.

As you well know, “November Rain” is one of GnR’s oldest songs. Axl Rose worked on the thing for years and years, trying to get it just right. It was only after success came knocking that the band had enough money to make Axl’s vision a reality. But isn’t that the point? Guns really struggled. They were honestly broke and tried to get signed. They worked hard at getting gigs and writing songs and Axl knew he had something – he just had to invest the time to eventually create “November Rain.”

Bands these days want a “November Rain” song without actually working for it. Some are just as happy to hire an outside writer to create their grand opus. Others try to create a signature song that may well be even better than “November Rain” but no one will ever hear it because 1) the band is dropped from their label within six months or 2) the song never receives radio or video play. You can’t really create “November Rain” through having a song featured on Guitar Hero. Magic just doesn’t work that way.

So, I’m waiting for the next “November Rain” while eagerly trying to plot out my own little writing masterpiece. Thing is, I get what Axl and company did: they worked toward their goal and it took time. I guess I’m lucky to have the time. I hope the next great rock band has the time, too. 

Halloween is Coming...Top 5 Alice Cooper Videos

Halloween is my favorite holiday. If I wasn't broke, I'd be spending money on an awesome costume and party. Since I'm being "fiscally responsible," I'm cutting out meaningless spending, thus no new costume. I may dress-up to pass out treats - it all depends on how warm it is on Saturday night. If you're planning on dressing up, do tell me your costume in the comments section. I always love when people think of really creative ideas.

There's no better time than Halloween to discuss Alice Cooper. Of course this means another top 5 video countdown. So, here they are: my choices for Alice's best clips, live or otherwise.

"Along Came a Spider"

"I Love the Dead"

"No More Mr. Nice Guy"

"Poison (Live)"

"Welcome to My Nightmare"

So, what do you think of the list? I would have used the real "Poison" video but Sony has it blocked so I went with the pretty awesome live clip. Do you have changes or suggestions? Let me know.

Thanks to One Picture - Glam Back?

I'm grateful for even getting an update posted today. My host is having a slew of problems and every time I tried to post, I was met with a massive page error. So, this isn't the original article I had planned, but still one of my favorite subjects nonetheless.

Entertainment Weekly says "glam is back" thanks to Adam Lambert. If you're not a loyal Glambert, let me catch you up. Mr. Lambert revealed the cover of For Your Entertainment a few hours ago. I get that the whole thing is an homage to David Bowie, but I don't really care for the cover. Not that it matters. The only thing that matters is the music - and no one knows what the album sounds like yet. Apparently the first single will be released Monday, and then maybe we'll know.

So, I'll ask the original question again: is Glam back, thanks to this album cover? Tell me "yes" or "no" in the comments section.

Hardline Made Some Good Tunes

I'm driving along, swerving orange barrels and trying to avoid stupid drivers when Hardline comes on my satellite radio. Yes, "Hot Cherie!" This made me smile. Hardline is a great band - and completely underrated. Perhaps most important, guitarist Neal Schon was an original member of Hardline, heavily contributing to the band's sound. It's no wonder Hardline is compared to Journey - Schon's playing is pretty recognizable.

Hardline hasn't released many albums, but the band did manage a new effort earlier this year. I haven't heard it and there are not many reviews online. The new album is called Leaving the End Open and is available via Frontiers. If you've heard it, leave your opinions in the comments.

Like many late bloomers to the glam scene, Hardline has changed members a bunch of times. I've never seen the band live - but I bet a lot of you have at one time or another.

Here's "Hot Cherie."

Why Does Axl Rose Seemingly Hate America Now?

So a few days ago, Guns n' Roses (or Axl Rose and friends if you prefer) announced they would finally tour behind Chinese Democracy. Awesome - except the tour is only taking place in Canada.

In the not so distant past, GnR has toured many other countries of the world...but never America.

Why?

Is this some sort of odd slap in the face to Axl's many American fans? Is Axl afraid of the American media and worries that journalists will start asking some serious questions he may not want to answer? Most likely, Axl is worried that he won't be able to sell-out American venues anymore and I suspect his fragile ego couldn't handle that.

But still. No American dates and 13 Canadian stops? I'm sure a couple strategically placed and well-promoter GnR shows would do quite well in America. A date in Los Angeles and New York City for sure. Maybe even Chicago and New Orleans. Something. Anything.

Rolling Stone is referring to the Canadian run as a "world tour" which would indicate more dates in many more places, but I don't see that happening. I'd go and see the band even if it's just Axl and DJ Ashba and some other people.

Live Nation is producing the tour. We all know that production company is massive and owns venues all over - so if Axl is game, he could ride this pony from Cincinnati to Abu Dhabi. I just don't think he cares anymore.

Here's the Canadian tour dates:

 1/13 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
 1/16 - Calgary, AB @ Pengrowth Saddledome
1/17 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
1/19 - Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre
1/20 - Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre
1/24 - Hamilton, ON @ Copps Coliseum
1/25 - London, ON @ John Labatt Centre
1/27 - Montreal, PQ @ Bell Centre
1/28 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
1/31 - Ottawa, ON @ Scotiabank Place
2/1 - Quebec City, PQ @ Colisee Pepsi
2/3 - Moncton, NB @ Moncton Coliseum
2/4 - Halifax, NS @ Metro Centre

"Street of Dreams" (Live) from Chinese Democracy

Now I'm Obsessed with Bon Jovi; Top 5 Videos

Bon Jovi announced a world tour a few days ago and since that time I've sort of been obsessed with the New Jersey band. By obsessed, I don't mean that I've only been listening to Jovi tunes the past few days, because I haven't any more than usual. I've just been fixated on planning a way to see one of the concerts.

Remember a long time ago when we talked about bands our "master lists?" Bon Jovi is on my list. There are not a whole lot of bands I haven't seen live at this point: Bon Jovi, the Rolling Stones and Iron Maiden are basically the big ones. It's highly likely all three of those acts will hit the road in 2010, so I've got a good shot at seeing them. Of course, Bon Jovi isn't coming to Ohio, which sort of sucks. I'm now totally trying to plan an entire getaway around the Jovi show in Chicago...set for July 30. Yes, I'm seriously planning a concert weekend getaway that won't happen for nine months. Seriously. My closest friends get it, and quite frankly they expect such Type-A behavior from me at this point.

Here's what I like to do: plan which destination I prefer, select a hotel, check airfare, select other activities...then present the entire plan to my husband and others. The way I see it, I've done all the vacation research in advance and everyone else just has to buy in to my diabolical schemes.

This Bon Jovi scenario stresses me out because I'm worried all the show tickets will be sold by the time I get it together. For all my panicking, I'm sure it will all work out. I just refuse to pay a scalper, a massive overcharge on eBay or join the damn official fan club to get a good seat.

With all that said, here's my choice for the Top 5 Bon Jovi videos:

"Livin' On a Prayer"

Bon Jovi - Livin on a Prayer

Alan | MySpace Video

"Bad Medicine:"

Bon Jovi - Bad Medicine

Stephen | MySpace Video

"Lay Your Hands on Me:"

Bon Jovi - Lay Your Hands On Me

Fiddler | MySpace Video

Ok, this next one is a Jon Bon Jovi solo track, but I like it a lot so I'm including it here --"Blaze of Glory:"

Bon Jovi - blaze of glory

metal kat | MySpace Video

"Wanted Dead or Alive:"

Bon Jovi Wanted Dead Or Alive

Frank | MySpace Video

Not only is "Wanted Dear or Alive" clearly Bon Jovi's best video (and song) -- it's also one of the best Glam tracks of all time. The tune pretty much sums up the entire genre in 4 minutes...and Jon has never looked hotter. Can't ask for more than that.