Great Metal Albums of 1989: Vow Wow- Helter Skelter

Let’s start with the obvious, yes, Vow Wow’s album is named after a famous Beatles song and the one which can be said was the Fab Four’s contribution to heavy metal. Saying that, Vow Wow’s cover of the song is very good and it does appear on that compilation album I keep going on about. It also gives me another idea which I’ll talk more about at the end of the post.

Another point about Vow Wow, which I’m sure I stated when I posted about their previous album, “V.” They were to England what Loudness was to America, a great Japanese metal band which everyone thought kicked ass. It’s a bit of a shame that either band didn’t seem to get traction in the other country. I guess it proves that the US and the UK are two peoples separated by the same language.

The first two tracks of “Helter Skelter” are decent tracks but I also think they were more oriented for commercial radio. For me, the album doesn’t really kick into gear till the third track, “Spellbound” and no it’s not a cover of the Triumph classic. This is a great tune, my favourite on the album and I guess you could call it the hidden gem. From the kick ass guitar intro you get a good steady rocking with some great vocals and backing vocals and you get a cool keyboard/guitar solo tradeoff between Kyoji Yamamoto and Rei Astumi.

After the title track comes the first of two power ballads, “The Boy.” Genki Hitomi does pour his heart into it but I must say, I think he and Minoru Nihara are cut from the same mold in regards to their vocal styles. This is no way a bad thing. One ever so slight disappointment comes in the form of “Rock Me Now.” This track would have rocked me more if the keyboards had been turned down and the guitars turned up! Fortunately, the next track, “Turn on the Night” does rock out and rocks out totally although it does sound a little Kiss-ish. Kyoji’s guitar solo is top notch.

“Never Let You Go” is the second power ballad and Genki sings it with the same conviction as he does “The Boy.” There is some good drumming from Toshihiro Niimi. Then we get back to some rocking with “Night By Night.” However, the album ends as it began with two more commercial friendly tracks although there is a bit of swagger to the penultimate track and the closer is the perfect choice for the job.

Track Listing:

1. Feel the Power
2. Talking ‘Bout You
3. Spellbound
4. Helter Skelter
5. The Boy
6. Rock Me Now
7. Turn on the Night
8. Never Let You Go
9. Night By Night
10. You’re the One For Me
11. Sign of the Times

Vow Wow

Genki Hitomi- vocals

Kyoji Yamamoto- guitars

Rei Astumi- keyboards

Neil Murray- bass

Toshihiro- Niimi- drums

“Helter Skelter” is a solid offering from Vow Wow. Somebody should have suggested a joint tour between them and Loudness, this way we would have had a double whammy of great Japanese metal.

On the subject of the song “Helter Skelter,” there have been so many covers of this classic Beatles song that I propose a post of deciding which one we like most or the original. I formally invite all of you to contribute to a massive joint post on the subject.

Next post: MASS- Voices in the Night

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

To sign the 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 1989: Alice Cooper- Trash

Here’s my weird mind’s ability to notice the not so strange things. Both Aerosmith and Alice Cooper had similar career paths. Both were rock legends in the 1970s, I had albums from both of them. Then by the end of the decade and into the early 1980s, they had fallen victims to the excesses of the music industry. Aerosmith were making albums to pay off their dealers and Alice Cooper describes the same era as his ‘drunk period.’ Then in the late period of the decade, both released albums which let the world know they hadn’t gone away, which was followed by a more solid album. However, it was 1989 where both Alice and Aerosmith had the albums which brought them the adulation they had missed for over a decade. I’ve already posted Aerosmith’s “Pump” album but Alice’s breakthrough album was “Trash.”

Naturally, a breakout album usually needs a great single to propel it. In the case of “Trash,” that came in the form of “Poison,” which was Alice’s highest charting single since 1977’s “You and Me.” I must have this single on at three least rock compilation albums and those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head while I sit here typing this. But make no mistake, “Poison” is a great song and I love everything about it.

Avoiding the temptation to make a boring statement about albums being more than one song, I can say for sure that the rest of “Trash” doesn’t disappoint. The hard rocking “Spark in the Dark” carries on the momentum from the big single and that’s followed by the more melodic offering, “House of Fire,” which was also released as a single. It didn’t have the chart success of “Poison” but it’s a cool tune anyway.

Next comes the hidden gem, “Why Trust You.” This is a fast tempo burning rocker and Alice’s vocals are in no doubt here. However, full credit should also be given to guitarist “John McCurry” as he really shreds on it. Afterwards, Alice ends the first side of the album with a cool power ballad “Only My Heart Talkin.'” I say cool but to be honest, Alice has done better ballads like “Only Women Bleed,” “I’ll Never Cry” and “How Are You Gonna See Me Now.” Alice voice sounded much better on those classics and John ‘s guitar solo could have been a tad longer but it’s still enjoyable.

Another single released from the album, “Bed of Nails,” had better chart success than “House of Fire.” Well, it begins with a horror movie like intro, which made Alice a legend back in the 1970s. This is a good throw back to those days and then some good hard rock comes in but being melodic enough to gain some appeal from the more fickle listeners. Now, I’m going to utter blasphemy but I think I like this one better than “Poison,” though that could be down to the fact that I don’t hear it as often as “Poison.”

A good guitar solo brings in the very amusingly titled track, “This Maniac’s In Love With You.” Alice always has to have one song whose lyrics shouldn’t be taken seriously and this one is it. Then the lyrics don’t matter when you get some great guitar shredding. Guy Mann-Dude from the Dudes of Wrath plays guitar on this track, which might explain things. A huge number of guests appear on the title track, including two members of Aerosmith, which reminds me, Steve Tyler sings on the power ballad. If it wasn’t for all these musicians contributing their expertise, then this track might have been more filler. Instead, it kicks a bit of ass.

Jon Bon Jovi and Ritchie Sambora help Alice out on the penultimate track, “Hell is Living Without You.” Don’t panic, this song sounds nothing like any tracks from the “New Jersey” album. If anything, this is more classic 70s Alice with the horror movie feel to it. There’s also some great power chords on the songs and I think it’s Ritchie but whether it’s him or John, that person lays down a cool guitar solo. Furthermore, the track could have made a good closer, maybe even more so than the actual closer, “I’m Your Gun.” It’s okay as a closer but it could have fitted anywhere else on the album.

Track Listing:

1. Poison
2. Spark in the Dark
3. House of Fire
4. Why Trust You
5. Only My Heart Talkin’
6. Bed of Nails
7. This Maniac’s In Love With You
8. Trash
9. Hell is Living Without You
10. I’m Your Gun

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper- vocals

John McCurry- guitar

Hugh McDonald- bass

Alan St. Jon- keyboards

Bobby Chouinard- drums

Additional Musicians:

Vocals:

Steve Tyler- track 5, Jon Bon Jovi- track 8, Kip Winger- track 10

Guitars:

Joe Perry- track 3, Ritchie Sambora and Steve Lukather- track 9, Kane Roberts- track 6, Guy Mann-Dude- tracks 2,4,7, Mark Frazier and Jack Johnson- track 8

Tom Hamilton- bass- track 8

Joey Kramer- drums- track 8

Paul Chiten- keyboards

With “Trash,” Alice Cooper had returned to reclaim his crown in the music world.

Next post: Queen- The Miracle

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

To sign the 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 1989: Whitesnake- Slip of the Tongue

Whoever wrote to Kerrang back in 1987 saying that Whitesnake’s next album would come out in 1991 was off by two years. “Slip of the Tongue” came out in late 1989 and except for some drama over guitarists, the lineup was unchanged. On the subject of guitarists, first Vivian Campbell was dismissed from the band. The official reason was musical differences between him and Coverdale although there was an unofficial reason that Viv’s wife and Dave’s girlfriend didn’t get along. This brings my weird mind to a sidetrack. Wasn’t Campbell dismissed from Dio because Ronnie James didn’t like his then girlfriend? In any case, Vivian Campbell was gone.

Adrian Vandenberg, who was the other guitarist in the “1987” touring band wrote the songs along with David for “Slip of the Tongue.” Unfortunately for Adrian, he sustained a painful hand injury which prevented him from playing guitar on the album. Therefore, guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, was brought in to play on the album. For some, this was a controversial decision but for me, as I listen to the album, I don’t find Steve doing any of his little trademark guitar tricks like he did when he was playing for David Lee Roth. He just gets down to business here and plays some really cool guitar solos. The first stand out one is on the second track, “Cheap and Nasty,” which, along with the opener title cut brings in the album right.

Having the 1994 Whitesnake’s “Greatest Hits” album, I know that four of the tracks from “Slip of the Tongue” appear on it. True, like with the predecessor, this album had singles which re-established the band as the heavy metal kings of the radio waves. The first of these is a cover of Rainbow’s “Fool For Your Loving” which is done well but I don’t think it’s further exploration in an “Original vs. Cover” post as this version and Rainbow’s are pretty similar. Next track, “Now You’re Gone” is Whitesnake’s attempt to recreate the commercial success of “Here I Go Again.” It’s power ballady in places but also goes more hard rocker in others and it’s a good song. I can hear why they picked this one as a single. Ditto for “The Deeper the Love.”

For me, when an album has a lot of well known singles, I look for the deep cuts to make my decision as to how good the album actually is. My quest was fulfilled in the middle of the album where I discovered not one but two hidden gems, “Kitten’s Got Claws” and “Wings of the Storm.” These two tracks remind me that Whitesnake hadn’t forgotten the heavy metal faithful who helped them get to where they were. Both songs are great hard rocking tracks but while the former is great, I prefer the latter because Mr. Vai really shreds on it.

“Judgment Day” is a bit of a paradox in the sense that it doesn’t appear to have been released as a single but it does appear on the “Greatest Hits” album. It’s definitely not a ballad, in fact it rocks quite a lot, although not as much as the hidden gems but it’s a good track. Maybe it was placed on the “Greatest Hits” album to remind people that Whitesnake were more than just power ballads.

One song I’m rather surprised didn’t get released as a single is the closer, “Sailing Ships.” This song was my first contact with anything from the “Slip of the Tongue” album as it featured on a free compilation cassette given out when I attended Donnington in 1990. Whitesnake go more progressive metal/power ballad here. It’s beautifully done, Dave’s voice is spot on and the rest of the band are following on all cylinders. Hell, I’m breaking tradition and saying that this album has three hidden gems.

Track Listing:

1. Slip of the Tongue
2. Cheap and Nasty
3. Fool For Your Loving
4. Now You’re Gone
5. Kitten’s Got Claws
6. Wings of the Storm
7. The Deeper the Love
8. Judgment Day
9. Slow Poke Music
10. Sailing Ships

Whitesnake 1989

David Coverdale- lead vocals

Steve Vai- guitar

Rudy Sarzo- bass

Tommy Aldridge- drums

Adrian Vandenberg- guitar writing and arrangements

Additional Musicians:

Don Airey- keyboards

David Rosenthal- keyboards

Claude Gaudette- keyboards

Glenn Hughes- backing vocals

Tommy Funderburk- backing vocals 

Richard Page- backing vocals 

“Slip of the Tongue” brought Whitesnake back to the limelight two years before someone predicted. While the album was slammed by a few critics, I see, actually hear nothing wrong with this album. It did spawn some noted singles but the hidden gems make it for me.

Next post: Tesla- The Great Radio Controversy

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

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

Great Rock/Metal Albums of 1989: The Cult- Sonic Temple

Whether or not it’s my weird brain but did you ever find an album really good but can’t explain why you like it so much? This has always been the case for me with The Cult’s album, “Sonic Temple.” It’s a brilliant album, make no mistake about that. The songs are just fantastic, some critics criticized the album for repeating the same formula song after song but hey, it works. I find myself bobbing along to the opener, “Sun King” and then doing the same on the next track with the single, “Fire Woman.” I really love the riffs on this one.

Another criticism hurled at the album is that they went from a defiant indie rock band to Warrant wannabees. Okay, there are some elements in songs which do point to hair metal but those are done in a way unique to The Cult. Maybe it’s because it seems to me that Billy Duffy is let loose more on the album to do what he does on the guitar. He nails some really good guitar solos, one on the mentioned opener and another on the power ballad, “Edie (Ciao Baby).”

A difficult task, although I’m not complaining because it meant I had to listen to the album more, was identifying the hidden gem. There were a couple of candidates. “American Horse” does bring the power and this song alone puts them in the heavy metal category with that blistering guitar solo and the mentioned power ballad was also a strong consideration. However, and it was a very very close call, the hidden gem goes to “Sweet Soul Sister.” This song has a bit of a Savatage feel at the beginning and that was what won it for me. In addition, it’s one of those metal anthem type songs where if played live, would have the audience clapping along with it.

While I prefer the first half of the album, the second half is by no means weak. “Soul Asylum” starts things off in a cool melodic metal way with some great power chords, though it does drag a little at over seven minutes long. “New York City” is also a strong power rocker which borders near thrash and when I first saw the track listing, I thought the penultimate track, “Soldier Blue,” was going to be a cover of the Buffy Saint-Marie classic. Trust me, it’s nothing like that! Instead, it’s another great metal sounding tune. Still, I wonder what a Cult cover of Buffy’s song would sound like.

Track Listing:

1. Sun King
2. Fire Woman
3. American Horse
4. Edie (Ciao Baby)
5. Sweet Soul Sister
6. Soul Asylum
7. New York City
8. Atomic Blues
9. Soldier Blue
10. Wake Up Time for Freedom

Ian Astbury- vocals, percussion

Billy Duffy- guitar

Jamie Stewart- bass, keyboards

Additional Musicians:

Mickey Curry- drums

Note: Eric Singer and Chris Taylor played drums on demo versions

Iggy Pop- backing vocals on “New York City”

John Webster- keyboards

Bob Buckley- string arrangement on “Edie (Ciao Baby)”

Said it before and I’ll keep on saying, “Who gives a stuff what the critics say?” “Sonic Temple” is a fine offering from The Cult.

Next post: Aerosmith- Pump

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

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

1988: The Beginning of the End

As 1988 was drawing to a close, the winds of change was beginning to blow. Hair metal and thrash might have been at their zenith but other forms of metal were beginning to meta-morph and would eventually change the landscape of heavy metal in general. The lack of radio and MTV airplay would continue to frustrate metal’s legions of followers and would get even worse. However, in spite of one person’s prediction in 1985, metal would never die. However, as I look back in history, although I didn’t see it at the time, there seeds of change were definitely being planted.

There were changes of a different type in my own life at the end of 1988 as my then wife and I were preparing for our first child, who was born six weeks into the new year. At the time, I thought I had ‘grow up’ and music took a back seat in my life. But enough with the gloom and doom, as I hopefully have shown, there was a lot of great music in 1988 which gave music followers a lot to look forward to in 1989.

As we leave the tour of 1988, I leave you with something that was a huge hit in Britain in the year. It comes from the comedy field. Comedian Harry Enfield introduced the country to a very funny character called “Loadsamoney” To me, the character was a dig at the yuppie culture of the late 1980s. Have a look and enjoy.

Next post: I Would Like Your Input

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

To give Bruce Dickinson his much deserved knighthood, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson

Great Metal Albums of 1988: Lilian Axe

Here’s another band which didn’t come to my attention until they had a few albums under their belt. In the case of Lilian Axe, it was the early 1990s and the “Poetic Justice” album where I really took notice of this band. If what I’m seeing on the net is anything to go by, their self-titled debut album has gotten little recognition over the years. Therefore, the question I’m asking today is: Is that fair?

Unlike some of the album I have visited recently, this album builds itself up to the middle, which for me, is the best part of it. Further speculation here but I think opener “Dream of a Lifetime” was the intended single from the album. It has that melodic, commercial vibe with enough hard guitar not to disappoint metalheads. It does hold one’s interest.

As the album progresses, things go harder. “Inside Out” is more of a traditional metal tune with some interesting guitar hooks backed up by a solid rhythm section and vocals and a good guitar solo. That continues on with “Visions in the Night,” a tune which is very similar to its predecessor, except some keyboards come in as the song fades out. Both songs provide a nice lead up to the four best songs on the album starting with some cool guitar riffs opening “Picture Perfect.” Some chugging power chords, only to slow down enough for the harmonizing at the chorus and the best guitar solo so far. This is the track which lets you know that Lilian Axe want to get down to business.

The two best tracks come dead centre. “The More That You Get” is a very appropriate title because you get more hard power chords and some serious rocking. However, for me, “Misery Loves Company” is the best track on the album. This is the song where everything comes together to blow your mind. It just goes straight into some power chords and takes no prisoners. This song has me wanting to get up, flash the horns in the air and start headbanging away.

“Nobody Knows” is the power ballad and while it won’t break my top 30 list of great power ballads, it’s still an okay one. It ticks all the boxes of what a good power ballad should be, an acoustic intro, soft, melodic vocals, a steady bassline, good harmonizing at the chorus and of course, a great guitar solo in the middle. After a very cool keyboard intro, “Hard Luck” takes things back to the more harder metal and penultimate track, “Waiting in the Dark,” keeps the rocking going strong.

One mission of an album closer is to make sure you want to visit the album again, if the other tracks leave you unconvinced. While the other tracks here do convince me to visit the album album again, “Laughing In Your Face” would do that anyway. It’s a great closer with the catchy melodic, we’re going out on a high vibe to it.

Track Listing:

1. Dream of a Lifetime
2. Inside Out
3. Vision in the Night
4. Picture Perfect
5. The More That You Get
6. Misery Loves Company
7. Nobody Knows
8. Hard Luck
9. Waiting in the Dark
10. Laughing In Your Face

Lilian Axe

Ron Taylor- lead vocals

Steve Blaze- lead guitar

Jon Ster- rhythm guitar, keyboards

Rob Stratton- bass

Danny King- drums

There have been quite a few bands where I called their debut album ‘a promising start,’ however, in the case of Lilian Axe, that statement holds true. While they would put out superior albums in the future, their debut is the rock which those albums are built upon. To answer my original question, no it’s not fair that this album gets overlooked.

Next post: Dayglo Abortions- Here Today, Guano Tomorrow

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

To sign the petition for a knighthood for Bruce Dickinson, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson?redirect=false

Great Metal Albums of 1988: Hurricane- Over the Edge

Whenever the term ‘hair metal’ is mentioned, one of the first bands which comes to mind is Hurricane. By 1988, that term seemed to be thrown around quite liberally and many bands, rightfully or not, was given the branding. However, I never really cared about the hair, I left that to the ladies like my sister who were jealous of bands who had better hair than they did. Hurricane was such a band.

Me, I just focused on the music and Hurricane’s second album, “Over the Edge,” delivered quite a bit of good music. The title cut starts things off very nicely with some great power chords and a cool guitar solo. Furthermore, the vocals come through very well too, making me want to stick around for the rest of the album. Following on is a very interesting cover of the Alice Cooper classic, “I’m Eighteen.” This version is definitely slowed down with some clever guitar hooks. On top of that, Kelly Hansen’s vocals are sinister but very articulated and a smoking guitar solo from Robert Sarzo.

While the opening tracks are great and that includes, “I’m Onto You,” it’s the middle of the album which does it for me. “Messin’ With a Hurricane,” “Insane” and “We Are Strong” are the best tracks on the album. I don’t know if any of these songs were released as a single, but “Messin’ With a Hurricane” definitely fulfills the criteria for it. It’s a very powerful but melodic metal song with a great bassline. Then you get the more bluesy “Insane,” which is done extremely well. Great harmonizing opens “We Are Strong,” which is followed up by some great power chords and solo. It turns into a very cool, straight up metal rocker. You know, I can’t decide which of these three songs I like best.

Although I praise the middle of the album, things don’t deteriorate as the album winds down to its conclusion. “Give Me an Inch” is the best of this bunch with the harmony vocals. It’s what Yes would sound like if they went heavy metal. At first, I thought closer, “Baby Snakes,” might be a cover of a Frank Zappa song but it’s not. It’s a spoken song where a boy named Jeff constantly phoning this girl named Jenny in the hopes of getting a date. She shoots him down every time but Jeff will not give up. It’s all done with a great musical backdrop.

Track Listing:

1. Over the Edge
2. I’m Eighteen
3. I’m Onto You
4. Messin’ With a Hurricane
5. Insane
6. We Are Strong
7. Spark in My Heart
8. Give Me an Inch
9. Shout
10. Baby Snakes

Hurricane

Kelly Hansen- vocals, guitar

Robert Sarzo- guitar, vocals

Jay Schellen- drums, percussion, vocals

Tony Cavazo- bass, vocals

Now I see why Hurricane were so big in 1990. This “Over the Edge” album was the springboard which launched them into that greatness.

Next post: KISS- Chikara

Note: I’m off to Edinburgh for the weekend so the next post won’t be for a week. Furthermore, if I find a good metal bar in Scotland’s capital, I’ll post about that before the KISS album.

To sign the petition to give Bruce Dickinson his knighthood, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson?redirect=false

Great Metal Albums of 1988: Winger

Back in 1988, heavy metal wasn’t so categorized, at least in my view. If it had some good power chords, suitable vocals and killer guitar solos, then it was metal. Sure, I knew of glam metal. Bands like Motley Crue, Bon Jovi and Europe carried that banner proudly. As for hair metal, it didn’t exist although I would say that TNT were pioneers of the genre. Therefore, when my sister sent me one of her many compilation tapes from the US, I made no such distinction when it came to the Winger song, “Headed for a Heartbreak.” I just liked the song.

Winger’s debut album was exactly one direction which heavy metal seemed to be heading in the late 1980s. For metalheads, there were power chords galore but there was some great melody and power ballads to gain the band much commercial success with the album. Four singles were released from the album, one of which, “Heading for a Heartbreak,” has already been mentioned. It’s considered a great power ballad and I don’t disagree. Three other singles begin the album, the first one, which was also the first single, “Madeline,” is another almost power ballad type song but it shows the potential of the band from the right off. The second track, “Hungry,” is noticeably heavier. Maybe it’s me mellowing with age but I appreciate the combined power chords with melody much more these days.

Single/track three, “Seventeen” is my favourite among the singles. It’s even more rockier than “Hungry” with a lot of swagger to it. True, it’s about intimacy with a girl of the same age as the title but the lyrics don’t matter here. It’s a catchy hard rock vibe and guitarist, Reb Beach, really steps into the spotlight on this one. His rhythm guitar work is exceptional and he plays a blinder of a guitar solo. But before I get into the deeper cuts and reveal the hidden gem, one can’t help but notice the cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic, “Purple Haze.” It wouldn’t win a Original vs. Cover competition in my eyes but it’s done fairly well.

Although “Without the Night,” wasn’t released as a single, maybe it should have been. It’s a good enough power ballad. Kip Winger does pour some genuine passion into the vocals and lays down a cool bassline. Maybe it should have been called, “Kip’s Song.” Okay, maybe not because bass and vocals are supported by some good keyboards from Paul Taylor. Additionally, we get another great guitar solo from Reb and one can’t forget the drumming of Rod Morganstein. However, it’s not the hidden gem.

So, the search for the hidden gem continues. All four remaining tracks are contenders but the winner is “Time to Surrender.” Reb’s riffs at the very beginning lets you know that Winger want to rock. This one is great hard rocker but with some great harmonizing at the chorus and some superb guitar fills. I had to momentarily stop typing so I can bang my head to it, at least until the guitar solo. “Poison Angel” comes second in the hidden gem search. In contrast to the other tracks, this one just gets down to business with some traditional metal. The fastest song on the album. One final point. I think it was a good idea to have the final single, “Heading for a Heartbreak,” close the album.

Track Listing:

1. Madeline
2. Hungry
3. Seventeen
4. Without the Night
5. Purple Haze
6. State of Emergency
7. Time to Surrender
8. Poison Angel
9. Hangin’ On
10. Heading for a Heartbreak

Winger

Kip Winger- lead vocals, bass, keyboards

Reb Beach- guitar, backing vocals

Paul Taylor- keyboards, backing vocals

Rod Morganstein- drums, backing vocals

Additional Musicians:

Dweezil Zappa- slide guitar on “Purple Haze”

Beau Hill, Ira McLaughlan- backing vocals

Sandra Park, Rebecca Young, Hae Young Ham, Maria Kistopoulos- strings

It has been said that with Winger’s debut album, hair metal was launched upon the world. It could be the case but I never noticed it. For me, this is a great album no matter what category you put it in.

Next post: Overkill- Under the Influence

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

To sign the petition giving Bruce Dickinson a well deserved knighthood, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson?redirect=false

Great Metal Albums of 1988: Stryper- In God We Trust

“In God We Trust” is one Stryper album I know the least about. I knew of its existence but I listened to it very little and now that I have had a couple of good listens, I am asking myself., “Why did I ignore this album?” I could probably throw out several semi viable excuses but that would serve no purpose because the album is far better than what I remembered way back in 1988.

My first impression of “In God We Trust,” has me thinking of a recent post by Aphoristical on bands who do really good harmonies. Well, the harmonizing on this album is superb! It could be down to Michael Sweet doing a lot of the backing vocals himself with support from guitarist Oz Fox. Needless to say, we all know what a great singer Michael is. He, along with the rest of Stryper is my main argument against those who claim that Christian rock bands were made up of second rate musicians. As far as singers go, I put Michael Sweet in the top class along with Bruce Dickinson, Ronnie James Dio, do I need to go on? Still, the harmony vocals on this album are just great and if you want a good example of Michael’s vocals, the track I recommend is the power ballad, “I Believe in You.”

Harmonies aside, the real star of this album is Oz Fox. He just rips solos all throughout the album and while many people acknowledge his guitar playing ability, it doesn’t get shouted out as much as it should. Oz Fox is one kick ass guitarist, end of story. I could site just about every track on the album to back up my argument but I think the best track to do that is “The Writings On the Wall.” He just solos his way all throughout the track and even the rhythm guitar breaks on it are mind blowing.

Like with the previous Stryper albums, the Jesus lyrics come through loud and clear. All songs tell the listener to turn to the Lord and be saved or face eternal damnation, although they don’t use those words directly. Those of you who have been following me for awhile, know that lyrics don’t bother me. When I listen to the album, I feel no inclination to burn my Mercyful Fate albums and pour my beer down the drain. BTW, back in the 1980s, I often listened to these two bands together. I called it my ‘Heaven and Hell’ moments. Anyway, the fact that they are singing about Jesus is not important because the music behind it is just fantastic.

Jesus lyrics or not, they must have done something right because three singles were released from the album with two, “I Believe In You” and “Always There For You,” breaking into the top 100. Both of those and the non- charting third single, “Keep the Fire Burning,” are all good songs but for me, the best tracks are the already mentioned “The Writing’s On the Wall” and my vote for hidden gem, “It’s Up 2 U.” They get the nod because they both showcase Oz’s guitar work the best.

Nit picking here but one criticism of “In God We Trust” is the order. In my humble opinion, “Come to the Everlife” should have been the closer. It just has that closer vibe with the melody and certainly the melodic guitar solo ending the track and what better way to end a Christian metal album than to invite everyone to join them in the everlife. The tracks following “Everlife” are good but feel stuck on after. Still, it’s one minor point with an album which is so good in so many other ways.

My other question is why is bassist Tim Gaines absent?

Track Listing:

1. In God We Trust
2. Always There for You
3. Keep the Fire Burning
4. I Believe in You
5. The Writing’s on the Wall
6. It’s Up 2 U
7. The World of You and I
8. Come to the Everlife
9. Lonely
10. The Reign

Stryper

Michael Sweet- lead and backing vocals, guitar

Oz Fox- lead guitar, backing vocals

Robert Sweet- drums

Additional Musicians

Billy Meyers- keyboards

John Van Tongoren- keyboards

Steven Croes- Synclavier programming

Brad Cobb- session bassist

Whatever your views on Christian rock or rock from any religion, one can’t deny that with “In God We Trust,” Stryper deliver their message in cool metal style.

Next post: Europe- Out of This World

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

To sign the petition to give Bruce Dickinson a knighthood, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson?redirect=false

Great Metal Albums of 1988: Queensryche- Operation Mindcrime

This was an actual Facebook conversation I had when I posted about King Diamond’s “Abigail” album.

Me: Read why King Diamond’s “Abigail” album is my joint favourite heavy metal concept album of all time.

Responder: I bet the other one’s “Operation Mindcrime.”

Me: It is, am I that predictable?

Responder: No, because “Operation Mindcrime” is such a good album.

Actually, the background as to how the concept album “Operation Mindcrime” from Queensryche came to be is quite an iteresting read. Singer Geoff Tate was living in Quebec at the time and he picked up on loose talk from friends there who were Quebec separatists who talked about terrorism and bombing. He also lamented over friends who became derelicts due to drink and drugs. Putting the two together, he came up with the concept for the album. His biggest challenge was selling the idea to the rest of the band, which he did one at a time, although guitarist Chris DeGarmo was on board almost from the beginning. Eventually, the rest of the band agreed and a great concept album was born.

Track Listing:

1. I Remember Now- The short track takes place inside a hospital with the nurse asking a patient, “It’s fifteen minutes past curfew, why are you still up? Perhaps you need another shot.” After she gives the shot, she says, “Sweet dreams, you bastard.” The story’s protagonist, Nikki, suddenly realizes, “I remember now, I remember everything.”
2. Anarchy X- It’s a cool sounding instrumental which paves the way for the next track.
3. Revolution Calling- Heroin addict Nikki is frustrated by the hypocrisy and political corruption going on around him and is manipulated into joining a revolutionary group. The rhythm guitar on this track is phenomenal. I love the lyrics, “Who do you trust when the media’s the crook?”
4. Operation Mindcrime- A great intro here and the is the first of several songs on the track where the bass talents of Eddie Jackson reveals itself. Dr X is the leader of the revolutionary group and he uses mind control techniques to get Nikki become his puppet and carry out assassinations.
5. Speak- Nikki relishes his role as an assassin and it inflates his ego. He enjoys exterminating the Fascists as the rich control the media and law on this faster tempo track. The backing vocals on the chorus make the point.
6. Spreading the Disease- My vote for hidden gem on the album. The story sidetracks to a girl named Mary who has run away from home and working as a prostitute. She is rescued from her life by a Father William but the priest isn’t as holy as you might think through the lyrics: “He takes her once a week on the altar like a sacrifice.” Father William is an associate of Dr X and through both of them, Mary’s services are offered to Nikki. This track just purely rocks, both lyrically and musically.
7. The Mission- Through his relationship with Mary, “She washes my sins sway,” Nikki begins to question what he’s doing and Dr X’s nefarious agenda. The track opens with a cool acoustic intro and then builds up into a rocker. The drumming of Scott Rockenfield is noteworthy on this tune. Saying that, Chris DeGarmo hammers out a cool guitar solo.
8. Suite Sister Mary- A ten minute plus long progressive metal extravaganza, with Scott adding keyboards and complete with choir, augments Dr X’s instruction to Nikki to kill Mary and Father Williamsas he senses the effect the nun is having on his assassin. He kills the priest but can’t bring himself to kill Mary. His agonizing over it is clearly reflecting in the song and is backed up by some great guitar work. I’m adding this track to my list of great songs over ten minutes long.
9. The Needle Lies- Nikki goes to Dr. X and tells him he’s out but Dr X reminds him of his drug filled past and how he would still be in that life if it hadn’t been for the Doctor. Nikki leaves feeling conflicted. All of this is told in a very fast paced track.
10. Electric Requiem- Nikki returns to find Mary dead and Geoff Tate speaks his lamentations very well backed up by some eerie sounding guitars.
11. Breaking the Silence- Nikki can’t cope with Mary’s death and wonders if he killed her. His grief causes him to lose his sanity, running through the streets calling her name. The police arrive and attempt to subdue him. The rocking melody fits the lyrics extremely well and there is a great guitar solo tradeoff between Chris and Michael.
12. I Don’t Believe in Love- My favourite Queensryche song of all time! As part of a story or not, this song is just simply fantastic. A gun is found on Nikki and he is arrested, suspected for Mary’s murder and those he committed on the orders of Dr X. He is put into a mental hospital as he in full mental breakdown. Eddie’s bass line is brilliant and the guitars are superb.
13. Waiting for 22- A cool instrumental which sets the stage for the next track.
14. My Empty Room- In the mental hospital, Nikki tries to retrace his final moments with Mary as he’s suffering from a complete memory loss. Tate’s vocals bring home Nikki’s mental torture.
15. Eyes of Stranger- Back in the room in the first track, Nikki has regained his memory but he doesn’t recognize the image he sees in the mirror. He doesn’t know who he is or what he’s become. The music behind the lyrics make it and ideal closer for the album which ends with Nikki saying, “I remember now.”

Queensryche

Geoff Tate- lead vocals, keyboards, whistles and blurbs

Michael Wilton- guitars

Chris DeGarmo- guitars, steel guitar, guitar synthesizer

Eddie Jackson- bass

Scott Rockenfield- drums, percussion, keyboards Track 10

The Cast:

Pamela Moore- Sister Mary

Anthony Valentine- Dr X

Debbie Wheeler- The Nurse

Mike Snyder- The Anchorman

Scott Malteer- Father William

The Moronic Monks of Morin Heights- choir

What more can I say? “Operation Mindcrime” is considered Queensryche’s best album by critics and many fans alike. The only criticism I know of was one who said they were too intellectual for their own good. That should be a compliment because back in the 80s, it was metalheads and the bands they followed who were considered to be stupid. We know this was never the case, another rebuttal comes with this album.

Next post: Cinderella- Long Cold Winter

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

Technically, with this post, I shouldn’t include the link to sign the petition to give Bruce Dickinson a knighthood because according to Bruce’s autobiography, he and Geoff Tate didn’t like each other. Anyway, if you want to rise about their squabble, click the link: https://www.change.org/p/special-honours-committees-for-knighthoods-a-knighthood-for-bruce-dickinson?redirect=false