If You Have Netflix, Then Watch This Movie!

My stepson, Teal, recommended the film, “Metal Lords,” to me and in the past few weeks, I’ve seen it twice and now I’m going to plug how good the film is here. Without spoiling the entire plot, “Metal Lords” is about two socially displaced high school kids, Hunter and Kevin. Hunter is a total metalhead who dreams of hitting the big time as a great metal guitarist. Kevin, the drummer, although not a metalhead in the traditional sense, follows Hunter’s lead because Hunter saved him from a bully in third grade. Together, they form the band, Skullfucker.

All the heavy metal cliches are in the film but the thing was, I don’t care because they are all the truth. There’s the being picked on by the jocks, singled out by teachers and late in the film, Hunter’s father has him committed to a clinic because as we all know, only insane people listen to heavy metal. In addition, Kevin gets a girlfriend, Emily, who plays the cello. With the band still not able to find a bass player, Kevin tries to pitch Emily but Hunter rejects it saying that the cello is not a metal instrument. This eventually leads to a falling out between the two friends and Kevin joining the bubble gum pop band, Mollycoddle. It all leads to what some will call a predictable ending but it’s all done a great metal form.

My strange ability to pick out the small details in films, I found it amusing that when Kevin is in Mollycoddle, he finds playing the drums to their songs a lot easier than being a metal drummer. Even if he does nail, “War Pigs.” Then there’s my favourite scene when Kevin is in the pool and about to cheat on Emily, he is visited by Scott Ian, Tom Morello, Kirk Hammett and Rob Halford who all (Rob even more so) remind Kevin what a great girl Emily is and he shouldn’t cheat on her. Then again, if those four Gods visited me, I would do anything they said. One last point, “War Pigs” sounds excellent played on the cello.

Kevin being visited by Scott, Tom, Kirk and Rob

Of course no metal film would be worth its weight if it didn’t have a killer soundtrack.

1. Skullflower- Machinery of Torment
2. Judas Priest- Metal Gods
3. Iron Maiden- The Trooper
4. Avenged Sevenfold- Hail to the King
5. Judas Priest- Painkiller
6. Metallica- For Whom the Bell Tolls
7. Black Sabbath- War Pigs
8. Mastodon- Blood and Thunder
9. Judas Priest- Grinder
10. Ozzy Osbourne- Dee
11. Motorhead- Ace of Spades
12. Metallica- One
13. Pantera- Cowboys From Hell
14. Metallica- Master of Puppets
15. Zeal & Ardor- Trust No One
16. Guns ‘N’ Roses- Since I Don’t Have You
17. Metallica- Whiplash
18. Pantera- I’m Broken

Performance of the song in the film

I urge everyone to watch “Metal Lords.” It may be a little predictable but with all of that metal, who the hell cares?

Next post: Original vs. Cover

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

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Great Metal Albums of 1987: Motorhead- Rock ‘n’ Roll

“Rock ‘n’ Roll” is Motorhead’s worst performing album chartwise of all time. It was slammed by so-called critics and even Lemmy admitted that it wasn’t their best album. He sites some of the reasons such as having the wrong producer and the personal problems that guitarist Wurzel was experiencing at the time. Taking all into account, while I won’t equate “Rock ‘n’ Roll” with the classics, it is far from a bad album.

The first two tracks are the best ones on the album. Both prove that Motorhead hadn’t lost their touch and were capable of kicking your ass at 120 miles an hour. “Eat the Rich” was used in a film of the same title where Lemmy appears in the film in the role of Spider. Reflecting back to Gene Simmons’s role in a film a few years prior, maybe there is a correlation to bass players acting in films and the effect it has on their next album. I haven’t seen the film in ages but I wasn’t that impressed, especially coming from the Comic Strip group which made “Bad News.” But I remember Lemmy was pretty good in the film.

While the first two tracks are the best ones, I don’t think the album downturns that drastically afterwards. If there is any criticism to be aimed at the album is that Motorhead rely on the same formula that had made them so great over the years. Some people might have got tired of what they perceived as the same sound again and again. However, I say that true, there are similarities to classic Motorhead material, they do it with the same passion as well. You still get thrashing guitars, Lemmy’s unmistakable vocals, some great guitar solos, my favourite is on “Stone Deaf in the USA,” which is also my pick for the hidden gem.

If listeners wanted something different on a Motorhead album, then “Blessing” provides it. The band doesn’t play on it but instead it’s a prayer offered by Monty Python star Michael Palin who asks God to bless Motorhead. Michael says his prayer in the same fashion as his character in the Python film, “The Meaning of Life.” Being both a Motorhead and a Monty Python fan, I found it all very funny. Even if you don’t find it funny, the tracks “Traitor” and “Dogs” go back to traditional kick ass Motorhead sound. “Dogs” is especially a great song to bang your head along to.

The album saw one change in personnel as drummer Pete Gill was out and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor was brought back in. While no one debates Phil’s efforts on the album, to some, it wasn’t enough to save it but what do they know? I like this album.

Track Listing:

1. Rock ‘ n’ Roll
2. Eat the Rich
3. Blackheart
4. Stone Deaf in the USA
5. Blessing
6. The Wolf
7. Traitor
8. Dogs
9. All For You
10. Boogeyman

Motorhead

Lemmy Kilmister- bass, lead vocals

Wurzel- lead guitar, slide guitar on “Stone Deaf in the USA”

Phil ‘Wizzo’ Campbell- rhythm guitar, slide guitar on “Eat the Rich”

Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor- drums

Michael Palin- Speech on “Blessing”

British fans might have been getting tired of Motorhead, but it wasn’t the case in the USA. The lack of chart success for “Rock ‘n’ Roll” made Lemmy relocate to America where fans were wanting to see Motorhead live and buy their albums.

Next post: Napalm Death- Scum

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

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Great Punk Albums of 1987: Gaye Bykers on Acid- Drill Your Own Hole

Everyone’s question when they see the name of this band is: Is it just a clever name? Originally, I thought the answer was ‘yes’ because two people I know saw them live opening for such greats as Motorhead and both said that Gaye Bykers on Acid were rubbish. Therefore, for many years I ignored them. However, since I began blogging, I realized that I shouldn’t just let someone else’s opinion deter me from checking out a band on my own. Whether people like it or not, Gaye Bykers on Acid were a part, albeit a small part, of music history in 1987 and that’s why they are getting their spot here on 80smetalman.

What I like about their debut album, “Drill Your Own Hole” is that it doesn’t fit nicely into any preconceived pigeon holes. Wikipedia attempts to define the album as ‘noise rock’ or ‘neo psychedelic rock’ and I see small arguments in both cases. The opening track, “Motorvate,” gives weight to the argument as is sounds like The Doors going post punk. On the other hand, although there is no mention of it in what I’ve read about the band and this album and it could prove my insanity, I detect a strong Dead Kennedys influence on many of the tracks. Tony Byker’s guitar licks sound very much like East Bay Ray’s from the Dead Kennedy’s “Frankenchrist” album.

One track which is way out there is “Zen Express.” The intro sounds very similar to that of the theme song to “Friends” but goes more like a punked up version of The Monkees after. Another comment from a critic way back then is that the Gaye Bykers on Acid sound is the collision of punk and hippy psychedelic rock. That collision is abundantly clear on this track. The track which follows it, “Git Down,” is more like the Kennedys sound but with some wild soloing from Tony. But the track also has a bit of a swagger to it as well.

“World War 7 Blues” would be a great song for a cover from a heavy metal band. There is a definite metal vibe which you can surely bang along to. Just add some power chords. Saying that, Tony’s riffs are good on this one as well and this brings me to my next point. The glue which holds the album together is the strong bass lines from Robber Byker. You have probably already guessed that the band is all surnamed Byker but anyway, Robber does a fine job on the album.

It’s Jim Morrison meets Madness on the track “After Suck There’s Blow.” That’s the only way I can describe this track except unlike Madness, there’s no horns on the song. The remainder of the album goes out on pretty much the same vein with lead singer Mary Byker sounding like a punk Jim Morrison, interesting guitar riffs from Tommy and Robber and Kev Byker laying down a strong rhythm section. On top of that, they take the piss out of TV evangelists on “Drive-In Salvation.” I always tip my hat to anyone who does that. So, while they might have sucked live, “Drill Your Own Hole” is a decent album in its own right.

Track Listing:

1. Motorvate
2. Call Me a Liar
3. All Hung Up
4. Zen Express
5. World War 7 Blues
6. Git Down (Shake Your Thang)
7. After Suck There’s Blow
8. So Far Out
9. Drive-In Salvation
10. TV Cabbage

Gaye Bykers on Acid

Mary Byker (Ian Garfield Hoxley)- vocals

Tony Byker/Phlegm Lubricant/Tony Shuttleburger/Sven Eleven (Tony Horsfall)- guitar

Robber Byker (Ian Reynolds)- bass

Kev Byker/Cubehead Buffalo Hyde/Gavina Hyde/Kenny Pride (Kevin Hyde)- drums

Another amusing point in regards to the “Drill Your Own Hole” album is that the first 1,000 pressings came without the hole in the centre. So, in order to listen to the album, you had to do what the album title said. After much thought and several listens to the album, I have come to the conclusion that this is a good album but you need an open mind and a sense of humour to fully appreciate it.

Next post: Motorhead- Rock and Roll

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

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An Early Happy New Year

Not a bad haul. I must have been a good boy this year.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas! As you can see, Santa was good to me this year. Not only did I get the new AC/DC album, I got a few albums I wasn’t expecting. The Metallica, Ozzy and Thin Lizzy, which for some reason isn’t in the photo, were upgrades as I had all of these on either cassette or vinyl. FTR, the Thin Lizzy was “Live and Dangerous.” Anyway, I hope all of you had good hauls as well.

Repeating what many other people have said, 2020 was a bust. Fortunately, I had my music and a lot of music which many of you have shared on your blogs. We all seemed to pull together and help each other get through, which was good to see and although there is still more shit ahead, the end might be insight. This past year was the first year since 2014 where I didn’t go to any live gigs. The lockdown meant that Hells Bells couldn’t come to town and my plan to go to Bloodstock for the Sunday was also put on hiatus. However, the good news about Bloodstock is that most of the line up planned for 2020 will be there for 2021. That means Judas Priest will still headline on the Sunday with Saxon on right before them! Additionally, and this has me considering coming out of retirement and going to Bloodstock for the full three days, Mercyful Fate is now headlining on the Saturday. Devin Townsend headlining the Friday makes it even more tempting.

Since, I will be working over the New Year’s period, I would like now to wish all of you an Happy New Year and may your 2021 be a joyous one.

Next post: Vyper- Afraid of the Dark

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

Great Metal Albums of 1986: Sword- Metalized

Touring with Motorhead on their “Orgasmatron” tour in 1986, in the UK, was a little known band from Canada called “Sword.” Unfortunately, I didn’t see this great gig, but I wish I had. No use crying over spilt milk, I suppose. However, Sword’s support of Motorhead did get them some notice, enough that their single from their debut “Metalized” album got played at metal clubs in London. That song was “Stoned Again.”

I can see why it was released as a single. The catchy chorus with lyrics which probably caught the attention of the PMRC in the US definitely got my attention. In the late Autumn of 86, I found myself singing to myself, “God damn stoned again,” quite a lot. But it just wasn’t the amusing chorus, the guitar riff is one that has you banging your head away to it and there is a cool bass line at the intro and of course a cool guitar solo.

Insert tired cliche: one song doesn’t make an album and I can say that the rest of “Metalized” pulls its weight in support of the single. It starts with the opener, “F.T.W.” These days, some might say that the opening riffs to it are typical but back then, I loved those riffs. In fact, I still do!

Whoever wrote about this album on Wikipedia stated that the album explores the many subgenres of metal. Of course, back in 86, those subgenres were starting to emerge, so I didn’t really notice it. I still don’t really notice them now. True, the track, “Outta Control,” is a very fast speed metal song but I don’t think it’s enough to say that Sword were experimenting with thrash metal on it. While it makes me want to bang my head faster while I’m listening to it, it doesn’t have me searching for a mosh pit either. Besides, the following track, “The End of the Night,” is almost as fast. It does have some heavier chords and a great bass line.

What is good but a little frustrating about “Metalized” is the fact that the nine tracks apart from “Stoned Again,” are so good, that I find it nigh impossible to find the hidden gem. Many of the songs have something that makes them stand out, like the strong bass line or in the case of “Runaway,” a ear catching lead guitar intro and cool guitar solo in the middle. Listening to that track, that is nearly thrash as well, which makes me wonder why the writer on Wikipedia singled out “Outta Control” as the thrash song.

Apart from the small differences between the songs, they all have several things which in common which unite them. All songs have great power chords, cool guitar solos and great vocals. However, what stands out for me here is the bass playing Mike Larock. It really impresses me and while I wonder why Sword weren’t a more household name in the metal world outside The Great White North, I also wonder why Mike isn’t mentioned more among great bassists like Sheehan, Anthony, Burton, Lemmy and so on. (Feel free to add to this list.)

Track Listing:

1. F.T.W.
2. Children of Heaven
3. Stoned Again
4. Dare to Spit
5. Outta Control
6. The End of the Night
7. Runaway
8. Where to Hide
9. Stuck in Rock
10. Evil Spell

Sword

Rick Hughes- vocals, keyboards

Mike Plant- guitar, keyboards

Mike Larock- bass

Dan Hughes- drums

Listening to the debut album from Sword reinforces my belief that Canadian bands don’t get the respect they deserve. “Metalized” is a great album and I think that Sword should have been a household name beyond just 1986.

Next post: Saxon- Rock the Nations

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

Great Metal Albums of 1986: Motorhead- Orgasmatron

For some reason, when Motorhead albums get mentioned, I never hear anyone mention their 1986 album, “Orgasmatron.” Do people think this album is bad? Having seen them play at Donington to officially release the album, I naturally had to listen to it and though there are some differences to what I had known about Motorhead, the album is okay.

The change is noticeable from the opening song, “Deaf Forever.” One would think that with such a title, it would come in at 800 mph but it’s more like 250, giving the impression that Motorhead were slowing down to a more mainstream metal pace. Saying that, the opener is a decent song, you could say it’s rather melodic for Motorhead.

There is an attempt in the next two tracks to get things back into more familiar territory. You can hear that the band want to just thrash out but unfortunately, the production lets it down. Again, both “Nothing Up My Sleeve” and “Ain’t My Crime” are very palletable but I can get why Lemmy was not impressed with the production on this album, listening to these two tracks alone. He states that producer Bill Laswell took the album to New York and brought it back worse than before it left England.

Not all is gloom with “Orgasmatron.” “The Claw” is the best track on the album because it does mark a return to what we all love about Motorhead. “Mean Machine” carries it on and has the best guitar solo on the album as well as some great power chords. When you hear these two tracks, you definitely say, “That’s more like it!”

Ditto for “Built for Speed” which begins with a cool drum intro. It’s not as speedy as the two previous tracks but the power is there for sure. Lemmy’s vocals are probably the best on this song and there are a couple of great guitar solos. In fact, I might change my mind and say that this is the best track on the album.

Motorhead as we know it returns for definite on “Ridin’ With the Driver.” This is the fastest song on the album. If played live, it would cause mosh pits to open up. It’s just one of those feel good songs. Although slower, “Doctor Rock” does not lack intensity. Some great power chords and guitar hooks cement for me that “Orgamsatron” is definitely a good album.

The title track closes the album and it is what it is, a good closer. Putting it anywhere else on the album would just make it out of place. What I can say about the closer is that it’s what Suicidal Tendencies would sound like if Lemmy was the lead singer. There are some amusing lyrics in between the guitar hooks, like: “I am the God of war and I will cut you down.” It’s a good way to end the album.

Track Listing:

1. Deaf Forever
2. Nothing Up My Sleeve
3. Ain’t My Crime
4. The Claw
5. Mean Machine
6. Built for Speed
7. Ridin’ With the Driver
8. Doctor Rock
9. Orgasmatron

Motorhead

Lemmy- bass, vocals

Michael ‘Wurzel’ Burston- lead guitar

Phil Campbell- rhythm guitar

Pete Gill- drums

“Orgasmatron” was Motorhead’s first studio album in nearly three years. It did reach number 21 in the UK album charts and broke the top one hundred in other countries but that doesn’t really matter to me, I just like it.

Next post: Sword- Metalized

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

Great Metal Albums of 1984: Anthrax- Fistful of Metal

Normally, when I hear a band’s second album before their first one, I appreciate what a great album the debut was, even if I prefer the second one. That was the case with Twisted Sister, Van Halen and Molly Hatchet for sure. However, there’s always an exception and that comes in the form of Anthrax. My first experience with this band was the second album, “Spreading the Disease,” and you will hear me sing its praises to the heavens. Now, I in no way, shape or form, dislike Anthrax’s debut album, “Fistful of Metal,” it has some great songs which I will elaborate on in a minute. What I do think is that “Spreading the Disease” was a major improvement from this one.

The big improvement comes in the form of the lead singer. While I have nothing against the vocal ability of Neil Turbin, he does some great things on “Fistful of Metal,” it’s just I think Joey Belladonna is a far superior singer. That’s just my opinion. Therefore, I will cease the negative and go for the positive because I have always thought this was a brilliant, in your face, thrash album. In fact, I’ll change my personal history and pretend that I first heard “Fistful of Metal” when it first came out in 1984.

Power chords of Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, combined the shrieks of Neil begin the album in a totally mad metal mayhem. Even though I hadn’t yet heard the term ‘thrash,’ I would have thought that the opening song “Deathrider” comes out and grabs your attention. With the exception of Motorhead, I would have thought it was the most aggressive sound I ever heard back then. Following on immediately after is my favourite song on the album, “Metal Thrashing Mad.” It’s just as thrashy as its predecessor but there is a slight melody to the chorus and I do mean slight. Of all the tracks on the album, this one highlights Neil Turbin’s voice the best.

What I have always liked about the cover of the Alice Cooper classic, “I’m Eighteen,” is the fact that they don’t thrash it up and they pretty much stick to Alice’s formula. Hell, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The next three tracks go back to more mad thrash. It is on the tracks, “Panic” and especially “Subjugator” that I fully hear the brilliant guitar work from Dan Spitz. Also on “Subjugator,” rhythm guitarist Scott Ian has a cool guitar bit on it. It’s certainly the best song of the three and I’ve always questioned why “Soldiers of Metal” was released as a single as there are better tracks to choose from. It still gives you a good mosh. Oops, that word didn’t come out til 1985.

Scott Ian- Anthrax

“Death From Above” is my second favourite song on here. I can’t explain the semantics as to why but I really love this song. Maybe it’s how the song starts with a cool guitar solo from Dan but it just does it for me. The album concludes with “Anthrax,” followed by a very cool instrumental, “Across the River” and probably the best song for the closer, “Howling Furies.” Now there’s a song that lets you know you’ve just had year ears bashed by a cool album.

Track Listing:

1. Deathrider
2. Metal Thrashing Mad
3. I’m Eighteen
4. Panic
5. Subjugator
6. Soldiers of Metal
7. Death From Above
8. Anthrax
9. Across the River
10. Howling Furies

Anthrax

Neil Turbin- vocals

Scott Ian- rhythm guitar

Dan Spitz- lead guitar

Dan Lilker- bass

Charlie Benante- drums

Looking back at history, I now realize how important “Fistful of Metal” was in establishing Anthrax in the metal world and laying down a foundation for them to go onto to better things. The band is certainly hungry on this album, no doubt. The weird thing is that shortly after the album’s released, Dan Lilker would be forced out of the band by the same two band members whom he’d join up with a year later to make my all time favourite album. Still, that’s something to worry about in the future but if you want a thrashing good mosh, then “Fistful of Metal” is one to have.

Next post: Lee Aaron- Metal Queen

To get Rock and Roll Children, go to: https://book-fm.cf/print/free-download-rock-and-roll-children-by-michael-d-lefevre-pdf.html

 

 

 

 

Great Metal Albums of 1984: Motorhead- No Remorse

 Originally, the 1984 compilation album, “No Remorse” from Motorhead was on the list to be visited a little further down the line. However, with the recent passing of Fast Eddie Clarke, it would only be right and a proper tribute to not only Eddie but all three of the original members of Motorhead who are blowing the eardrums of the angels in that better place, to visit it now.

With all of the heavy metal floating around in 1984, I was certainly motivated into listening to as many heavy metal bands as humanly possible. Motorhead was one of them. I had heard a lot about them by then and wanted to listen for myself. Cue, the compilation album, “No Remorse,” which came out in that year. What an album for anyone unfamiliar with to cut their teeth on! If someone who knew absolutely nothing about Motorhead asked which album they should experience first, I would definitely recommend this one.

“No Remorse” is much much more than some greatest hits album. Sure all the great Motorhead songs up til then are on the album. Hell, it wouldn’t have been right if “Ace of Spades” wasn’t the opener on it. In fact, it would be sacrilege! Then, there all the other great ditties like “Iron Fist,” “Motorhead,” “Jailbait,” “Bomber” and “Overkill.” Most would be content with thrilling the fans with all of those great songs and a few more. No, not Motorhead, with “No Remorse,” there’s twenty four songs. Some are great Motorhead songs, others are recorded live and there’s the bonus of four previously unreleased tracks! So what you get here is a Motorhead party!

It was one of these new songs that would become my all time favourite Motorhead song. That song just happens to be “Killed By Death.” Man, I just love that song. Probably because of the way that guitarists Michael Burston and Phil Campbell just solo all over the song and of course Lemmy’s unmistakable vocals. While some may think it’s a bit more melodic than traditional Motorhead songs, there’s enough raw power in the song to let you know that it is indeed Motorhead playing it. Another great new song from the album is “Snaggletooth.” That was is definitely worth a listen as well.

Track Listing:

Disc One

1. Ace of Spades
2. Motorhead
3. Jailbait
4. Stay Clean
5. Too Late, Too Late
6. Killed By Death
7. Bomber
8. Iron Fist
9. Shrine
10. Dancing On Your Grave
11. Metropolis
12. Snaggletooth

Disc Two

1. Overkill
2. Please Don’t Touch
3. Stone Dead Forever
4. Like a Nightmare
5. Emergency
6. Steal Your Face
7. Louie Louie
8. No Class
9. Iron Horse/Born to Lose
10. (We Are) The Road Crew
11. Leaving Here
12. Locomotive

Motorhead (original line up) 

Lemmy- bass, lead vocals except on “Emergency”

Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor- drums on Disc 1 tracks 1-5 and 7-11; Disc 2 1-5 and 7-11

Fast Eddie Clarke- guitar on Disc 1 tracks 1-5 and 7, 8 and 11; Disc 2 tracks 1-5 and 7-11, lead vocal on “Emergency”

Brian ‘Robbo’ Robertson- guitar on Disc 1 tracks 9 & 10

Michel ‘Wurzel’ Burston- guitar on Disc 1 tracks 6 & 12; Disc 2 tracks 6 & 12

Phil Campbell- guitar on Disc 1 tracks 6 & 12; Disc 2 tracks 6 & 12

Pete Gill- drums on Disc 1 tracks 6 & 12; Disc 2 tracks 6 & 12

Motorhead was going through a lineup overhaul when “No Remorse” was released. Phil Taylor and Brian Robertson had left the band and guitarists Phil Campbell and Michael Burston and drummer Pete Gill would eventually join. Whatever the trouble that was going on in the Motorhead camp at the time, the sheer greatness of “No Remorse” cannot be denied.

Next post: Metal Church

To buy Rock and Roll Children, go to: https://book-fm.cf/print/free-download-rock-and-roll-children-by-michael-d-lefevre-pdf.html

 

 

 

 

 

R.I.P. Fast Eddie Clarke

Fast Eddie Clarke wailing away

I was hoping, I was nearly praying that in 2018, we would get a reprieve on rockers great and small departing this Earth. It seems it’s not going to be the case this year either. First, there was legendary record producer Rick Hall and I’ve just found out that Baby Metal guitarist Mikio Fujioka died on Jan 5 by falling off a balcony while stargazing. Now we lose Motorhead’s great guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke who died of pneumonia.

It would only be repeating others if I went on about what a great guitarist Fast Eddie was. He made up one third of the great Motorhead and contributed greatly to their early success. Eddie’s death now means that we have an entire band passing on in the last two and a half years. Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor and the great Lemmy himself both died in 2015.

Motorhead- all now wreaking pandemonium in a better place

All that there is left to say is R.I.P. Fast Eddie Clarke and put on a song in his memory.

Twelve Days of Christmas

My provisions for Christmas

Christmas is nearly upon us and as you can see from above, I’m ready for the festivities with my barrel of The Trooper and my bottles of Motorhead pale ale. I’ll be having a heavy metal Christmas! Reading other posts about Christmas, I have to agree with the premise that there are a lot of versions of the classic carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas. So, I thought it would be cool to share some of those versions I like the most with all of you. After all, Christmas is the time for giving.

Starting with my favourite, I have to agree with my Canadian friends that the version by The McKenzie Brothers has to be the best in my humble opinion.

Being a big Twisted Sister fan, it would be an act of sacrilege not to include their version from their “Twisted Christmas” album. It’s my second favourite. I do like the way all the band contribute to the gifts mentioned.

If “Twisted Christmas” is my favourite Christmas album, my second fave is “I am Santa Claus” by Bob Rivers and Twisted Radio. This version, “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” doesn’t appear on the album but it’s a fun song nonetheless.

I came across this one by Jerry Pate back in the days I had Limewire. I liked it so I downloaded it onto my MP3 and I’m now going to share it with you.

This last one isn’t for the easily offended. This is a dirty version of the carol but it’s done by one of my all time favourite Country singers, David Allen Coe.

So there you have it, my favourite versions of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” I hope you enjoy them and before I go, there is another petition for a knighthood for Ozzy. I didn’t start it but you can sign by clicking the link below.

https://www.change.org/p/knight-mr-john-michael-ozzy-osbourne-for-services-to-music