'Houston Press' Picks Worst Metal Bands Of The 80s

Everyone has an opinion, which is fine. I certainly have my opinions and I spout them freely. This is the reason I don't feel bad in saying that the Houston Press fails big time when it comes to talking about 80s metal bands. Yesterday, the Houston Press blog released their list of "The Worst Metal Bands of the 80s." Basically, the list is a giant joke of mega-selling bands that people in all corners of the earth love, so yeah. Here's the list:

10. Tesla
09. Def Leppard (this is the most ridiculous band to make the list in my opinion.)
08. Twisted Sister
07. W.A.S.P.
06. Anthrax
05. Poison
04. Warrant
03. Stryper
02. Nitro (okay, I'll maybe give the author this band. Maybe.)
01. Winger (the most musically talented group on the list!)

Seriously. This is the list of the worst bands of the 80s? Give me a break. I'll never understand why people (er, "writers") that proclaim to love music just turn around and tear down bands for "fun." Whatever. Oh, and it further irks me that the original post is just peppered with insults and profanity. Writers lean on insults when they don't understand their subject matter and they want to appear tough. If the Houston Press wanted an actual post with real information regarding bad bands from the 80s, they could have contacted a real music writer that is an expert on the subject. Trust me, there's zillions of us out there. When I'm given an assignment on a subject I don't know much about, I research, research, research. And then you do some interviews with people that do know the subject matter before you write your piece. This is journalism 101.

Now it's your turn. What do you think of this list of the worst bands of the 80s? 

Queensryche Premieres Video For 'Redemption'

Queensryche just premiered their video for "Redemption," their latest single from the self-titled released featuring Todd LaTorre on vocals. The video features live shots from the band's shows earlier this year. I have to say, "Redemption" is a great song.

The band will release a mini movie called Queensryche: Ad Lucem later this year.

For $1,000 Alex

Holy Glam! Check out this Jeopardy question from last night. Unbelievably no one knew the answer! The category was band names. I could have totally rocked that one!

Sweden Rock Welcomes Alice Cooper

Sweden Rock goes down June 4-7. It's still early regarding band announcements, but here's the poster so far. As you can see, the big draws are Alice Cooper and W.A.S.P. I can't wait to see who else makes the lineup. In my opinion, Sweden Rock always puts together the best lineups of any festival going -- especially for Glam fans.

A Little Different: Apocalyptica

I'm a fan of Apocalyptica. The band adapts metal songs in an orchestral manner (three members are classically trained cellists). I saw them live once at Rock on the Range and when I'm in the mood for something just a little different, I tend to pop them on my stereo.

It's pretty interesting the band is releasing Wagner Reloaded - Live in Leipzig next month. 2013 is the 200th anniversary of Wagner.

To that end, Apocalyptica just released the video for "Ludwig Wonderland." Watch. I'll definitely be getting this album!

Phil Lewis Releases... Perfume

I'm not making this up! Phil Lewis of L.A. Guns just released his own... perfume. Or cologne. Whatever you call a unisex fragrance. I can't wear perfume because heavy scents are a migraine trigger for me... so I won't be buying a bottle. Will you? Here's information from the L.A. Guns website:

Gypsy - the custom fragrance created exclusively by Philip Lewis, using the finest essential oils from around the world. Holy frankincense from the East, refreshing California citrus, and Egyptian patchouli from the mouth of the river Nile are combined to form a unique and distinctive scent for men or women with gypsy in their soul.

This formula was created for my own personal use and perfected over many years to the version I wear today. For the first time, I've acquired a small set of limited edition bottles for Gypsy. A little goes a long way with these potent oils - just a small dab is enough for all day. Each 4ml (1/8 oz) black glass vial is adorned with a double-sided Gypsy by Phil Lewis guitar pick label on a silver plated chain, nestled in a black velvet gift pouch. The first 10 bottles will receive the special white fleur de lis cap.

Gypsy sells for $25 a bottle.

For the Alice Fans: Live at Wacken

Christian and I used to always talk about going to Wacken Open Air one day. There's something about the festival that is just plain... real. The fact that it is all metal, all the time and a massive sell-out in the middle of a field in Germany just adds to the awesomeness of it all.

Alice Cooper did Wacken not so long ago. Each time Alice plays live, he gives it all he's got and that's why he's one of my top five favorite live acts period.