Great Metal Albums of 1987: Motley Crue- Girls, Girls, Girls

Motley Crue have been referred to as a band of musicians with limited talent. Even I used to think that Mick Mars was the worst guitarist in metal, I’ve since apologized to him for that wrong assumption. The question back in 1987 was: If Motley Crue were second rate musicians, why was their album, “Girls, Girls, Girls” so successful going multi-platinum? My sister, in her article in her college newspaper, said the answer was in the title. Motley Crue appealed to teenage girls who were more into the good looks of the band rather than the music. There might have been truth in that but what about the boys who bought the album? I really can’t say that Motley Crue were like Bon Jovi in the sense that boys listened to them because their girlfriends did. No, boys bought this album on the own accord because Crue were capable of putting out good music.

For me, “Girls, Girls, Girls” opens with the best track on the album, “Wild Side.” The band really bring it musically here, I can’t fault the song in any way. It also helped that the track also appears on the soundtrack to the film “Rock Star.” However, the title track was definitely meant to be a single, which it was. It did it’s job producing a hit for the band but for me, it’s not nearly the best song on the album. The next two are much better. They bring the hard rocking on “Dancing on Glass” and I do like Tommy Lee’s piano chops in the back ground. With “Bad Boy Boogie,” they bring a bit of blues swagger. There is a ZZ Top vibe to this song and Mick’s guitar work makes me even more ashamed of calling him the worst guitarist. His hooks and solo here are just simply top notch! This is the hidden gem on the album.

The second half of the album dips in quality in comparison to the first. The thankfully very short “Nona” is just filler and if I can borrow a line from 2Loud, I would delete it. It shouldn’t be on the album. Fortunately, things go back on track with “Five Years Dead.” It’s not a bad track but it sounds too much like the title track and therefore lacks originality. Things continue to improve with “All in the Name Of.” Tommy’s drumming is key here and Mick and Nikki are great in support. It’s a faster paced metal song and it doesn’t bother me that it’s about getting with under aged girls.

Mick’s best guitar performance on the album heralds in “Sumthin’ for Nuthin’.” While the chorus might be a little bland, the song has an infectious hook that you can’t resist bobbing your head along to. Then we come to the other single on the album, the power ballad, “You’re All I Need.” Being a neo-officianado on power ballads, this one is okay. The fact that the video was banned from MTV for its supposedly violent theme is reason for this non-conformist to like it. A live recording of the Elvis hit, “Jailhouse Rock,” closes the album. I remember they closed their show with it when I saw them on the “Theatre of Pain” tour and it works as a closer here.

Track Listing:

1. Wild Side
2. Girls, Girls, Girls
3. Dancing on Glass
4. Bad Boy Boogie
5. Nona
6. Five Years Dead
7. All in the Name Of
8. Sumthin’ for Nuthin’
9. You’re All I Need
10. Jailhouse Rock

Motley Crue

Vince Neil- vocals

Mick Mars- guitar

Nikki Sixx- bass

Tommy Lee- drums

Additional backing vocals:

Bob Carlisle, Dave Amato, John Purdell, Pat Torpey, Phyllis St James, Tommy Funderbuck

I highly doubt that thirty-five years on, my sister’s attitude towards Motley Crue and this album, “Girls, Girls, Girls,” has changed. She will still say they are second rate musicians who only teenage girls can like. I see her point but there is just something about this album that makes me like it, a lot.

Next post: Agent Steel- Unstoppable Force

To buy Rock and Roll Children email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

To sign my petition to have Bruce Dickinson knighted, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson

Great Metal Albums of 1987: Tony MacAlpine- Maximum Security

Back in 1987, it was very easy for people to accuse guitarists who made instrumental albums of trying to copy Yngwie Malmsteen. True, there are some similarities to Yngwie when I listen to Tony MacAlpine’s second album, “Maximum Security,” but I must severely stress, SOME. Track 2, “Hundreds of Thousands,” sounds like it came straight from Yngwie. And while there are more moments which may sound similar to the Swede, Tony is definitely not a Yngwie clone.

Starting with the obvious, there’s the fact that there are no vocals on the album, it’s pure instrumental. That’s the next point, Tony adds an extra dimension to his work by playing keyboards on it as well and it comes through straight away on the album’s opening track. Where his keyboard skills really shine is on the track, “Etude #4 Opus #10,” written by Chopin. You get two minutes of some fine keyboard work, thus showing Tony’s versatility.

Of course, Tony doesn’t have Yngwie’s ego, thank God. Tony has two guitarists come along and jam with him on three tracks. George Lynch of Dokken fame trades solos with him on two tracks, “Tears of Sahara” and “The Vision.” The other contributor is none other than Jeff Watson from some band called Night Ranger. You might have heard of them. Jeff plays on “”The King’s Cup” and does a super job too. This paring makes this track the best one on the album. Of course, what sticks in my weird mind the most on that particular track is that it opens with a drum roll similar to the Kreator classic, “Pleasure to Kill.” Both of these guitar wizards add an extra layer of guitar goodness for Tony.

The tracks where Mr. MacAlpine is at his fingerboard smoking best on his own, are “Key to the City” and “The Time and the Test.” It’s difficult for me to put it down in words but he just totally shreds those two tracks. Obviously, he shreds well on the others as well, “Sacred Wonder” especially. To sum it up, you get more than just an album with a guitarist playing all the way through it, you have some fine compositions here.

Track Listing:

1. Autumn Lords
2. Hundreds of Thousands
3. Tears of Sahara
4. Key to the City
5. The Time and the Test
6. The King’s Cup
7. Sacred Wonder
8. Etude #4 Opus #10
9. The Vision
10. Dreamstate
11. Porcelain Doll

Tony MacAlpine

Tony MacAlpine- guitar, keyboards, bass

George Lynch- additional guitar solos (tracks 3 and 9)

Jeff Watson- additional guitar solos (track 6)

Deen Castronovo- drums (tracks 1-3, 5 and 6)

Atma Anur- drums (tracks 4, 7 and 9-11)

Not that I care about such things, “Maximum Security” was Tony’s only album to break into the charts. I am not surprised because he shows he is such a talented musician all around. It makes it more of a shame that he seemed to almost vanish after.

Next post: Motley Crue- Girls, Girls, Girls

About four years ago, I wrote a post calling for Bruce Dickinson to receive a knighthood. What I should have been doing is posting the link with every post since. I have seen the error of my ways so with every post from now until Bruce receives his gong, I will post the link to my petition here. I hope all of you, especially my British followers, will sign it.

https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson

Another petition I have started and this is not metal related is that I am petitioning the NFL to have next year’s Philadelphia Eagles v Pittsburgh Steelers game played in London. I hope you will sign that one too.

https://www.change.org/p/nfl-2022-steelers-eagles-game-to-be-played-in-london

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Great Rock Albums of 1987: Meat Loaf- Live at Wembley

In memory of Meat Loaf, who sadly passed away last week, I thought it would be a good tribute to the man to post his 1987 “Live at Wembley” album. One thing I have discovered over the past few days is that he seemed to be much more popular in the UK than he was in the US. Even the heavy metal hating newspaper, “The Sun,” laid on a tribute to him, so that is saying something. Therefore, thinking about it, it’s only right that he record a live album in a country where he wasn’t from originally but loved him very much.

The album/concert kicks off with the short but enlivening title cut from the previous album, “Blind Before I Stop.” It gets the crowd and the listener going and it is followed by the single from that album, “Rock and Roll Mercenaries.” I have this song on a compilation CD and it’s good but I much prefer the live performance. It has much more flair to it and already, I am regretting I wasn’t in the crowd when this concert took place.

For those who were expecting songs from the iconic “Bat Out of Hell” album, they don’t have to wait long. At track three is “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night).” Like on the album, it begins with the spoken words from the album. You know, where he asks the girl, “On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red rose?” I can’t say 100% but I get the impression that that part of the song is the actual recording from the album. But who cares? After all, the song kicks in and you are not worrying about the beginning, especially as this is the first song where guitarist Bob Kulick, yes brother of KISS guitarist Bruce, gets to show his stuff.

Here’s where things get dangerous for me writing about this album. I am supposed to be praising Meat Loaf and I must say that his vocals are superb. However, for me, his limelight gets slightly shaded by Bob’s shredding on the album. Take the next track, “Midnight at the Lost and Found.” Meat Loaf really belts the song but Bob lays down a great solo.

There is no discernable Bob solo on “Modern Girl,” at least not until the end and Meat Loaf does what he does best. Plus the backing vocals of Elaine and Amy Goff support him very well and there is some top notch piano from Paul Jacobs. It leads straight on to the final three songs on the album, all of which are from the already named iconic album. First up is my personal favourite recorded song, “Paradise By the Dashboard Light.” Meat Loaf and his band have a bit of fun with the song with some instrumental hooks and it’s extended to over ten minutes long but it doesn’t seem that long. I’m glad they left the baseball commentary in, even if baseball legend Phil Rizzuto said he wouldn’t have done it if he knew what it was implying when the song was recorded. That’s old news though.

“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” will remain my favourite recorded Meat Loaf song but as far as this live album goes, the honour of best song has to go to “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.” Why? You might ask. The answer is the fact that Bob’s shredding on this song is just simply mind-blowing. He just (children avert your eyes) fucking wails away on the solo and does so for a couple of minutes. I must ask, how come I never hear Bob Kulick mentioned among the great shredders? I’m sure many of you will put me right on this. Oh yes, Meat Loaf sings well on this too.

The album ends with the song which I remember used to open a Meat Loaf concert, “Bat Out of Hell.” There are few songs out there which can serve as both an opener or a closer but this one does and does well, full marks to it. Now there is a bonus EP with two tracks. One is “Masculine” where Bob shreds some more and the second is a rock medley featuring 1950s classics “Johnny B. Goode,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Slow Down,” “Jailhouse Rock” and a reprise of “Johnny B Goode.” These are done well but I would have loved them more if I had seen them performed live.

Track Listing:

1. Blind Before I Stop
2. Rock and Roll Mercenaries
3. You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)
4. Midnight at the Lost and Found
5. Modern Girl
6. Paradise by the Dashboard Light
7. Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad
8. Bat Out of Hell

Bonus EP

1. Masculine
2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Medley

Bob Kulick and Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf- lead vocals

Paul Jacobs- piano

Bob Kulick- guitar

Alan Merrill- guitar (lead on track 2)

Steve Buslowe- bass, backing vocals

Frank Doyle- keyboards

Chuck Burgi- drums

Amy Goff- backing and lead vocals

Elaine Goff- backing and lead vocals

Shortly after we got together, my ex-wife and two of her friends saw Meat Loaf at Wembley in 1987. I wonder if it was when this album was recorded. If it is, I’m doubly jealous because the man definitely brings the goods on this live album.

Next post: Tony MacAlpine- Maximum Security

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Great Metal Albums of 1987: Judas Priest- Priest…Live

Damn my Swiss cheese memory! A few years back, I posted my top 15 live albums and for some reason, “Live…Priest” wasn’t on said list. This is particularly shameful as I have seen the mighty Judas Priest live three times and I know how good they are in concert. This live album totally catches the essence of this legendary band.

“Live…Priest” was recorded live in Atlanta, Georgia the previous year when Judas Priest were touring for their “Turbo” album. However, many songs from their previous albums are represented too and only three songs from “Turbo.” For those who had disliked that album, this wasn’t a bad thing. Of course, they play “Turbo Lover” but they also play the more metalized “Parental Guidance” and they knock that one out of the park. The third track is “Private Property” and again, it sounds a hell of a lot better when played live that it did on the album. It helped that the crowd was singing the chorus along to Rob. Then again, you can count on Priest to nail any song live.

Needless to say, all of the best known Judas Priest songs of the time appear on the live album but they do sound so much better. “Breaking the Law,” one they always play live comes in as the fourth track and it’s well placed after “Metal Gods.” Another boring point in the life of 80smetalman is when I saw them live in 1986, I don’t remember them playing “Love Bites.” They more than make up for it here! And of course, they play my second favourite JP song of all time, “Some Heads are Gonna Roll.” By the time this song comes around, I am wanting to break out the cigarette lighter and hold it high.

Now I could go on with the remainder of the songs on the album but they are all classics which any Judas Priest fan, casual or hardcore, will know anyway. Let’s talk about the band’s performance instead. The album sounds like Judas Priest were on fire that night and they had the Atlanta crowd eating out of their hands. Robert Halford’s vocals sound fresh all through the album and he shows what a great frontman he has always been. Of course, Glenn and KK weald their axes with precision and there are some great guitar solo trade-offs between the pair. So many, I can’t choose a favourite. Dave Holland provides some brilliant drumming as well but in regards to Judas Priest, I don’t think Ian Hill gets the accolades he so richly deserves. When I saw them, he stood at the back and I was glad when I saw them again in 2009, he was allowed to join the others at the front. On this live album, I can hear his bass plugging along, providing that crucial rhythm the band depends on.

Track Listing:

1. Out in the Cold
2. Heading Out on the Highway
3. Metal Gods
4. Breaking the Law
5. Love Bites
6. Some Heads are Gonna Roll
7. The Sentinel
8. Private Property
9. Rock You All Around the World
10. Electric Eye
11. Turbo Lover
12. Freewheel Burning
13. Parental Guidance
14. Livin’ After Midnight
15. You Got Another Thing Comin’

Judas Priest

Rob Halford- vocals

Glenn Tipton- guitar

KK Downing- guitar

Ian Hill- bass

Dave Holland- drums

Honestly, did you expect anything less from a live Judas Priest album? I can’t believe how much I ignored this album for so many years. I’m rectifying that now.

Next post: In memory of Meatloaf’s passing. Meatloaf- Live at Wembley

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Rest in Peace Meatloaf

Meat Loaf

As usual, I’m late to the party. News of rock legend Meatloaf’s passing has been making the rounds on social media all day. My first experience of him was his famous “Bat Out of Hell” album when I was 17. First, I thought Meatloaf was a band and I wasn’t too impressed with the fat slob they had for a lead singer. Don’t worry, I am already warming up the time machine so I can go back and slap my 17 year old self. Long story short, I am very glad that I was wrong on all counts. When I finally did hear his iconic album, I was totally impressed and I have been a Meatloaf fan ever since. Thinking about it, once I’ve slap myself in 1978, I should travel to 2001 where a young rock fan, upon seeing my Meatloaf t-shirt, said I had a sad taste in music. So maybe I should slap him as well.

For those who grew up listening to Meatloaf, you know that listening to his music was not sad in any way. He made a number of great albums and even collaborated with singers such as Cher. I love “Dead Ringer for Love.” While I know that we are all aging and those we held as heroes are succumbing to their mortality, but each loss is the loss of a good friend. This is especially true with Meatloaf.

Meat Loaf and Cher singing “Dead Ringer for Love”

Rest in peace Meatloaf, may you find paradise beyond the dashboard light.

Great Metal Albums of 1987: TT Quick- Metal of Honor

I’m afraid it’s back to bands who came by and went shortly after, though unlike, Envy, TT Quick would record another album in 1989, but let’s not worry about that now. TT Quick were another band which came to me compliments of my sister sending me tracks of the American metal scene at the time. And of course, the track on the tape led me to explore the band’s album and that’s how I discovered TT Quick’s debut album, “Metal of Honor.”

If the lead singer, Mark Tornillo, sounds familiar, it is because he has been the lead singer for Accept since 2009. That’s the first thing I found amusing when doing my research for the album and band. After the title cut opens the album and grabs your attention, tracks two through five sound as if he is auditioning for his spot in Accept. All of those tracks scream the German band’s name. If more evidence is needed, then the second track, “Front Burner” provides it. Accept have been accused of being AC/DC rip offs, (I don’t think so) but you can not only hear Accept on the track but a bit of AC/DC influence as well. None of this is a bad thing by the way because when you listen to Mark’s vocals through the album, you can hear why he was chosen to replace Udo Dirkschneider, especially on the track, “Child of Sin.”

On the second half of “Metal of Honor,” TT Quick sound a little less like Accept and more themselves. This could be down to the shredding of guitarist Dave DiPietro. While he lays down some cool solos during the Accept phase, he comes into his own on “Asleep At the Wheel” and goes on that way for the rest of the album. After that track, the band goes a bit boogie blues on the track “Come Beat the Band.” Some so-called heavy metal purists might scoff at this track because of its blues swagger but I think TT Quick do a great job on it. Mark shows that he isn’t necessarily a Udo clone and boy does Dave shred! Of course, you got to give full marks to the rhythm section as well as they keep up very well.

Now we come to my favourite track on the album. Proof that my sister and I are on the same metal page because “Hell to Pay” stands head and shoulders above the rest of the tracks. It sounds like it might be a power ballad but the blasting of power chords at the chorus and beyond is just mind blowing. If there is any track where you can say Dave DiPietro is a brilliant guitarist, it is this one. The way he switches between melodic chords and power ones is excellent and then there is his solo, magnifique!

While “Hell to Pay” is the track of the album, the remainder doesn’t go out in a whimper. “Queen of the Scene” is a cool straight-forward metal tracks which keep things chugging nicely. Then we get to “Glad All Over” which is a Dave Clark Five cover. One reviewer of the album hated this track but I like it. Okay, maybe the chorus sounds a bit cheesy but the way TT Quick metalizes this song, especially with Dave’s shredding, who cares? Saying that, it took me several listens before I came to appreciate the closer power ballad, “Siren Song.” It’s one of those tracks which would be out of place anywhere else on the album.

Track Listing:

1. Metal of Honor
2. Front Burner
3. Hard As a Rock
4. Child of Sin
5. Asleep at the Wheel
6. Come Beat the Band
7. Hell to Pay
8. Queen of the Scene
9. Glad All Over
10. Siren Song

Mark Tornillo- vocals

Dave DiPietro- guitar

Walt Fortune- bass

Erik Ferro- drums

My verdict here is that while “Metal of Honor” is another great metal album which has been forgotten by many, it proved to be a springboard for greater glories for Mark Tornillo and Dave DiPietro as both would have success elsewhere.

Next post: Judas Priest- Priest … Live

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Great Metal Albums of 1987: Testament- The Legacy

So far, I have posted about several bands whose albums caught my attention, or in most cases, my sister’s attention, but came an went with little notice, only to remain in my memory. However, some bands made their debut in 1987 and have hung around since, thrilling us with many great albums and live performances. Testament was one of these bands who launched their debut album, “The Legacy,” and have continued to enthrall us since.

By 1987, thrash bands were coming out of the woodwork in every direction and it would have been easy to simply say Testament were just another thrash band. The thing is, they weren’t and are still not just another thrash band. Not only that, they, along with Exodus, are constantly mentioned when there is talk about expanding the Big 4 to the Big 5. Actually, I would include both bands and make it the Big 6. Then again, I would also include Kreator to make the Big 7. I’m digressing again but with their album, “The Legacy,” it is plain to see why Testament deserve such honours.

“Over the Wall” begins Testament’s full frontal assault on your delicate ears. It is exactly what an opening track to any thrash album should be. It begins with a flurry of speedy riffs before going mad with pounding guitar, bass and drum. Chuck Billy’s vocals blend right in and of course, there is a cool guitar solo. It has everything an album opener needs to make the listener stick around.

The intro of the second track, along with the title gives the impression “The Haunting” is going to be some black metal type of song. The opening riffs are reminiscent of a King Diamond song but things speed up and you are looking for a mosh pit. We also get the first guitar solo trade off between Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick. A song which could be more akin to black metal, at least with the intro is “Burnt Offerings.” It’s intro sounds very haunting until the guitars really kick in and go total speed metal. There are several good mosh parts as well. Eric and Alex are in tune with one another on the rhythm guitar parts just as much as when they trade off solos.

No haunting intro on “Raging Waters” as it goes straight forward thrash. Still, the theme doesn’t go away as Chuck sings about ‘the devil’s triangle’ and sacrifices that must be done. All of which are done at breakneck speed. The speed only increases on “Curse of the Legions of Death.” With a title like that, you know it’s going to be murderous thrash song, which it is. After an unintelligible spoken word, the drumming of Louie Clemente dominates “First Strike is Deadly.” You could apply the deadly to Chuck’s screams as well.

Maybe because it was the track on the tape Dawn sent me but for me, the song of the album is “Do or Die.” It could also be that many years ago, I had the tape set to go off to my alarm clock and it was on this song. Later that day, my ex wife, asked me what crap I was listening to and told me not to use it to wake up to again. Then again, it does slow down so you can hear the line in the chorus, “I’m the hunter you’re the prey,” sung clearly. Furthermore, it’s a very fast song with some cool guitar solos.

The riffing continues on the penultimate “Alone in the Dark.” I do like how melodic the vocals are at the chorus. Closing track, “Apocalyptic City” starts as if it’s going to be a ballad before some heavy guitars kick in. Then things go total thrash and then a great guitar solo trade off. I won’t get cliche and say it’s a great way to end the album because it makes you remember the entire album.

Track Listing:

1. Over the Wall
2. The Haunting
3. Burnt Offering
4. Ragin Waters
5. Curse of the Legions of Death
6. First Strike is Deadly
7. Do or Die
8. Alone in the Dark
9. Apocalyptic City

Testament

Chuck Billy- lead vocals

Eric Peterson- guitar

Alex Skolnick- guitar

Greg Christian- bass

Louie Clemente- drums

Loudwire cited “The Legacy” as the third best thrash album not made by the Big 4 of all time. Listening to it, I find the statement hard to attack. But it’s easy to see why Testament have stood the test of time and are still around today and would make a welcome addition should they ever expand the Big 4.

Next post: TT Quick- Metal of Honor

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Great Metal Albums of 1987: Envy- Ain’t It a Sin

Before I launch into the album, I thought I’d share another photo of my metalhead granddaughter Juliana.

Ain’t she cute?

Once again, I have to thank my sister for sending me a track on a cassette from a band which would have totally passed me by in 1987. In fact, this post reminds me of two things which was wrong with music back in the 1980s and the first one is probably true today. My last post was about the phenomenal “Hysteria” album from Def Leppard, which received accolades worldwide. Like the album or not, it was a huge success. However, for every Def Leppard there must be at least 100 bands like Envy, who in 1987, had an album just as good but didn’t get the commercial break. This is why I feel it’s even more important to post about their only album, “Ain’t It a Sin.”

The only track from the album that made my sister’s tape was the opening title cut and it’s good. After all, it has stuck in my memory for more than thirty years. However and this is no criticism of my sister, there are better tracks on the album. If there was any track which screams, commercial single, it’s the second one, “I Believe in You.” It has that catchy melody after opening with a keyboard intro that lures you into thinking it’s going to be a ballad but the guitars kick in right after obliterating any such thoughts. If I had seen Envy live, I would have been at the front banging my head and flashing the horns along to it. Oops, it was the 80s, so at the song’s conclusion, I would have held my cigarette lighter aloft. This is the track of the album.

Right after, things get serious with the much harder song, “Heartache.” That sets the tone for practically the remainder of the album as the next few tracks really rock, which brings me to the other thing wrong with music and particularly metal back in the day. Envy is led by the sister combo of Rhonni and Gina Stile. Rhonni handles the vocal duties and does a brilliant job. However, it is Gina on guitar that really steals the show on the album and that was the black eye for heavy metal back then. With the exception of Lita Ford, female shredders were overlooked. Even Kelly Johnson of Girlschool fame didn’t get the recognition she deserved. This was a damn shame because Gina Stile can totally shred and does so on each and every song. Some of her best efforts are on “Lie Here Waiting.” Even her rhythm guitar riffs are exceptional as highlighted on the track, “Wait On You.” She shreds on that track as well.

Gina Stile

I keep asking myself, why didn’t “Ain’t It a Sin” make a bigger impact and Envy become a household name in the metal world? This is the big question, especially since the album was produced by none other than Dee Snider, yes, that Dee Snider. One clue could lie in the record label. The name ATCO rings a bell but I never heard of ATCO/Wounded Bird Records. So maybe the band wasn’t marketed properly or simply it could be down to the fact of an over saturated metal market. In either case, it’s a shame because this is one hell of a fine album.

Another great thing about this album is that it doesn’t tail off at the end. The finish is just as strong as the start. One track which could have been a second single is “I See the Light (Let Me Rock and Roll).” This has a catchy vibe that would have been good for commercial radio but not losing it’s hard rock edge. Once again, Gina shreds magnificently.

Yet another plus is that unlike on many albums, the penultimate track isn’t the least strongest track. In fact, it’s hard to discern which track should get that dishonour because the tracks are that good! “I’m Not Your Lover” is a brilliant track and though they shine on every track, the rhythm section is brilliant here. And the closer, “Hurt Me,” might start out like it’s going to be a ballad but it changes into a rocker, though I do like the acoustic guitar accompaniment.

Track Listing:

1. Ain’t It a Sin
2. I Believe in You
3. Heartache
4. Lie in Waiting
5. Wait On You
6. You’re So Hot
7. All the Reasons
8. I See the Light (Let Me Rock and Roll)
9. I’m Not Your Lover
10. Hurt Me

Envy

Rhonni Stile- lead vocals

Gina Stile- guitar, backing vocals

Bill Spencer- bass

Danny Kapps- drums

Additional Musicians

Alan St. John- keyboards

Arthur Stead- keyboards

Taylor Dane- backing vocals

I put the title track in for Dawn. May I ask a favour of all of you out there? Could you all go on Youtube and have a listen to the great, forgotten album which is “Ain’t It a Sin” by Envy? I am sure you’ll like it and even if you don’t feel free to comment either way. However, I am confident you will because the big sin is the fact that the album didn’t make the headway it should have.

Next post: Testament- The Legacy

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Third Generation Metalhead

My son and daughter in law are carrying out my corruption of my grandchildren. This is my granddaughter Juliana.

Great Metal Albums of 1987: Def Leppard- Hysteria

The challenge for me writing about Def Leppard’s 1987 “Hysteria” album is what I can I say or write about it which hasn’t been said before? I mean this album spawned seven singles, went platinum in many countries and gold in a few more as well as going to number one in the charts. Furthermore, the album was finally recorded four years after their previous sensational album, “Pyromania,” in which the band had to overcome the tragic accident which cost drummer Rick Allen his arm and Steve Clark’s battle with alcohol. There was also the problem with producers. Mutt Lange started producing but walked out and Jim Steinman didn’t last. The band tried to produce it themselves but Mutt came back and helped the band make history. So, in many ways, this album was a remarkable triumph for the band.

As soon as I heard the opening riffs to “Women,” I knew this album was going to be a good one. True, many heavy metal purists said that it was a slide away from metal to more power pop but the songs are so good, I don’t care. There is a lot of good metal bits on the album for me to enjoy. The entire first side of the album, (I first got it on cassette), was nothing but the hits. Most of you know them already so I don’t feel the need to go through each one individually. Besides, some of you have written a lot about the album that I fear that I would simply be repeating.

On the subject of metal vs power pop, the one track and it’s my favourite on the album and second favourite Def Leppard song of all time, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is definitely a heavy metal song. Those power chords just blow me away and yes the way they sing the title in the chorus may sound cheesy to some but this song just knocks it out of the park. A grand slam because the previous tracks load the bases. (For my non North American readers, I’m using baseball terms). In addition, it sets up very nicely for the next track, “Armageddon It.” Love those opening riffs.

With all of the singles, you might be asking which track do I put for hidden gem. Okay, you’re probably not asking that but I’m going to answer anyway. The hidden gem is “Gods of War.” True, nowadays some might think the exploding bombs and machine gun noises in the background are a bit silly but at the time I thought they were cool. I thought the same when they used excerpts from Ronald Reagan’s and Margaret Thatcher’s speeches about the 1986 US bombing of Libya and the Falklands War. On top of that, I really love Rick Savage’s bass line and the guitars on it, great song.

With the exception of the title track, the rest of the second side weren’t singles, even the hidden gem. However, it would be wrong to call any of these tracks filler. They are certainly not in my book. “Run Riot” comes pretty close to being another hidden gem.

Track Listing:

1. Women
2. Rocket
3. Animal
4. Love Bites
5. Pour Some Sugar on Me
6. Armageddon It
7. Gods of War
8. Don’t Shoot Shotgun
9. Run Riot
10. Hysteria
11. Excitable
12. Love and Affection

Joe Elliot- lead and backing vocals

Steve Clark- guitar, backing vocals

Phil Collen- guitar, backing vocals

Rick Savage- bass, backing vocals

Rick Allen- drums, backing vocals

While I don’t agree with those who say that Def Leppard sold out with “Hysteria,” they’re laughing all the way to the bank, I wouldn’t debate those who say that it was the start of the slippery slope away from metal and more into commercial rock. But in 1987, I didn’t give two and a half shits about that, I just really liked the album.

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