Tag Archives: AC/DC

Sounds Like Saturday or: Lzzy Salutes You

23 Saturday Nov 2019

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 38th anniversary of AC/DC’s For Those About to Rock We Salute You album. It was the follow up to Back In Black, probably their best-selling album, the first to feature Brian Johnson and the first after Bon Scott’s death. This was produced by “Mutt” Lange, as was the two previous. I’m not a huge fan of this album, but it’s okay. Lzzy and her band do a great job with this song. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Stand up and be counted for what you are about to receive. We are the dealers, we’ll give you everything you need. Hail-hail to the good times ’cause rock has got the right of way. We ain’t no legend, ain’t no cause, we’re just living for today.” – “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” (Young/Young/Johnson)

Spinning Monday or: The Haul 7/20/19

22 Monday Jul 2019

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Salutations™!!

So, yes, I’m a day late with this because I had to talk about something more important yesterday. But, here we are today. Let’s just get right into it.

Emergency1984

©Island Def Jam/De Lite

  • Alice In Chains – Dirt — One of my top 20 albums of all time. Front-to-back a fantastic album. Heavy and melodic. Deep and full of drug references that I don’t think I realized how intense they were at the time. It was like Layne Staley was asking for help and he probably was. Jerry Cantrell is a great songwriter and guitarist (and vocals). My faves on here are “Them Bones,” “Rooster,” “Down in a Hole,” “Angry Chair,” “Dam that River,” “Would?” New in 180g vinyl – Audiophile edition.
  • Michael Jackson – Bad — #203 on the RS list, it’s my second favorite MJ album. I listened to this one a lot. It was really the last album of his that I was really that interested in. Great songwriting and production! EX/VG++.
  • AC/DC – Let There Be Rock — AC/DC’s fourth studio album and one that brought them from the brink of extinction. I’m not a huge AC/DC fan as I’ve mentioned many times but I feel any real rock fan needs to have a few of their albums, right? The Canadian release of this album. EX/VG++.
  • The Shins – Wincing The Night Away — The Shins is one of those bands that The BCPF really digs. They are “indie rock” through and through. And from New Mexico. How about that? I enjoyed listening to this album. It was really great. VG+.
  • Iron + Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days — The BCPF is reading a book of the same title and the author thanks Sam Beam in the dedication. My favorite tune from this album is “Naked as We Come” which was put on a mix CD when The BCPF and I started talking. We saw him do his thing in McGlohon Theatre in Charlotte and it was a great show. VG+.
  • Jessica Lea Mayfield – Make My Head Sing… — This one confused me a bit. It was a little like Blossom Dearie with an edge. But, it was also some post-punk heaviness. There would be a couple of more laid back songs and then a heavy beater was thrown in from nowhere. I liked it, don’t get me wrong, but it was confusing. NM.
  • Okkervil River – Sleep And Wake-Up Songs — We got an Okkervil River album last week and it was great. We haven’t listened to this one, yet, but I’m betting it’s also a great one. EX/VG++.
  • Meat Loaf – Bat Out Of Hell — #343 on the RS list. Jim Steinman is a weird and wacky dude, but he is a heck of a songwriter and add that to Marvin Aday’s voice and you have a spectacular rock opera that really isn’t a rock opera. The album isn’t a cohesive story but it is epic in scope just based on the songwriting, singing style and orchestration. I believe this may be the Canadian edition. EX/VG++.
  • Eddie Murphy – How Could It Be — I had this on cassette because I still love “Party All the Time.” This is not a great album, but Murphy can actually sing and it’s entertaining. The title track could be my favorite song on the album. VG+.
  • Kool & The Gang – Emergency — I wore the ever-lovin’ crap out of this cassette when it came out. I then played the ever-lovin’ crap out of it on CD. Now I have it on vinyl and I will probably wear it out (at least the first side) here, too. It was my Kool & the Gang album. “Celebration” was a hit and I loved it, even had it on a “45” that had a crack in it that I made sure still lined up and playable. But, it was early for me to grab those albums. This was part of the RCA (eventually BMG) Record Club take I got. I loved it. It’s their biggest selling album with the title track, “Fresh,” “Misled,” “Cherish.” VG+.
  • REO Speedwagon – You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish — I don’t know about album-wise but the title is one of the most iconic (and overused) musical references ever. “Roll with the Changes” and “Time For Me to Fly” are probably the album’s biggest hits. VG+.
  • REO Speedwagon – Wheels Are Turnin’ — I think of this as the “cheesy REO album.” I don’t know if that’s fair. I really don’t have a great knowledge of REO’s history or catalog other than what I have. I just know it has “I Do’ Wanna Know” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” which were both kind of cheesy, even if I do like them. VG++.
  • Stanley Black And His Orchestra – Spain — Orchestral versions of Spanish tunes. It’s a great Sunday listening album. Lots of tremolo style strumming and Spanish guitar with orchestrations overtop. Pretty much what the title says. It’s a fun listen. VG+.
  • Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Pictures At An Exhibition — This is a recording of the band’s arrangement of Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, performed at Newcastle City Hall on 26 March 1971. According to Wikipedia, “Emerson wished to arrange the piece after seeing an orchestral performance of it several years before. He bought a copy of the score, and pitched the idea to Lake and Palmer, who agreed to adapt it.” I look forward to hearing it. It was a $1 bin find and I’d say it is in VG/VG+.
  • Various – Emotions — Another notch in my K-Tel collection. Dan Hill, Seals & Crofts, Paul Davis, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Crystal Gale, Commodores, Yvonne Elfman, Samantha Sang, Player and more. I didn’t even look at what was on it, I just looked that I didn’t have it. It’s a $1 bin find and I’d say in VG.

It was a great haul that day and we’ve enjoyed listening to what we have and I am happy with the take, really. Underdog Records was getting busy as we left, which we love seeing. Listen to each new episode of The Less Desirables to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. Also, use Discogs to catalog and track your music collection(s)!

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“And all I can do is keep on telling you: I want you. I need you. But, there ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you. Now don’t be sad ’cause two out of three ain’t bad.” – “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” (Steinman)

KISS Off! or: Are You Sirius?

14 Thursday Feb 2019

Posted by in KISS, Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

This will be brief but I just wanted to say that I found the absolute best SiriusXM channel, ever. It is called KISS Army Radio and it is 95% KISS and 5% their influences or bands that may have opened for them, like Rush, AC/DC, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, etc. kissarmyradio-v1-1117-1920x1080

I found it late last week and I haven’t turned the channel since. There are live performances, deep cuts, and more. Yes, I have to sit through 17 versions of “Rock and Roll All Nite” every three or four hours, but it’s worth it. Yes, I also have all of these songs and almost all of the versions on some kind of medium, but as I’ve always maintained, there’s nothing like hearing it on the radio.

Plus, you get some tidbits here and there from all four current members about many things throughout KISStory; the earliest and the latest.

This past Tuesday, they broadcast a special SiriusXM-guest-only concert at the Whiskey A Go Go. It is probably one of the smallest crowds they ever played to. Not because no one was there, but because the venue is small. Gene sounded great. The music all sounded great. Paul was there. I have nothing to say about that, I’m reserving judgment. Or voiced judgment, really.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that my love for KISS is fully realized with this channel. I love it.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Oh, oh, ’cause anytime is KISSin’ time, USA. So treat me right, don’t make me fight. And we’ll rock and roll tonight.” – “Kissin’ Time” (Lowe/Mann)

Welcome to the Show or: Many Kisses (Part 4)

21 Friday Sep 2018

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Salutations™!!

The month of September is a huge month for KISS fans, even if they don’t know it. Why you may ask? Because the month of September is the anniversary month for the releases of TEN KISS albums. I’ve talked about Alive!, Animalize, Asylum, Paul, Gene, Ace, Peter, Lick It Up and Crazy Nights. Here’s the last one for September. It’s one of great debate, I’m sure. I am conflicted with it myself. And, I’m doing it a day early because Saturdays are scheduled for something else.

Psycho_Circus

©Mercury Records

Heavens Sake, the band that I was in and still the proudest of (we were greatly influenced by KISS), was still happening in 1998. It was in and out but it was happening. I had seen MTV’s “Unplugged” featuring KISS, along with a reunion of the original members while at drummer Bob’s apartment. We saw KISS actually reunited in makeup on the Grammys, introduced by Tupac. They had a reunion tour and we went. So, it was inevitable that there would be an album. This was the “reunion” album, Psycho Circus, in 1998 on September 22.

I say that in quotations because Peter really only played on Ace’s “Into the Void.” And, current KISS “Spaceman” Tommy Thayer played leads on all but four tunes. And, Bruce Kulick, former KISS member, played bass on the title track and “Dreamin'” and played the backward guitar track on “Within” and rhythm guitar on “Dreamin’,” as well. The drums, this time, weren’t played by Anton Fig in Peter’s stead, this time it was Kevin Valentine (who played on Revenge and Hot in the Shade, as well), known from Donnie Iris & the Cruisers and he was a touring drummer with Cinderella for a bit. Valentine also is an Emmy award-winning composer.

Whilst it was supposed to be a “return of KISS,” even in sound and feel it wasn’t old KISS. There were a lot of aspects of Carnival of Souls, the grunge-metal hybrid they were working on before getting the wise idea of “putting the band back together,” still on here. “Within” is the prime example of that, and in fact was demoed for that album. They had stuff that really sounded like most of the 80s-era stuff, especially Crazy Nights and Hot in the Shade. Again, this was a reunion album in concept only.

When you go out and play American football with all the rules, the same team, the same players, and call your team the New York Yankees, it’s still American football. You can call it a return to the “old KISS” but when the same two people are in charge of the songwriting and the same players are in the studio, it’s still the “new KISS.” Now, all that being said, I’m glad.

I loved the new KISS. I loved the old KISS. I still love KISS. As I said, up until Hot in the Shade, they couldn’t do any wrong, and, even with a few hiccups since that album, I still love them. It’s like that uncle that you know does dumb stuff but you still love him. The band evolved. They grew. They regressed. They moved forward. They moved backward. They adapted and that’s probably their biggest sin, here. I don’t think it would have been possible to return to Destroyer or Love Gun. I don’t think they forgot how to play and write like that, I just think it wasn’t them. If you listen to Sonic Boom or Monster (more on those next month), it’s not far from the same sound as this album.

I think they loved the idea of a KISS reunion but didn’t love being reunited. In a Rolling Stone interview in 2009, Paul said, “We tried to do a Kiss album, and it was an ill-fated attempt because there was no real band. For a band to make a great album, it has to share a common purpose…and we didn’t have it.” It was also revealed that Ace and Peter were trying to negotiate more money out of the “partnership.” You don’t negotiate money with Gene and Paul, not anymore. They feel they’ve survived without Ace and Peter, they kept the name going – regardless of the circumstances, and I think they knew that it was only a matter of time before it all came to an end.

In a very tongue-in-cheek attempt to return to some semblance of the old KISS sound, what do they do? They hire Bruce Fairbairn who was known for Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet and New Jersey albums, Aerosmith’s Permanent Vacation, Pump and Get a Grip, and AC/DC’s The Razor’s Edge. Now, all of those are fine and decent albums but do any of them scream what KISS would have sounded like as “old KISS?” All of those are the slickly-produced, sugary popped, the 80s/early 90s hair band mess. Which, I am quite fond of, actually. But, most folks aren’t when it comes to a KISS reunion.

People were disappointed. I wasn’t. Is it my favorite KISS album? Absolutely not. Is it top 10? Absolutely not. Is it top 20? Well, considering there are only 20 studio albums, it kind of has to be, right? It ranks higher than does either Sonic Boom, Monster, Hot in the Shade, Ace or Peter’s solos, and the gasper for this whole thing, Dressed to Kill. Yeah, I’ve really always been so-so about that one. Live with it. I do. This was the last good KISS record to me.

Contrary to what my blog always sounds like, I’m not anti-Ace or anti-Peter, I just don’t care. They squandered their chance and it’s okay that they milk what they can from what they had: sober, not sober, whining, moaning, happy, in, out… whatever. But, I’m really indifferent about their involvement in the band. I felt a little down when they didn’t all play together on stage for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but I’m kind of glad at the same time. Upon the announcement of the “End of the Road” tour that is coming to be the actual retirement tour (we’ll see), people are calling for Ace and Peter to be part of it. Nah. They don’t deserve it in my eyes. Plus, even on the reunion and “farewell” tours, Peter couldn’t keep up and Ace was Ace. Tommy does the same licks, doesn’t mess them up and still has feeling in his playing. Just let it go. If you’re the “F.You without Peter and Ace,” then go back and listen to the old stuff and relish what you had but shut the heck up. Stop living in the past. Paul and Gene aren’t going to change their minds and they don’t care if you don’t give them money. You’re just grandstanding at that point.

My favorite tunes on this album are the title track, “We Are One,” “Dreamin'” (which got Paul and Bruce sued for copyright infringement from Alice Cooper, he won, they settled out of court) and “Journey of 1,000 Years.” I could have done without “You Wanted the Best” because I’m not a fan of “cheerleading” songs and that’s all it was. “Into the Void” was okay. I do actually like “Within,” but then again, I liked COS, too. The rest are okay, too. I like it. Most don’t. I get it, but oh well.

Tomorrow will be 20 years since this came out. To me, it’s still the “new KISS album.” It’s hard to count Monster and ESPECIALLY Sonic Boom. I just listened to Psycho Circus again for good measure.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’ve been waiting here to be your guide. So come, reveal the secrets that you keep inside. Step up! No one leaves until the night is done. The amplifier starts to hum. The carnival has just begun. You’re in the psycho circus. And I say welcome to the show.” – “Psycho Circus” (Stanley/Cuomo)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/16/17

17 Sunday Dec 2017

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Salutations™!!

R-4922693-1478118355-5834.jpeg

©A&M Records

 

It was a beautiful but chilly day in downtown WSNC. The BCPF and I really enjoyed being out and about. We did our normal routine stuff but added a trip to the Krankie’s Craft Fair. We saw some cool things, bought a few small items from local craftsfolk and of course, went to Underdog Records. It was about the fourth time this week I had been in there. It’s just where I go to kill time, to have a nice chat, to thumb through some rekkids, or whatever. I just love being there. Here’s what we got from there this week:

We really enjoyed what we got to listen to yesterday of this haul. It’s good stuff. Jonathan has gift certificates for sale at Underdog Records. Plus, if you’ve thought about getting into collecting vinyl, but don’t have a turntable, Jonathan has several for sale in the store, new and used. Don’t forget to always listen to The Less Desirables for the week’s TLD/UDR special offer. And, to keep track of what you have, or if you’re looking to buy something you’ve been looking for or to unload stuff, use Discogs. You can use it for CD collections, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“No stop signs, speed limit. Nobody’s gonna slow me down. Like a wheel, gonna spin it. Nobody’s gonna mess me around. Hey Satan, paid my dues. Playing in a rocking band. Hey mama, look at me. I’m on my way to the promised land, whoo! I’m on the highway to hell.” – “Highway to Hell” (Scott/Young/Young)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 11/18/17

19 Sunday Nov 2017

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Salutations™!!StreetSurvivorsFlames

So this week will be a mixture of the take from Underdog Records and a shload of records that I didn’t know that I owned. Let me explain. About 10 years ago, my ex-wife and my mother went to an auction (they were always going to auctions) and purchased a ton of records. They only wanted to rock records but it was one of those, you take one you have to take the whole thing deals. Well, I didn’t have a record player back then. So they got stored. And, I forgot about them. About 3 weeks ago, my ex-wife asked me if I got the ones out of the cabin. What are you talking about? We didn’t have any in the cabin. She informed me that yes we did. I thought perhaps it was one or two things that I had over time. Well, I had to go in the attic with my mother and she said, there are your records. I was looking through and just like a kid, kept saying these are mine!?!? So, I brought them home and am going through them a little at a time. Many rock albums to add to my collection and a lot of jazz, folk and classical, too. I did the rock ones first. Again, these are mixed here.

This is the Bonus Stack below the line

So, that’s a lot and that’s only the rock and few that The BCPF wanted to listen to. I have at least 50 more to put in that are of all other genres. This coming Friday is Black Friday and Underdog Records will have a ton of awesomeness for Record Store Day – Black Friday Edition. Go to the RSD website to find out what is coming. Jonathan said he’s stocking 90% of that list, so make plans now. And buy a gift certificate for someone, do it now and get an additional 10% added for no additional cost. And as you can see, we do a lot of cataloging with Discogs and we love it!

And RIP not only to Malcolm Young, but Mel Tillis passed away, too. RIP Mel.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Heaven. Heaven is a place. A place where nothing. Nothing ever happens.” – “Heaven” (Byrne)

Sounds Like Saturday or: Malcolm in the Front

18 Saturday Nov 2017

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Salutations™!!

Woke up to the news of Malcolm Young’s passing. I have never been the biggest AC/DC fan but I understand their influence and importance. Malcolm was never the “face” of the band. That was his little brother, Angus, and whoever was doing the singing. So, in honor of Malcolm, here’s a little something:

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
RIP Malcolm.

—
“Her hot potatoes will elevate you. Her bad behavior will leave you standing proud.
Hard as a rock.” – “Hard as a Rock” (Young/Young)

Pleasure on the Carpet or: Long Way to the Top (Eugeology Entry 39)

05 Thursday Oct 2017

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Salutations™!!

A decent album last time. I was glad I heard it but it wasn’t my all-time favorite or anything. Yes, Jon and Eugene are still one more back again. Let’s get going on this week.

#39 – Long Way to the Top by Nantucket.

Long_Way_To_The_Top_LP

©Epic Records

 

Okay. Let me first start by saying a few things. One, I am hanging my head in shame. Two, I am in awe. Three, where… in the honey-baked Hades have I been? On the negative, let me say something, too: I have never liked “It’s a Long Way to the Top” from AC/DC. I just don’t really care for AC/DC in any form of the band. There are songs, yes, but for the most part, meh. Okay, there. That’s out of the way. Movin’ on…

Oh. My. Goodness. You get past that AC/DC cover (the whole album was dedicated to Bon Scott who had passed away before the album was released in 1980) and this album is alive!!! Caveat: I’m writing this on a Monday where I usually write on Thursday mornings. I’ve already listened to it my standard six times with number seven happening right now. As I said, I hang my head in shame because I had always thought that them being from North Carolina and having the name Nantucket they were a Southern Rock band and I don’t like that stuff. Yes, I am aware that Nantucket isn’t in the south. I think they really are a Southern Rock band, but this album isn’t very “suth’en.” I don’t even know that I’d actually call this a hard rock band as much as I’d call it a hard rocking pop rock band. I can only go by this album, though.

There are serious themed songs and some very not-serious songs; a little tongue-in-cheeky. The non-serious would be “Time Bomb,” “Rugburn” and “Zella” a final hidden track written about a dog. “Time Bomb” is about a jealous guy who thinks some other dude is after his woman and he starts threatening to go all “Al Capone” on him if he even gets near her house. “Rugburn” is about a guy meeting a girl but he’s too poor to have furniture but he thinks the carpet is comfortable and you can guess what happens.

Some serious stuff on the album, but probably the most serious is “50 More” which, from what I can tell, is about the Who concert in Cincinnati where several people died after a stampede when the arena only opened two doors to a general admission show and people were rushing to get the best spot in front of the stage. The lyrics go, “Fifty more through the door. Let em in, rock and roll. Twenty-five push outside, gettin’ hard to control. Understand it’s the end. Tragedy Ohio.”

There is cool saxophone all over this album from Eddie Blair is also the keyboard player. That’s not something you get from a lot of Southern Rock. What I love the most are the phenomenal harmonies and unpredictable melodies. They’re not what you’re expecting on your first listen and they’re both complex and fun. Larry Uzzell’s vocals are indicative of some range and dynamic presence. He has smooth transitions to those high parts and he gets a little gruff in spots and a little more tender when the time comes.

Tommy Redd – the guitarist and main songwriter – wrote some great tunes. Mark Downing’s leads aren’t showy but, these songs don’t really need that. I believe the tunes are meant to speak for themselves and not showcase virtuosity. Kenny Soule is a bouncy drummer that is, yes, my favorite word for drummers, solid. There are runs and fills and they’re great, but like Downing, it’s not showy. Pee Wee Watson’s bass work is pretty riffy and it’s cool. Listen to “Turn the Radio On” for a little showcase for PWW.

Where have I been, indeed? This is perhaps one of my favorite albums that Eugene has thrown on us. I don’t dislike any songs on here. Some I like more than others, but none that I dislike. And, so, I’ll admit, going back and listening again, I even started bobbing and singing along to “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” I can’t say enough about how I love when the harder tension is broken by lighter melodic harmonies. If I’m picking my faves, then I’ll have to go with “Time Bomb,” “50 More,” “Media Darlin’,” “Over and Over Again,” “Tell Me,” “Rescue” and my absolute favorite, “Rock of the 80’s.” That’s seven and there are only 12 (13 if you count “Zella”) tunes, so basically the whole thing. I’m looking for this on vinyl. I want this, badly. Thank you so much, Eug for assigning it. Again, I apologize to the “music gods” for avoiding this until now. I am ashamed…

Eug and Jon need to catch up!!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“It’s gotten so meticulous. Almost ridiculous. Rock of the 80’s. Let’s have some fun. Rock of the 80’s. Bring out the sun. Rock of the 80’s. Let’s have some fun.
Let’s have some fun.” – “Rock of the 80’s” (Redd)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/26/17

27 Sunday Aug 2017

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Salutations™!!

After a week off from records to absorb deliciously fermented grape juice, we made up for it at Underdog Records on Saturday. I’m sure Jonathan wasn’t complaining. Let’s just do it!

COTN_album_cover

©Casablanca/Island Def Jam/UMe

 

That’s quite the haul. It’s hard to tell what I missed yesterday because we were a little late getting there and I know Clay had already been through. We were quite excited with this haul and it’s already been good listening. If you’re thinking of getting into vinyl, getting back into vinyl or just want to expand your vinyl collection, then you need to get by Underdog Records. They have turntables, receivers, speakers, cleaning accessories and more. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the Underdog/TLD special is for that week. And use Discogs to archive and log your vinyl collection so you always know what you have.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“The road is long with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where. Who knows where? But I’m strong. Strong enough to carry him. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (Russell, Scott)

Was ist Das? or: Restless and Wild (Eugeology Entry 32)

19 Saturday Aug 2017

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Salutations™!!

Okay, so I’m a few days late, I know. It has been a very busy week. But, the good news is that I liked three albums in a row and Jon has gotten back on the train, at least he’s started to catch up. Eugene has been busy and is a bit behind, still, but he’ll get there, eventually. Let’s get on with it.

Accept_-_Restless_&_Wild

©Portrait Records

 

#32 – Restless and Wild by Accept.

Yeah… so, as with most people, my only knowledge of Accept was their biggest hit, from the album after this one and of the same name, “Balls to the Wall.” Never my favorite song, but it was pretty cool. Well, other than Udo Dirkschneider’s voice. It is unique but it is annoying as all get out. Imagine you took both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson from AC/DC, slammed their voices together and had that voice gargle a mixture of sand, glass and Draino. That’s what Udo Dirkschnieder sounds like.

Musically, this album is pretty good. It’s very 1982/83 sounding. That’s not a bad thing. I just think there were plenty of other bands that were out at that time, that didn’t have someone named Udo singing, that were more enjoyable to listen to. It’s fast and heavy, good qualities. There are several layered guitar parts on this album due to Wolf Hoffmann playing all the guitar parts, even though Herman Frank had joined the band, even being credited on the album.

Stefan Kaufmann is a solid drummer. His playing is definitely highlighted on “Fast as a Shark,” the opening track, which many people consider not only one of the fastest “speed metal” songs of its time, but possibly the first. It is driving and breaking the speed limit, at that. Peter Baltes bass work on “Neon Nights” alone is pretty cool, what with its octave pedal and distortion. He’s not doing a lot of other fancy work, holding down his bottom end. Only Baltes and Hoffmann are in the current lineup of the band. Former electrician, American Mark Tomillo has been with the band as lead singer for the last six albums. I haven’t heard anything from him but I know Eddie Trunk talks about him all the time (they’re “friends”).

My favorite track on here is “Neon Nights” and “Shake Your Heads” grew on me. Udo’s German accent makes discerning the lyrics a bit difficult. I thought the lyric in “Heads” was “take his neck and break it.”  “Fast as a Shark” is impressive as a speed song. There was controversy with that tune, though. Not the song itself but the first thing you hear when you start the album.

When you start the album, it sounds like a record with a lot of surface wear and the old German children’s song “Ein Heller und ein Batzen” (A Farthing and a Penny) starts playing. It’s something right out of Heidi. That gets “scratched” off and they go into the speed-mastered song. The owner of the studio in which this album was recorded, Dieter Dirks, even sang on that actual recording as a child. That’s not the controversy. The controversy is the song “Ein Heller und ein Batzen” was used as a marching song by the Nazis, even though the song dated back to the early 1800s. The band denies knowing this at the time. I have no reason to not believe them.

Overall, the album’s okay, I think. but Udo takes the grade down about four points. I don’t know. It’s a fine album, just know the singer is annoying. Sorry, Eug, I know you’ll be mad at me for that, I just can’t help it. I do want to hear your thoughts on it, though. Jon, I know you’ll catch up soon. And, for the record, I meant no disrespect to Bon Scott or Brian Johnson, I am fine with both of them (just not mixed together).

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Fast as a shark he’ll cut out of the dark. He’s a killer – he’ll rip out your heart. On a one-way track and you’re not coming back ’cause the killer’s on the attack.” – “Fast as a Shark” (Hoffmann/Kaufmann/Dirkschneider/Baltes)