Steel Panther- All You Can Eat album review

 

Steel Panther

All You Can Eat

Rating: ****

Whether you’re ready or not, Steel Panther are back with a brand new studio album. The comedic head bangers have released their third studio album, All You Can Eat. Like their first two albums, Steel Panther deliver the goods with catchy hooks 1980s style while still managing to be funny. Though their humor is very explicit, Steel Panther have found their audience within the last couple of years.

            The album opens with a surprisingly thrash metal sounding “Pussywhipped”. Guitarist Satchel opens the track with a small acoustic instrumental bit before the band gets down and dirty. It’s a monster of a track, with Metallica-like drumming. The lyrics warn fellow male listeners, as their “balls don’t have a chance.” This is followed by “Party Like Tomorrow Is The End of the World”, the lead single off the album. The song is a typical “party-hardy” glam metal track that suggests to “bone your step sister” or even “don't worry ‘bout the HIV” as the end is near.

            While the band are trying to be funny, this does not stop them from creating/composing actual music. “Bukkake Tears” is an example of this: it has a very melodic feel and sounds pretty at times. The lyrics and subject matter, however, are gross (if you don’t know get the song title, you’ll find out by the end of the song). Another example is “F*cking My Heart In The Ass”: the chorus is catchy but the same can’t be said about the lyrics (although not as bad as “Bukkake Tears”). The band can certainly chug out some heavy tunes. The opening for “Gloryhole” is downright heavy while the Van Halen guitar work on “Ten Strikes You’re Out” is impressive.

            Steel Panther can be very funny, though you have to be in the right mood to fully appreciate the jokes. “Gangbang at the Old Folks Home” tells an outrageous story of a pizza delivery gone wrong (“These golden girls have been around the block/I got a rim job from one while knitting some socks”) while “B.V.S.” warns listeners to avoid the titular latest disease (apparently meaning Big Vagina Syndrome). The album’s closer, “She’s On the Rag”, is simply flat-out hilarious hard rocker about how much periods suck.

            My favorite song from the album, however, is “The Burden of Being Wonderful.” The song sounds similar to Def Leppard’s “Hysteria”, given the string section featured. In the song, singer Michael Starr wonders why he’s so beautiful when everyone else isn’t. “I’m just a Maserati in a world of Kias” sings Starr. “Genius would describe any of my ideas.” This is an impressive song coming from Steel Panther overall for one particular reason: there aren’t any dirty jokes.

            All You Can Eat is simply a good album. I think people who were fans of the glam metal scene of the 1980s will get a kick out of this album. However, Steel Panther isn’t for everyone. As mentioned before, Steel Panther’s humor is explicit. Those who are easily offended by this humor are best off not listening to them. As for everyone else, feel free to explore the world of Steel Panther.   

Uriah Heep's new studio album set for June release

English prog rockers Uriah Heep have announced more details on their upcoming 24th studio album. The new album, entitled Outsider, will be released in June on Frontier Records. This will be the band's first studio album after the passing of longtime member, bassist Trevor Bolder, last year. Bassist Davey Rimmer is Bolder's replacement. Outsider will be Rimmer's first album with Heep.

I'm excited by this news. This year has been pretty slow in terms of new releases, so I'm very 'appy (and very 'umble) to hear that the new Heep album with come out in just a few months! I will definitely review it here when it comes out.

A Hard Day's Night to be re-released on DVD & Blu-Ray AND back in movie theaters

The Beatles' 1964 classic movie A Hard Day's Night will be re-released on DVD and Blu-Ray on June 24. This is being done in celebration of the movie's 50th anniversary. Not only will be movie be re-released but it's also seeing a limited run in selected movie theaters. The re-release will be coming from the Criterion Collection, with the film newly remastered. As expected, the DVD and Blu-Ray will feature a load of special features. The movie has been released on both formats before, the last times being in 2002 and 2009 respectively. This new release will have both new and old features on the Fab Four's first motion picture.

I'm excited to hear about this. A Hard Day's Night is not only my favorite Beatles movie but it's also one of my favorite movies of all time. Seriously- it's my third favorite movie of all time (with This Is Spinal Tap and The Godfather following it as my second and first favorites). I do own the 2002 DVD, which already had bunch of special features. The one main criticism in the Amazon reviews for the 2002  version was that the movie's aspect ratio was incorrect- cutting the picture down. I'm sure this movie was shot in widescreen but I guess they did something wrong with the 2002 one.


Click here to read more information from the Criterion about the release.

Scott Asheton dead at 64

Scott Asheton

August 16,  1949 - March 15, 2014

Scott Asheton, original member and drummer for proto punk band the Stooges, died Saturday from unknown causes. Asheton was 64 years old. 

Asheton was one fourth of the original line-up for the Stooges, a rock band coming out of Michigan. With Asheton was his brother and guitarist Ron, singer Iggy Pop, and bassist Dave Alexander. The band were signed to Elektra Records in 1968 along with fellow Michigan-ers the MC5. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1969. After the 1970 follow-up Funhouse, the band were dropped from Elektra due to their drug and alcohol addictions. The band stayed quiet until 1972 when David Bowie came to the rescue. Although the original plan was to form a new band for Iggy, the Stooges ended up getting back together sans Alexander, who had been fired a few years earlier. The Asheton bothers regrouped with Iggy but Ron Asheton was "demoted" to bassist since Iggy already had new guitarist James Williamson. Bowie would help produce the highly influential Raw Power, which was released in 1973. The band split a year later. 

Asheton was involved in various other projects after the Stooges' split. For a period of time, he was a member of the supergroup Sonic's Rendezvous Band- formed by former MC5 guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith. The Stooges would reunite in 2003 with Iggy Pop and the Asheton brothers intact. The band made a reunion album. That album, 2007's The Weirdness, was met with mixed reviews. Still, the band continued to perform. In January 2009, Ron Asheton suddenly passed away from a heart attack. The band recruited Williamson to replace him in 2010. In June 2011, Asheton suffered from a severe medical injury while on a flight to a Stooges gig. Later that year, Pop told Rolling Stone that Asheton almost died right then and there.  While Asheton did temporarily retire from touring, he did play on last year's Ready to Die.

I'm very sad to hear about Scott's passing. It isn't too surprising, given that both Iggy and James have hinted that Scott's health wasn't the best. Earlier this year, it was announced that James will be taking old Stooges songs and make an album out of them- with a different lead singer on each track. I'm sure Scott's passing will have no impact to the making of this album. As for the Stooges, I think the name should be laid to rest with Dave Alexander, Ron Asheton, and now Scott. With Scott's death, Iggy is now the sole surviving member of the original line-up of the Stooges. I wouldn't be surprised if the Stooges name wasn't used again but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if the name was still used. 

Meanwhile- Rest in peace, Scott. Say hello to Dave and Ron for us. 

Kiss are not attending the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony- A Reaction Post

This weekend has been pretty busy for Kiss fans. On Friday, Ace Frehley announced that he and Peter Criss would not reunite with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for the band's induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame- saying that Gene and Paul simply want to play with the current line-up. Today, Kiss have announced that will not be performing or attending at the Hall Induction Ceremony, citing that they wanted all of Kiss to be represented.

I stand in the middle of all this, not surprised but still disappointed. Still, part of me is happy that band will not be attending the induction ceremony. Don't get me wrong: I'm elated that Kiss are getting inducted after all these years. I feel that being a fan since 2002, I had a part in this happening. I would love to see the original line-up reunite for a one-off performance.

Now as to which side I support, I support both sides. From what Ace tells us, it does sound like typical Gene and Paul in them not wanting to reunite with the original line-up. Still, Gene and Paul seem like the kind of guys who would want a full-blown Kiss celebration in honor of this induction as well as the band's 40th anniversary.

Some could see Gene and Paul's choice as not giving the fans what they want. You know the band's slogan: "You Wanted the Best, You Got The Best!" People have accused Kiss for selling out years and years, selling out meaning times like this, the merchandising and having Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer wear the make-ups of Ace and Peter.

Let's get one thing straight: the reason why Kiss are being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is because of their music. Critics might have not liked it but the public loved every minute of it. As we all know, Gene and Paul are the only stable members of Kiss. Aside from the original members, six other people have been in Kiss. With this being both the band's 40th anniversary and their induction into the Hall, I would think all ten members of Kiss should be inducted...but no. The Hall is picky about which members go in and which members don't. The originals might have started the band but the replacement members also had a part in this amazing band's 40 year career.

Eric Carr (1951-1991), who replace Peter Criss in 1980, was an amazing drummer. Although his first album with Kiss was a softy (The Elder), Eric poured his soul into the music and you can hear that in his drumming. With Eric, the band were able to enter heavier territory like Creatures of the Night. He did this until his death in 1991. Guitarist Vinnie Vincent might have been in the band for only two years but his co-writing credits on 1983's Lick It Up gave Kiss a much needed kick-in-the-pants that started the "non make-up era" and their comeback. Vinnie's replacement- the late Mark St. John (1956-2007)- might've been in the band for only eight months but his bumblebee-like guitar work on Animalize continued the band's 1980s comeback.

Mark's replacement, Bruce Kulick was in the band for a good 11 years- longer than any replacement member before him. That alone is worthy of an induction. As for Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, they help Gene and Paul keep the band going. Eric joined to replace the late Eric Carr then returned in the Catman make up in 2001 and then again in 2004 when Peter briefly rejoined the band. Tommy has been in the since 2002. Even before then, Tommy has been part of the Kiss family, being Gene's friend for years and helping put together the MTV Unplugged show.

I will admit that Kiss' popularity did start to decline before the 1980s, so this is most likely the reason why the original members are getting the induction and not all ten members. While I understand where Gene and Paul are coming from, two things stuck out when I read their statement. Their statement read that the band has never refused any offer to reunite with Ace and Peter. This is, of course, a lie. Behind the scenes and even in interviews, the guys have said before that they don't want to play with Ace and/or Peter again. Another thing is the members they listed off- Vinnie Vincent and Mark St. John were not mentioned. C'mon guys. Vinnie and Mark might have the two shortest tenures of any Kiss member but like I said, they both played important parts in KISStory.

So overall, I can accept Kiss' decision to not perform at the induction ceremony. I'm still happy that the band are getting inducted. From what I hear, a majority of the voting committee is not happy with the fact that Kiss are getting in. Guess what? I know how they feel. How so? Well, every time the Hall decides to induct wonderful rock bands such as Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy instead of Deep Purple, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Yes, MC5, New York Dolls and many others- a part of me dies a little.

No matter what, the Kiss Army came out of this one victorious. As for any Kiss haters- no offense but you can fittingly KISS MY ASS!

Motley Crue announce farewell tour

As speculated for months, Motley Crue announced yesterday that they will embark on what will be their final tour. The band held a press conference yesterday, in which the band all came out sitting on a casket- with grave markers underneath each member. According to the band, the final tour will be in support of a new studio album- which will be released sometime in the spring. The band will also have Alice Cooper touring with them as their "special guest". 

It's no surprise that the band are calling it a day. When I first heard the rumors, I believed it. I think the Crue have had a great run and a wonderful career. They should end it on a high note. I'm one of the many that think the band are only calling it a day due to the health of Mick Mars, which Mick himself has denied. I will look forward to this new album- though I will admit I'm short on Crue albums (Only have Too Fast For Love, Shout At The Devil, Dr. Feelgood and Saints of Los Angeles). I did see the band during the reunion tour in 2005. If I can, I will try and see them one last time.

7/2/2014: Grand Rapids, MI: Van Andel Arena
7/4/2014: Milwaukee, WI: Summerfest
7/5/2014: Noblesville, IN: Klipsch Music Center
7/6/2014: Cincinnati, OH: Riverbend Music Center
7/8/2014: Columbus, OH: Schottenstein Center
7/9/2014: St. Louis, MO: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/11/2014: Des Moines, IA:  Wells Fargo Arena
7/12/2014: Wichita, KS: INTRUST Bank Arena
7/13/2014: Tulsa, OK: BOK Center
7/15/2014: Cedar Park, TX: Cedar Park Center
7/16/2014: Dallas, TX: Gexa Energy Pavilion
7/18/2014: Albuquerque, NM: Isleta Amphitheater"
7/19/2014: Phoenix, AZ: Ak-Chin Pavilion
7/21/2014: Los Angeles, CA: Hollywood Bowl
7/22/2014: Irvine, CA: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/23/2014: Mountain View, CA: Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/25/2014: Reno, NV: Reno Events Center
7/26/2014: Ridgefield, WA: Sleep County Amphitheatre
7/27/2014: Auburn, WA: White River Amphitheatre
7/29/2014: Wheatland, CA: Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/30/2014: Chula Vista, CA: Sleep Train Amphitheatre
8/1/2014: Salt Lake City, UT: USANA Amphitheatre
8/2/2014: Denver, CO: Pepsi Center"
8/3/2014: Kansas City, MO: Sprint Center
8/5/2014: Sturgis, SD: Sturgis Buffalo Chip
8/6/2014: Sioux City, IA: Tyson Events Center
8/8/2014: Tinley Park, IL: First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/9/2014: Clarkston, MI: DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/10/2014: Toronto, ON: Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
8/12/2014: Cuyahoga Falls, OH: Blossom Music Center
8/13/2014: Burgettstown, PA: First Niagara Pavilion
8/15/2014: Pelham, AL: Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
8/16/2014: Alpharetta, GA: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park
8/17/2014: Tampa, FL: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/19/2014: Charlotte, NC: PNC Music Pavilion
8/20/2014: Virginia Beach, VA: Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
8/22/2014: Bristow, VA: Jiffy Lube Live
8/23/2014: Camden, NJ: Susquehanna Bank Center
8/24/2014: Mansfield, MA: Xfinity Center
8/26/2014: Saratoga Springs, NY: Saratoga Perf. Arts Center
8/27/2014: Allentown, PA: Great Allentown Fair
8/29/2014: Wantagh, NY: Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
8/30/2014: Holmdel, NJ: PNC Bank Arts Center
8/31/2014: Darien Center, NY: Darien Lake Perf. Arts Center
10/10/2014: Oklahoma City, OK: Chesapeake Arena
10/11/2014: The Woodlands, TX: Cynthia W. Mitchell Pavilion
10/12/2014: Bossier City, LA: CenturyLink Center
10/14/2014: Louisville, KY: KFC Yum! Center
10/15/2014: Nashville, TN: Bridgestone Arena
10/17/2014: Hollywood, FL: Seminole Hard Rock Live
10/19/2014: Jacksonville, FL: Veterans Memorial Arena
10/21/2014: Greenville, SC: Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/22/2014: Greensboro, NC: Greensboro Coliseum
10/25/2014: Atlantic City, NJ: Borgata Event Center
10/26/2014: Montville, CT: Mohegan Sun Arena
10/29/2014: Syracuse, NY: The OnCenter Complex
11/5/2014: Biloxi, MS: Mississippi Coast Coliseum
11/6/2014: Southaven, MS: Landers Center
11/9/2014: Moline, IL: iWireless Center
11/11/2014: Green Bay, WI: Resch Center
11/12/2014: Madison, WI: Alliant Energy Center
11/13/2014: Omaha, NE: CenturyLink Center
11/15/2014: St. Paul, MN: Xcel Energy Center
11/16/2014: Fargo, ND: FargoDome
11/18/2014: Edmonton, AB: Rexall Place
11/19/2014: Calgary, AB: Scotiabank Saddledome

11/21/2014: Vancouver, BC: Rogers Arena 

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame: Class of 2014

Note (1/1/14): Okay this is a VERY late post. I still want to get this out there but just a reminder- I know this news is old. I still want it posted. Everything after Linda Rondstadt was written on this date.

The inductees for the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame have been announced today. There are six artists being inducted, as well as several other figures in music. I have to say that this is a pretty nice list of inductees but still, I have my problems with the choices. So like last year, this will be a rant of some sort. I'll go into each band and say stuff, that being their history or just statistics in general.


Performers

Kiss- After nearly 15 years of being snubbed, the hottest band in the world is FINALLY in the Hall. Praise Jesus! Even if you don't like them, you have to admit Kiss were long overdue. Formed in 1973 in New York, Kiss quickly became one of the biggest rock bands in the world in the 1970s. Though the band went through several line-up changes, founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have kept the band going on for an impressive four decades. The Hall is inducting the original line-up only, which includes Simmons, Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. I'm not surprised by this but I think the late Eric Carr is worthy of recognition as is Bruce Kulick. As for any chance of a reunion performance, don't hold your breath.

Update (1/1/14): It turns out the original line-up might reunite for one night! I'm quite surprised.We'll see what happens here.

Cat Stevens- This singer/songwriter should've been in the Hall eons ago. I wouldn't say I'm not the biggest fan of his but I really do like his music. With Harold and Maude being one of my all time favorite movies, I am very familiar with the soundtrack.

Linda Ronstadt- Again, like Cat Stevens, it's criminal to not have this woman in the Hall by now. I can't say I'm a fan of her's either though she does have a great voice.

Peter Gabriel- I'm happy to see an actual rock act get into the Hall. However, I think it's a little too soon to have him in. Genesis were inducted in 2010. Still, he deserves it.

Nirvana- Whatever. They were already inducted when 2013 existed.

Hall & Oates- Why?

The Hall are also inducting the E Street Band as sidemen (I guess they're really upset Kiss is in). Brian Epstein and Andrew Loog Oldham are also getting in when they should've been in a long long time ago.

I'm still surprised that Deep Purple has once again been snubbed. Yes too. The good thing is that no rap artists were inducted, which has been the case for the last two ceremonies.

Still the Hall continues to ignore...

T. Rex
Jethro Tull
Thin Lizzy
Judas Priest
Iron Maiden
New York Dolls
MC5
Captain Beefheart
Ronnie James Dio
Motorhead
The Monkees
Love
Television
Big Star
Cheap Trick

There are countless others but that's all I can think of for now...