The Stage - Avenged Sevenfold

This is new studio album from Avenged Sevenfold. It happens to be album number 7 and is their first for Capitol after a stint of 4 albums with Warner. This is also their first with new drummer Brooks Wackerman, brother of Chad Wackerman who drummed with Zappa for almost the entirety of the 80's (81-88) but then also did some overdub work from him I believe in 1993. Whatever he was Zappa's last drummer. I'm kinda glad they dropped in in October instead of December, though... the name is kinda... it's really stupid. Once I saw the credits I'm glad they have a nice variety of instruments that's probably a stupid thing to note but I think it works.

1. The Stage: So the first time I heard this I was not really excited. I saw the title and the single cover and though it was kinda dumb. Once I heard the song I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. I mean it isn't a bad song... but it felt like they were doing what they've already done before but not as effectively. Like where are the "chances" being taken and what not. I hear the melodic direction, and the aggression but I don't really feel the aggression or the punch. I really do like the ending though, with the nylon string guitar. Thought I feel like that could have been worked into the song better maybe. Like I don't know, it flows but not as well as it could have.... I don't know. The biggest fault though, imo, is the vocals. They don't really work with the delivery for this track. The opening reminded me of Not Ready to Die, played by Jason Freese, and the song portion kinda reminds me of Carry On or Flash of the Blade at first. The song isn't a travesty but I just don't jive with it the way I do with even Heretic. While Requiem is a song I still dig, and needed a dozen or so listens to appreciate.... I'm not getting anything here. The introduction should pump you up and take you there and it should only grow in its awesomeness. This just kinda doesn't go anywhere and the more I listen to this the less I feel a connection to it. Though I like the drums. The solo is pretty solid and I like how it slows down for a sort of feeling that I've heard on, Victim if memory serves. But again it's okay, but does nothing for me. And most insulting is I barely remember anything once it's over. Even right after I hear the album. I also wish the transition into the nylon string guitar was done a bit better maybe. 
2. Paradigm: This is pretty aggro, but again I'm finding error with the vocals. The feeling I get is there should be a swagger with the vocals in that intro, but I'm not quite feeling it. The drumming sounds great, and that growl sounds tasty but one of my initial impressions was "I feel like this needs more listens". The solo is pretty nice though, even though the first part doesn't do much. The second part has a punch and some power behind it, but it seems too buried in the mix for it to be fully aggro. I definitely think it should be turned up in the mix. 
3. Sunny Disposition: This introduction reminds me a bit of Waking the Fallen. I'm thinking Radiant Eclipse but heavier. The first time thought it seems a bit dizzying and I'm assuming this is intentional. The horns are a nice touch you wouldn't expect, though I feel strings could also add to the song at accenting the vocal line. There's also this Planets feeling to it a bit. Like it feels like a few different songs mixed together and blended to make this song that I don't know if it's a mess or if it's weird in a good way. I mean I get they wanted horns but not sure if they fit this track. It almost feels like ALPoH. It's kinda a jumble fuck. But worst of all it's too long. 
4. God Damn: What a bland song title. Whatever happened to Warmness on the Soul, Desecrate Through Reverence, Clairvoyant Disease, Lips of Deceit. While you may go, corny or lame, you can't deny those paint a picture in your head and make you think for a second. God Damn makes me go " okay, well I don't know if this'll be good but I don't care for the title". The song part is okay and the music isn't half bad. In fact the music during the chorus I've even warmed up to. I'm just not feeling these chorus lyrics, though as I've said I do like the harmonies and the sort of contrast to the verses music. It's lightens up, apposed to the aggression. And they just pulled on my nostalgic heart strings ah-lah, Desecrate Through Reverence/Heretic. Those fucking drums. I don't mind the solo, and I don't mind that Spanish Sidewinder section. But again this doesn't really do anything. 
5. Creating God: I can feel the weird feeling of this, and I like the four on the floor but I'm feeling like I've heard something like this somewhere else. This reminds me of a radio friendly type song, that while not really that weird people might go.... hey that's weird. I feel like, this'll be single. I'm calling it, this sounds like it was written for the radio. Especially the chorus, even though I think it's probably one of the weaker songs and isn't really challenging to me. I know I haven't read the lyrics to this song but the words I hear are having me scratch my head. Not in a I don't get it, but more of a I don't like this. The solo works, but I'm not feeling this one overall. The vocals are what kill it for me, the music is just okay, but the vocals kind of put it in this coffin. Though I guess that riff doesn't work to my savor. That's correct use of that right? Who cares.
6. Angels: This song, I don't know. I do like the eerie atmosphere to this one, it's kind of something I didn't expect and I'm glad they kinda keep in for the entire track. The solo is a nice solo, this could have used strings though. The second solo, played by the good old Papa Gates, is much more interesting I think than Syn's. I will say this track would benefit from that nylon string guitar at the ending more than the title track did. Though I'm not sure they would have worked with the next track as a segue. I want to point out the thing that kind of warms my heart a bit is that chorus, it sounds a bit like a mellotron is being used. I'm pretty sure they aren't using one, but it reminds me of one a bit. Like sampled strings, but a primitive one.
7. Simulation: So I do like the sound effects and the sort of electric piano sound that happens during the verses and the whole atmosphere that is created here. It sounds more like an organ, but whatever. It works for this type of album cover, well the intro at least. Now I feel like the two sections should flow better. Like the effects sound hold over into that drum roll for a few seconds before he starts talking. I think the whole drill sergeant thing doesn't really work that well, but they're going for chaotic. I'm not sure if this works though...... the idea is a cool idea and it kinda of reminds me of a variation of the Nightmare music video. Like maybe what they were saying but you couldn't hear because of the song. The nurse is actually Val, Matt's wife. I wanna point out the more I hear that part the more I cringe. I do think they achieved chaos in the song but I kind want more. I've recorded more chaotic stuff, though it's not complete yet, in my basement. They say that River James Sanders, who's Val and Matt's son, and Tennessee James Baker, who I assume is Zacky's son are backing vocalists on this track. I didn't hear their voices the first time though. I assume it might be mixed in though to the chaos. I guess the whole AI thing has to do with this track, whatever I'm not really digging into that bullshit. I'm more interested in the music and the profound nature of the lyrics. The most upsetting this is like nothing, I mean yeah the chaos sounds cool, but like I'm not feeling anything. I mean, to be honest, I'd much rather listen to Oxygen or For Adolphe Sax or I don't know something more chaotic. I will say though, after Val talks that solo is fucking tasty. Top notch and it is almost worth playing this song to get to it. Almost, but again, not completely. I mean I guess the evil prayer on Requiem is cheesy, but that song is not only bad ass but it works.
8. Higher: I don't think this works on spotify, you can't have interruptions in the middle of the songs. Like I feel like that completely ruined my impression of this song, given how it started. Fucking asshole commercials. I do like the song, but I didn't get the full impact until I picked up my CD copy. I did like the ideas going on and what was happening in the song, like the different flavors mixed in there. The piano and the multi tracked vocals work I think. I mean there is a bit where I'm like... eh, but for the most part I liked that introduction. Now the song starts and I'm not feeling that as much, I do like the sort of odd time to the riff. I can't pin the time signature, but it sounds like there is an extra 8th or 16th note. I like it. The chorus is nice, but first time thought it's too short. The vocals though, like they hurt my ears at parts. I like the sort of choir that is behind the prelude to the solo. I could be wrong, but did I correctly count 4 over 3. The choir that sound like its out of an 80's or 90's song. It kinda reminds me of Like A Prayer a bit. I don't really approve of the effect on his vocal, but I think it works. I like that piano that has a little part for just like two seconds. There are a lot of nice details in this song. It isn't prefect, but I like parts. And the piano towards the ending reminds me of Epic. It's a decent track {7/8}.
9. Roman Sky:  This opens promising, with a guitar that hark-ins to the ballad off the last album. So why are they fucking with his vocals. This feels like a shitty version of Crimson Day, or at least a version that doesn't click. I will say, the guitar is still pretty solid and I wonder what key or mode or scales he's using for this. But the strings are a bit irritating me, like the best part of the song is getting burried. And I guess as it progresses the instruments balance much better and the song unfolds into a solid track. But that first minute and a half or so is like a bit cluttered. The balance is all fucked. And I guess I could nit pick the balance with those strings are very fucking. Okay it's supposed to be gorgeous and heartfelt and pretty, and it feels generic. They are pretty, but it's not pulling on my heartstrings the same way Acid Rain does. It has it's moments, like during the solo, the arrangement works very well. In fact I hear some Malmsteen in the solo. But like I don't know, I don't think I can bold this track, there are to many moments it's off for me. And those two songs I compared this two, I actually went back and revisited them to hear why they work and it's because the lyrics are much better first, the vocals also are more effective. But you feel the emotion and the guitar doesn't come in and out it kind of plays it quite, until the solo. It's kinda like too much at once isn't good. Both of those ballads have phenomenal arrangements, this isn't really. Simple but effective, this is not simple and not effective.
10. Fermi Paradox: The drums introducing this song has a nice feeling to them and I like energy of this track. The intro also reminds me a bit of a not stripped version of something off Hail to the King. I still think the guitar should have more punch, but it works..... But I'll admit, the second the vocals started I made a fact that was like "did someone just shit down here". The vocals ruin this song, and the energy just dies. Like instantly, though I do like they guest guitar work from Yngwie. That's a joke by the way, but it sounds like something I could hear on one of his record. I like the vamp for the solo, and the solo itself works fine. Also I am aware of the Fermi Paradox, but I forgot what it was called. Like I have heard of it, I just didn't recall what it was called... if that makes any sense. The whole, we can logically assume this exists but if it does then why don't we have enough proof to suggest that it even could exist. Also I can't be the only one to cringe when I hear those "AMSR" vocal part. No, not good.
11. Exist: This albums sonic attempt at making a Save Me, or rather an epic closer kinda. I will say it's a pretty solid track that needed multiple listens, it's much more effective than Book of Souls.  longer cuts, and the composition is pretty nice. There are lots of sequences and classical touches and I think it's a well arranged track. There are parts in that intro where I feel it's up to the power of Save Me.The dual lead in the one descending riff is awesome. I also like the other descending riff, even though it also ascends. The horns reminds me a bit of Planets. Actually this could be a mix between Save Me and Planets. There is this sort of solo before the vocals section come in and it give me goosebumps. Loving that tone, and then I really love the electric "acoustic" guitar that leads introduces the vocals. I think the vocals are fine here, and this part in and of it's self is a great song. Kind reminds me a bit of Gunslinger. It's also a nice contrast and way more relaxed, and is a nice contrast of what happens later. Everybody sounds good here, though I am not crazy about the effect on Matt's voice. It doesn't ruin the vocals though, just a slight nit pick more than a real problem. I also love when the strings come in and I'm glad they had them come in... thought I'm not crazy about the drums at that part before the chorus. It kinda felt odd, or maybe off a bit. Like kinda oh lets put something rather than work I guess. I don't know. I really like the bass line in the track and everything works together to progress the song and the details are really nice. The transitions and developments into the solo are nice too, thought I don't think the solo is mixed loud enough, but that's just me. I do like the keyboard sequence here, the guitar also has a nice accent feeling. And I really like what's happening here. When I saw Neil deGrasse Tyson I kinda rolled my eyes. I was like wow, they would.... or anyone would really. I understand what he's saying works, but I don't think it sonically sounds that good. Like the way it is like it was over the phone in the background. Not really feeling that, but I think the words work I guess. The only thing is eventually there should be a part where Syn just fucking shreds. They probably kept it out to have the focus on the the words, but I don't know I kinda what that solo to add so there's something more to hear beyond listen 3 or 4. Also I mean I get what he's saying but I kind of disagree. Basically people are very shitty and self absorbed partially because we only see us. We need to realize how truly insignificant we actually are, and maybe then we'd "grow up". He uses bigger words to convey what he's saying, but I don't think people'd be less shitty if we did that. Maybe I'm misunderstanding that, maybe he's just saying he doesn't get caught up in the retardation that is us. But people have been around for how long? We still have many of the same problems like war, corruption/manipulation, intolerance, pride, ignorance, willingness to be ignorant among many others. So I doubt that'll ever change. If it somehow did, it would eventually crumble and we'd be fucked in the ass again, its only human. Well never be a Star Trek society unless you force us to be against our will. But this is a great tune and probably the best one here. The 15 minutes is justified. {8/10}

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. My initial listen I was unsure if I liked, it was okay and I was satisfied. The one thing though is it didn't feel like Avenged. That's not a bad thing, but that's also not a really good thing. After a few listens, like enough to where I was like... "Okay, this is what I think" I realized something. I don't think I'm gonna be listening to this album by the time the next one comes out. Hell two months from this review I probably won't. There is something about it that just doesn't click for me. The other bands I've out grown almost completely, I like this more than them. But like, Brooks is a solid drummer, but I'm not sure he should have wrote with them. Though they kind of have to change their sound because they don't have The Rev anymore, and Arin's gone, so I don't know. I will applaud them for kind of throwing me off the trail of predicting what will happen next. So many bands make albums and I can listen to 10 seconds or 30 seconds and know what's gonna happen or have the basic idea. In fact, most of those bands you can listen to three songs and you've gotten more out of that than listening to the 11-15 tracks. I respect they aren't going back, or stripping down, they're pushing ahead. There's a lot of good ideas on this record, but like so close. I wonder if they were trying to do a more complex version of the last record. But they also made a less effective one, the tracks on that that are good still are good. I don't know, I think I'd rather revisit "We got it from Here.... Thank You 4 Your service." or for sure Blackstar and maybe untitled unmastered. I guess it's just depressing I bought two CDs this year, and one of them I only have to complete my collection. Ill probably do the next album by these guys but my stance on my fan hood has been shook. Maybe l'l do my favorite album of their next.

Brand New Morning - Bob Seger

This is the first solo album by American singer/songwriter Bob Seger. Released in October 1971, this is his fourth overall album, the first three being by The Bob Seger System. This is an acoustic album and its one of the early records he seems to not really like. I know everything I've heard from this period I like, so lets hope this is as good as the others.

1. Brand New Morning: This song opens pretty interesting. I mean if you'd hear him before, its odd to hear him with an acoustic guitar. Now I do think the vocals here are great and I like the up feeling of the song. I mean this is a pretty simple song, but it works. And this sets a feeling that this might not be that bad of a record. 
2. Maybe Today: This opens with him playing piano, and for whatever reason this reminds me of Cold Spring Harbor. I like what I'm hearing, I mean it isn't as grand as some of those songs, but its pretty bare. I do think this works here though and 2 for 2. I like the vocals and damn that guys doing a great job on piano. 
3. Sometimes: This is a ballad, with acoustic guitar. This isn't anything to write home about, but I do like it. For whatever reason I could picture Cat Stevens singing this. Maybe it's late, and I've got a buzz, but I can see that. I guess the only complaint is I wish it wasn't so sparse. Like the song gets louder, I wish there was a bass or percussion or piano. Something to add an extra texture to this specific song. 
4. You Know Who You Are: Alright, maybe I'm a sucker for this CSH sound, but I really kinda wanna cry. I mean this is kinda sad, and I really like the song. Though I do really appreciate how the song gets uplifted. This is a solid tune and I like the changes. 
5. Railroad Days: This song has a nice acoustic feeling to it and I like how it could be a folk tune. Like I could very easily picture this, maybe with some different instrumentation, being a song that the rail road men would play on their banjos or whatever while they were on break. The only real complaint is the guitar kind of over powers stuff, and when he sings with his soul its muddy. I mean I'm listening to a vinyl rip, but I wish it was clearer. But then at the same time then it'd lose some of the atmosphere. I don't know, maybe turn the volume down a but would fix the problem. It does feel a little long. Maybe cut a verse, but I still like it. I get why it became popular after he blew up. Plus I feel some chord progression similarities to Still the Same? Maybe I'm wrong, but who knows. 
6. Louise: I really like the rock and roll feeling to this song. It's a nice change of pace and I like the foot stomp. It's fun and works so much better than that one song on that one album. *cough* Open All Night *cough*. This is also nice and short and sweet. 
7. Song for Him: This kinda feels, to me, a proto-We've Got Tonight. I do dig this, and like how its quieter. There is a nice atmosphere to it and it works. The only complaint is it would be so much better if the album wasn't like this.  It gets louder, but whatever.
8. Something Like: This is a good way to end, and feels like the end. Other than that I've kinda of ran out of things to say about this album if I'm being honest.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Okay, so this things pretty great. Now I read on wikipedia it was compared to Nebraska. These songs are not only better, but they are also far less samey than that fucking album. Check this thing out if you can, I recommend it. If I find it for the right price, I'll probably pick up a copy.  But if I don't then I won't be too disappointed. Hopefully I'll have Pet Sounds, Torture Time!, Born to Run and possibly Blood On the Tracks out this month.

In The Wee Small Hours - Frank Sinatra

 A lot has changed in the five short years since I started this blog. A lot in terms of everything. Hell a lot has change in the last fucking year, but I feel like this is the prefect time to review this. Me and my girlfriend recently broke up, and while it wasn't that long of a relationship I felt something I'd never felt before. And yes, I was up a lot of last night thinking about her, so naturally this is the album I should use to cope. I don't think any album could be more perfect to fit, or review, my real life situation and mindset. So this is the ninth studio album by one Frank Sinatra. It was produced by Voyle Gilmore and arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle. The album itself was released in April 1955, and was recorded February 8th to March 4th the same year (with the exception of 1 track from March 1st, 1954). This whole concept fascinates me, is that the themes include lost love, loneliness, night-life, and what not. When I think of night I think of going out, getting fresh air, and thinking. In fact there were many a night, I would go out and just breathe the air after everyone is asleep. This album cover, and themes on the lp, almost fit my imagination to a T of the feeling of it. I already reviewed The Voice Of from 1946, his debut, and now as mentioned earlier with a more mature view on life why not pick arguably his most mature album. I should note I also did his Christmas album a few months ago.

1. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning: By far the best song ever written for Frank. Hell it is one of the best songs ever written period; and damn, what a tone setter. This song reminds me of the closer to The White Album. That track is called Good Night. It's track 30 and has Ringo as it's singer. And for the record Frank kills this song, in the compliment way. I mean this is probably the theme song for anyone who ponders and stays up late to just think and observe... Alone. 
2. Mood Indigo: This is a Duke cover originally on his Masterpieces album from 1954. Not my favorite but consistently good overall. This song is has a nice jazzy feeling to it, which should kinda of be given since it's a Ellington tune. But it's funny, maybe because of where I am, but I really like this song significantly more than I did.
3. Glad to Be Unhappy: This is a Rodger-Hartz piece. This is very pretty, and I really like the little touches here and there of guitar and piano and maybe xylophone or chimes. They work together very well and oddly enough this track makes me smile. Maybe it's because
4. I Get Along Without You Very Well: I really like the strings on this track, and the lyrics on this. I am not as in love with maybe the performance of the vocals, but I still like this song. I wish maybe someone with a bit of a larger range should have sang this, but I still get the point of the song and feel what it's to feel.
5. Deep In A Dream: This also is another track that I can picture someone just walking down a street in an old movies talking about the lost of someone. I like the swells and it isn't as grand as I'd like, but I still like this thing. The instrumentation really feels. I bring forward a bit of a tear.
6. I See Your Face Before Me: This song, while having someone what predictable rhyme scheme, it doesn't bother me. The arrangement is pretty solid and it's lyrics also have a nice touch to them I guess.
7. Can't We Be Friends?: This song stings. I really like the introduction before the song starts, and then when It actually starts I like the delicate feeling Nelson Riddle did here. I actually wanted to listen to over version of this song because I saw potential in the track for being amazing. Kay Swift and Paul James did a really good job, but the songs best part is it's lyrics.
8. When Your Lover Has Gone: At this point the feeling sort of feels like it's been felt, that's not bad though. I like the swells and almost wish this could end the album. It's a satisfying song none the less and really fits about right after the last track. The fucking swells goddamn Nelson.
9. What Is This Thing Called Love?: The intro to this track reminds me of Carless Whispers. The only thing is that this is much better. The woodwinds on this track are very audible and make this track extremely unique here. While all the songs are good this track is great. I also love how later on the strings play the, for lack of better word, "motif" or the "theme" of the song. If I could be half the lyricist that Porter was, I'd be pretty happy.
10. Last Night When We Were Young: This song is pretty sonically similar to the rest of the record and I can't really say stands out to much. I love the orchestra hit towards the ending of the song.
11. I'll Be Around: I can't really pick the music out as being anything too different, other than maybe not having strings and having a prominent drums beat. I feel like this might be better without lyrics.
12. Ill Wind: I like the introduction to this and it kinds picks up the pace of the last two songs. I mean they weren't bad but they weren't mind blowing.This feels far engaging than the last few tracks.
13. It Never Entered My Mind: This, and the following tracks, feature a reappearance of Rodger-Hartz. The song it's self is fine, it just yeah starts to tread similar water as other songs.
14. Dancing on the Ceiling: This isn't Lionel's song. I really like the guitar in this track A guy named George Van Eps plays a 7-Strings Guitar here and damn it's beautiful. This is also more emotive of Frank than some others. Though again, maybe cut song tracks.
15. I'll Never Be the Same: I like the flutes on this track and like the feeling, but wish they would have saved this for ending you know. Change the pace then return to form. After a break up you never are the same again. Honestly though, this would have been a fitting final benediction.
16. This Love of Mine: Frank is credited as the lyricist on this track. And there is something about this that made me cry, so I guess this is a fine ending. But I still wish this and the last were switched. Because then it's like he came full circle over the night rather than still wondering.

Overall I have to give this classic a 7.8/10. The lyrics on this are great, and I can't describe how poignant a listen this is at night time, when you're in the mood to think about all you're choices or you have just pondered your relationships in life. I mean there the first few listens I really couldn't pick out any tracks that were mind blowers, with the exception of maybe number one. This album has turned into one of my favorite records ever, thought there is parts that could have been cut. The only problem is that it is kinda long. I could also nit pick and say that it's made up of tracks already written, and only one features writing from Frank. But the thing is, if I did that I'd be missing the point of the album and the point is to me at least to ponder and helps me ponder. And it's the perfect album, for where I am right now. Next up Low.

Narita - Riot

This is the second album released by New York's own Riot. I like the "oddness" of this cover. Now, to be 100% honest, I haven't to my knowledge, heard any song off this album before. I also never heard any songs prior to this album request, but it was requested back in May 2013 about the same times Never Turn Your Back On A Friend, Hatebreeder and also Death•Is•This•Communion• were also requested. The thing is I couldn't get my hands on a copy of this album, but it was recently added to Spotify. Since May 2013 I heard all the studio albums from Rock City to my favorite Thundersteel (all in about a days sitting actually) the last one of those 6 was this album, which I had not heard until about, well to be honest, the day of this review. With the knowledge of the other albums, minus Thundersteel (which will most definitely get a review of it's own) I'm not too excited for this album. :(

1. Waiting For The Talking: Oh no!!!!! Okay, off the bat this sounds very 80's kinda but not in a good way. I mean the bass isn't half bad, and the solos nice. And it does get a bit more gritty, or hard rockish, as the song progresses. But the solo isn't even anything to like be amazed by, I mean I am not an amazing soloist, but again I've heard solos that are way more interesting than that. This actually reminds me of a lesser Styx rocker.
2. 49er: This song reminds me a bit of a Sabbath riff, with the guitar tone. But it feels a bit more upbeat and happy. Which is kind of giving me conflicting feelings. Like I kinda wanna listen to Children of the Grave because I know I'll be satisfied, but this...... I don't know. This isn't that bad of a song. I think it's probably one of the best songs by the group I've heard. But I don't really even know if I'll remember it by the end is the thing.
3. Kick Down the Wall: I think the vocalist reminds me of if Fates Warning was in a glam metal band. That's what this song reminds me of, and the songs weren't as explosive or exciting to me. I mean there is a nice groove to this, that reminds me of like any 80's band (or UFO but not as good), but I don't know if that's good per-say. And the solos sounds an awful lot like UFO a bit. This isn't that bad, but it's whatever.
4. Born to Be Wild: Based on the title I can assume it's a Steppenwolf cover. Ewwww, I mean it's a Born to Be Wild Cover done in the style of arena rock. I feel like at parts they might have been trying to do a Highway Star thing where it's HUGE and a POWERHOUSE, but they don't really succeed. Skip
5. Narita: This is the title track, and there are some expectations I guess. I do like this, but I feel like it's just sped up. Like certain things don't sound like they were played at the speed they were (?). It also vaguely reminds me of Translyvania, a favorite Maiden tune of mine. It's a nice instrumental though, though it over stays it's welcome a bit. I'd honestly have shaved a good minute off the tune. Maybe at about 2:45, before they start that lead hook or riff, they could have taken  that transition part and had an Yngwie shred to wrap it up followed by a stop. Sadly the rest, thought my favorite part is the hook/riff, is kinda just filler. There is no real need for it. They also could have edited it so we get the ending that is like the one at 3:45ish. Do you get what I'm saying. That last 30 seconds or so, especially since it just fades out, is kinda bullshit. If it were to segue into the next track, like say Sick as a Dog into Nobody's Fault props to them, that was cool and a sick idea. But they fade out... it was pointless.
6. Here We Come Again: That last track was, besides my few gripes, a solid track. Then we get this bullshit. So I know they are capable of doing interesting things, even at this point in their career...... Why like put this out. This is pretty easy to listen to though, it doesn't cause tumors or anything.
7. Do It Up:  This reminds me of UFO but not as good soloing. There is also another song that it reminds me of but I can't quite put my finger on it. It's something from around this period in time 1970's or 1980's.
8. Hot For Love: Unrelated but this song looks like it was inspired by two different UFO tracks Too Hot to Handle and Love to Love both of 1977's Lights Out. I have to laugh, it opens with arpeggiations and the song while different, kinda reminds me a bit of Love to Love and Too Hot To Handle. Also a major problem with 90 percent of the songs, they sound very similar. And basically are. The ending kinda reminded me of Judas Priest a bit. Like the 70's pre-Hell Bent For Leather. Maybe a song like Exciter.
9. White Rock: This is okay, but again nothing too exciting. Just okay I guess. The only thing I might remember is the title reminds me of White Light/White Heat's title track.
10. Road Racin': Ah, a classic Judas Priest riff. Back before they were famous. Wait, is that Al Atkins. It's can't be, I heard some songs off that tribute record he did and I don't remember him sounding like this. Maybe his voice changed. Who knows.

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. The thing that was the killer for the other albums was that there were kinda bland and unmemorable hard rock to me. There may have been, out of the other four records, like 3 songs I liked (outside of Thundersteel). Now while some of my favorites may not have a huge variety, Aerosmith, Scorpions, among others there was a point in time where they peaked creatively and made each album sound different enough, the 70's. This album is from the 70's and all I can say is........... I hate to say this, but this is another unmemorable record. I'm not being an ass, I've heard stuff like this before but done much better. Like to where I remember the solos and singing and the vibe and wanna return, and not just for a review. Really though, I got a Styx or Fates Warning or UFO mixed with other bands feeling from this album.  I can do that all day bru. It isn't terrible, it's just not something that I was hoping for.

Rio - Duran Duran

This is the second album by the UK's Duran Duran. I first got into these guys via A View to a Kill. Then got more into their other stuff, until actually liking them a lot. I plan on reviewing all their studio and live albums. Yes, from 1981's Self Titled to 2012's A Diamond In The Mind. And also the Arcadia album too, fyi. These guys got their name from one of my favorite movies Barbarella. I don't really want to get to into the logistics with this album, I just want to review it. It's a very fun album and I look forward to this :)

1. Rio: This opens the album with a punch. Simon's vocals are great. And the lyrics really paint a picture. It is a perfect song for summer. It's also so bad ass. The bass riff kicks the shit out of most bass lines. The sound in the beginning is piano strings being hit and played in reverse. The drums in this track are sick too. It's a very tight pop song. I've tried to play the bass, it's kind of hard. It's not easy like most pop songs. The chorus of this song is about as sweet as sugar, but it's the kind of sugar that's laced. The kind that people get addicted to. It's actually hard to describe this song, I'm forcing my self to listen and not jam along. The breakdown with the sax solo. The sax solo it top notch, it is played by a session guy but still. I am seriously surprised to see that these guy's didn't really go to school. This is pretty great playing. I the random arpeggios were created by them playing a C minor chord through a arpeggiator. They just all click on this track. This is one of the funnest song ever written to do anything to. It just cheers you up. I also really like the lyrics that paint a picture, and are kind of abstract. {10/10}
2. My Own Way: This track kind of continues that energy from the last track, but conserves it. They keep it conservative. It doesn't reach the same height, but it still goes pretty high. Another great bass line. It's funky, and this song has a funk flavor to it. Thought this is another solid track, I could see why the band don't love this track. I like the guitar strumming on this song. And the instrumental part leading to the solo, is great. It's like a new wave influenced Young Americans. It is a little redundant, but not to the point of it ruining the album.
3. Lonely In Your Nightmare: This is the albums first "ballad". It's much slower than the two prior tracks and reminds me a little of The Cure. This song is pretty, but it doesn't reach "it" until the chorus. I can't believe how pretty, and dreamy, the harmonies sound there. This is the type of song where I am patiently waiting for the chorus. It has grown on me overtime, but the best part is still the chorus. It is just under the sweetness of Rio's chorus. I like the the other things going on over the final chorus, the acoustic guitars, and the keys.
4. Hungry Like The Wolf: The lamest song on the album. I have to be honest, and serious. I'm not a big fan of this track. This track reminds me of the jungle, because of the synths. There isn't really anything about this track that I can say amazes me.
5. Hold Back The Rain: This is the best track to follow up Hungry Like The Wolf. This isn't exactly like the prior track, but it's defiantly in the same vein. That and maybe My Own Way's chorus. Unfortunately I can't really say much about this track. Usually I skip it, or don't play it. I do think it's better than a lot of other songs by other artists thought. {6/10}
6. New Religion: This is where the album picks up again. This song starts out pretty cool then goes into a bass, drum, guitar riff thingy. It's a solid groove. It's pretty minimal, well for most of the song. The part where the two vocals are singing is awesome and I love how they have the harmonies in the chorus. I love the distortion on the guitars. The ending where they have the two vocals going, one singing and the other talk-singing. That's awesome how they did that.
7. Last Chance On The Stairway: This song has a solid rhythm track. You could easily dance to this, like the rest of the album, but this song doesn't really get it's due respect. I think the weakest part is probably the chorus. I wish that it was as good as the rest of this song. It's not that it ruins it, but it just hurts it. The energy in this song is the energy that we felt earlier on the album. It love the whole vibes solo thing, and album that breakdown. It's great, and the best part of the song. I also enjoy listening to the guitar solo. It's not that long, but it's defiantly my favorite part of the song. Like my favorite part of Rosalita "Someday well look back on this, and it'll all seem funny". It's only a few seconds long, this is longer then Rosie, but you get the point. {9/10}
8. Save A Prayer: This song is very pretty. Not quiet as pretty as the next track, but it's defiantly beautiful. It's very laid back, compared to the rest of the album. These harmonies are tight and this track is just dreamy. It almost always brings a tear to my eye. It's a love song, but not really. It's kind of like "we fell in love, but it didn't work out". It's very touching and just sad. It accomplishes everything it sets out to. This track is a "last dance" type of song. To close out prom or something like that. And this is followed by the kicker {10/10}
9. The Chauffeur: This track closes this album. Damn, this is completely different than Rio. It defiantly has a book closer ending. This is abstract and the lyrics rock. The music video rocks, and the whole vibe rocks. I honestly can't find one problem with this song. It's so pretty and the way he sings it, with soul. I can proudly say this is the best song on the album. Simon plays an Ocarina solo on this track, which I have to say makes it that much more of a sweet moody piece. I mean I could easily spend hours listening to this track on repeat. And the way Rio starts the album, the way an album should start, The Chauffeur ends it the way an album should end. I can tell this will have a huge impact on a future album I have planned. At the end of the day everything on this track works. This is a "last dance" type of song, more so than the prior track. If life was a movie, and you're love ended then I'd be honored to have this be the song playing when me and her realize "this is it, goodbye". {11/10}

Overall I have to give this album a 8/10. The Duran Duran magic just clicks here. They have other awesome amazing song too, but not like this. Some of the songs on the album just set such high standards. The strong tracks are all 10s and the weaker tracks are like 7's or 8's so yeah. The album was well put together and I can't really complain about production.

Shinin' On - Grand Funk

This is the eighth album by rock band, at the time, under the title Grand Funk. This was released in 1974 and what I don't understand is their August 1969 debut album, On Time, they were Grand Funk Railroad. Then their next album was the December, 1969 self titled Grand Funk. So there isn't really a consistency to the use of one or the other. These guys are probably best known for We're An American Band. The thing that's cool about this album is it comes with 3D glasses and is in 3D. I'm not huge on the album cover, but that's still a cool idea. Todd Rundgren produced this album for them, and also their previous 1973 album We're An American Band and also plays guitar on this album for the song, I have to check back later but I'll put it in there. Their first 7 albums, including live albums too, were produced by Terry Knight. Now I didn't know were I knew his name from, but he was present for some of the recordings sessions of the 1968 self titled double album The Beatles. He was present for some, and was there when Ringo temporarily quit. I guess that he was surprised they fought so much and couldn't negotiate a contract to do it. Their final album, before the first break up Good Singin', Good Playin' was produced by the one and only Frank Zappa. Now I think it sucks that that was their last one before the first break up, but still, whatever.

1. Shinin' On: This is the title track and it kicks ass. This song surprised me, I thought I'd be bored. There is a synth or Moog or mellotron solo kind of, but it's not like overpowering. It sounds kind of like something that Jon Lord would play. The guitar part followed by that isn't so much solo as it is filling. But it's better that it didn't has a "solo". It sounds way cooler. It's the longest song at 5:56. The ending of this song reminds me of the 1971 Moody Blues song Story In Your Eyes ending, the 2nd song on Every Good Boy Deserves Favor.
2. To Get Back: This song reminds me of a gospel-esque song. This doesn't sound like something that I pictured them playing. There's trumpets and, I think, saxophone. There's this jam at the end of the song that I feel like it reminds me of something Zappa would do. Not style or sound, but they didn't go insane, stoner, Jimi Hendrix or Jimmy Page about the jams, they stayed pretty together on the song.
3. Loco-Motion: This is a big song, I don't really like it all that much. I don't know, I feel like it's gotten old. It's like the some Led Zeppelin songs, I really don't like them anymore because I've heard them so much before. I am almost positive that you've heard this song before. It's also a cover song. I don't hate this song. The guitar distortion reminds me of Jimi Hendrix.
4. Carry Me Through: The vocalist of the songs sounds kind of robotic. It's kind of "scary" compared to the last track, that was really happy and stuff. The vocals are deeper and its sound like the vocal track was slightly slowed down. It reminds me of the original 1973 studio album version of Turn the Page off Bob Seger's 6th album Back in '72. That version of the song is almost impossible to find. #NEEDTHATALBUMONVINYL. Todd Rundgren does guitar on this song. The solo sounds like a Pink Floyd solo that would be on The Wall of maybe Wish You Were Here, possibly The Dark Side of the Moon. The very end of the songs is piano chords and its like the end of the song Epic off Faith No More's 1989 hit album The Real Thing. But more chords than the arpeggios on Epic.
5. Please Me: This is pretty much a Foreigner song feel with Lou Gramm style vocals and Mick Jones guitar. Everything about this song screams Foreigner. The drums on this are bad as at the ending.
6. Mr. Pretty Boy: This is a bluesy song. That starts out with drum hits., then the vocals and bass plays along with the vocals. Then keys come in and a little atmospheric guitar feedback. Then comes the strings. This song also has that Foreigner feeling to it, like the choir vocal chorus feel. The guitar on this song is more buried, but still awesome.
7. Gettin' Over You: The guitar is sick and the whole entire pumping feeling wants me to stay listenin to the album and re-listen. This song is sick, it's very epic. I feel more than Bohemian Rhapsody. Like I don't think that there is much thought that went into that. The keys on this remind me of the song Surgeon by St. Vincent's 2011 album Strange Mercy. The ending of the St. Vincent song has this Floyd-esque keys feeling. There is a drum part in the beginning and then another one later that reminds me of Whole Lotta Love off Zeppelin's 1969 sophomore album Led Zeppelin II. 
8. Little Johnny Hooker: This is a blues song. This is totally Stevie Ray Vaughn before he even existed in music. No debating this sounds like him. It's sounds so much like his style, maybe not the vocals as much at parts of the song, but still the style. It would be one of his faster song, like maybe Crossfire. It towards the ending though has this part where it reminds me of Judas Priest with the way the screams in the background. I don't 

Overall I have to give this a 8.5/10. I really liked this more than I thought I would. I think that this was a surprise. I didn't think that they would make something like this. This album was sick and I think that it should be heard. I think that after realizing that this was so sick I can't wait to do the Live album.

Teenage Dream - Katy Perry

This is the second studio album by pop singer Katy Perry under the name Katy Perry. Her first ever album was self titled under her birth name Katy Hudson released in 2001. And that it was christian/gospel music instead of pop music we know her for. I think that some of her music is actually pretty decent. Now the reason I picked Teenage Dream is because this has songs that I know off the top of my head. There are more songs on this one I know than on One of the Boys. My little sister actually has the clean version of this album. Another reason I have to review this is because I heard Part of Me, Firework, and The One That Got Away on the radio today. Also how could you not love the album cover. I would put the list of producers, but there is a shit load, 10.

1. Teenage Dream: This is the title track and it is a song I'm not huge on. I don't really like this song that much. I didn't like the video for the song, and I didn't really like the song. The song just kind of bugs me and kind of annoying to me.
2. Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.): This song is another single from the album, and another music video. The video for this was actually pretty neat. The reason was because it kind of reminded me of a mini movie. Like Thriller, this was an interesting longer video. Lady Gaga's music videos are in no way artsy and they don't make sense. There isn't any "You don't look deep enough" it's just for attention. People that think they are insightful aren't and they don't know anything about art. I'm no artistic mastermind or even understand some art, but I know that people try to be different. Don't try to be anything, just be the way you are. Back to this song, I think that this is actually a pretty good song. I think that this is also a fun song.
3. California Gurls (featuring Snoop Dogg): I remember when this song came out. I remember, like every healthy teenage boy, Loving the music video. Katy defiantly knows how to get attention. This video, beside her, is actually not terrible. It's kind of funny, in a way. Well any way, this song is pretty catchy. I like that 
4. Firework: This is another songs that I'm not huge on. I know that it's a single, and they are supposed to be the best songs on the album, but I don't think that it's that great.
5. Peacock: This song reminds me of Mickey by Toni Basil. I think that this song is very much so a song that I could see being a cheer. One that a friendly cheerleader would sing to you, right before she tries to get with you. This song doesn't really grab my attention, except lyrically. There is a beat in there that is the same beat that is in California Gurls. There is no way that she isn't singing about a penis.
6. Circle the Drain: This song is a song that reminds me of a 90's pop song. This song is also the one where she says the word fucking. I think it's actually kind of ''sexy'' that she says fuck. I don't know why but it's different. I don't think that she really swears in other songs, but in this one she makes it sound kind of like she wants to get it out. This song is actually really neat. It kind of makes me feel like I'm tripping and she is telling me to stop because she doesn't want to take care of me, while I'm tripping. There is like pitch shifting done to the vocals as the songs is going on. It's kind of like the song Initiation by The Weeknd, but not to that extreme of vocal pitch shift
7. The One That Got Away: This is one of the songs that I'm not big on. Actually I don't even like this one. It kind of bugs me, more than Teenage Dream. I don't know why, but there is something about that just irritates me about this song. It is like the others but this one just rubs me the wrong way. This is a good song though. I think it's good, but I don't like it.
8. E.T.: I can't tell you how many times I heard this song at summer school on the bus. It was ridiculous how much I did. The fucking radio couldn't go one day without playing that. Now that I can listen to it by choice, I like it more. I think that this song is more dark than the other songs on this album. The rest of the songs are pop songs, and this one is a little more "scary". The video is "scary" if you think about it. It's not a stretch for a little kid, who might love her, be scared of the video. Well beside the Kanye part.... Oh shit! I really like this song, actually it's my favorite on the album. I think that there is this almost hypnotic brainwashing feel to the song that makes it impossible not to like it. I love it, not the video, but the song. {9/10}
9. Who Am I Living For?: The way this song is, with the way its sung and the beat. It kind of reminds me of The Weeknd or Drake. This is more of a R&B sounding song verses the other pop songs. I actually think that this song is pretty cool. It is another song that is a little different from the others on the album. It's always good to have variation, but it also depends on the artist and genre. This is a good song and it has cool singing {7.8/10}
10. Pearl: This is another song that remind me of like a mash up of a pop country song. I could see Kelly Clarkson singing this song. I also like this one, for the fact that it's different form the rest. I don't love it or think that it's amazing, but it's good to have variation.
11. Hummingbird Heartbeat: This song title sounds like one that I would pull out of my ass. No offense to Katy, but the title doesn't really sound like a song, if that makes sense. Well anyway this song is ok. This is a return to something that reminds me of Teenage Dream. She says virginity in this song, and I think that it's all about being in love. This kind of sounds like a filler, but that doesn't make it a bad song. Some of my favorite Beatles songs where actually their fillers. Don't Bother Me, Little Child, I think that the cover versions were to. And the melody on the second side of Abbey Road was all filler, unfinished songs. That little 17 minute melody changed my perspective on music. Though I am not crazy about the song it's not terrible. It's actually just over 16 minutes.
12. Not Like The Movies: This is a song with piano. It is kind of a sweet way to end the album. I think that this sounds like a song that would be in a Disney soundtrack.

Overall I have to give this a 6.8/10. What can I say, Katy pulled off on damn good album. I might not be huge on it so much, but that doesn't make it a bad album. I think that there were to many parts on it that hurt it a little. I am still going to do all of her other stuff, and Gaga's 2009 Fame Monster Ep

The Dark Side Of The Moon - Pink Floyd

This is one year shy of 40 years old. This is one of my favorite albums and one of the most important albums I've ever heard in my life. I love this album because of how it has "progressively" helped, after listening to it and putting it away for a while and now coming back to it, realize how amazing it still is. This concept of this album or the overall theme has so heavily influenced my desire to make concept albums (along with some examples which include Tommy, The Wall, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and even as current as Lou Reed & Metallica album titled Lulu). Now I can go on forever on how this is a an awesome album, but I need to review this be-och before I ruin my schedule of an album a day for March, and maybe April.

1. Speak To Me: I love that this songs starts to continuity of the heartbeat that is pretty much heard through out the whole entire album. And how can you not agree that the ending is pretty funny. Ah ah ah ah. This song and Breathe In The Air are completed with you listen to them together as ''one song''.
2. Breathe In The Air: The flow of Speak To Me/Breathe In The Air is awesome. This song is very mellow and is a good example of a classic. The way this song is reminds me of taking deep breaths. I could imagine hearing the sound of someone talking deep breaths. 
3. On The Run: This song is a good example of how the album drives and flows. The first time I heard this it was out of order. After hearing it in context it was so much better. With the intercom sounding voice and the guy running and the atmosphere, you feel like your running. The drum beat and the constant synthesizers make it sound sick. It also gives it this star wars outer space sci-fi feeling to the guy running.
4. Time: I love the fact that they got all those clocks to sound in the beginning of the track. This song almost has an African feel to it with the bongos but also a kind of James Bond thing with the bass, until the vocals come in. The vocals take this song to a new level with the accompaniment of the guitar, bass, drums, and keys. The solo is so cool sounding, it sounds like it was double tracked but very closely, or they used reverb or something. This song wouldn't be as great as it is if it weren't for the keys in the song. That is the driving force of the song, along with the drums. The keys add the sound of funky reggae feel to the song. The song slows down, which I don't really like that part, but the best part is the driven energy from the drums and keys. The more I listen to the album, the better each song gets. I love the entire thing. And God Damn David's voice.
5. Great Gig In The Sky: The woman who does vocals on this track kills it. I love doing a really bad falsetto, cuz I can't sing, along with her. I love this track so much. The music and the feelings that you get from this are amazing. I can't explain how fun of a song this is to listen to unless you've already watched it. The piano in the beginning makes my ears perk up to know that it is this song. The piano in this song is beautiful. When the girl comes in with her screams, right after the instrumentation for most of the song come in. Amazing. This song slows down and goes back to the beginning  but with her gospel vocals singing over it. 
6. Money: Supposedly the money track in the beginning of the song was the same "sample" used in The Beatles legendary Yellow Submarine. I'm not sure if that is true, but if so that's awesome. Now to the song. I love the bass riff in this song. The bass is what grabs your attention, and Roger's vocals on this are also great. The saxophone solo on this song is complemented with all the other instruments in the song. I think the sax solo is a good build up or prep for the guitar solo. The guitar solo sounds like it was double tracked. This song is just so great there is little I can say. And you can probably review this song yourself. Your Know? Oh one last things, I think that the voices at the fade are pretty funny if you actually listen to them. This song, I love how the tempo changed and it just UGH! An amazing song that was a hit. I can't say that all hits are amazing, but this song is.
7. Us And Them: This song picks up right after Money. This songs synths in the beginning are something that I was reminded of when I was listening to 7 Skies H3 by The Flaming Lips. You know, the 24 hour song, well I only made it through 12... but I am determined to finish the songs from 0:00:00-23:56:53. I think that is is a pretty chill track. It has a very laid back feel to it. The background instruments can almost be looped. Now when the choir sounding chorus comes in... it can almost make you cry. It is very pretty sounding and they did a good job at making it emotional. The guitar and the instrumentation in this sound like I could listen to this looped for a good long while. The piano solo in the song adds to this chill/lounge/gospel/jazz sounding vibe I get from the song. I don't LOVE it but I think its defiantly a {9/10)
8. Any Colour You Like: The synths in the beginning of the are cool. The thing is that I really can't say much of this except that it's a filler? I think that it is just there as a kind of filler or a solo to the last song to lead up to Brain Damage. The flow at the end who the song picks up perfectly is just great. 
9. Brain Damage: Even though I've heard this song 1 million times on the radio there is some reason I still like it. Whether it be because of how weird the lyrics are, or the music, it drags me in. The flow from this song to Eclipse and having these two tracks as the last two is nothing short of genius. The vibe that I get from this song is just one that is completed when you hear Eclipse. The lyrics to this give it this eerie feel to it, add the little guitar in the background, and you have a scary song. I don't think it's scary but I think is good. The chorus is kind of a preview to what is to come in Eclipse. Speak To Me/Breathe In The Air and Brain Damage/Eclipse are pretty much two different song and makes this song. Like the whole perfect feel to the song is there when you hear Brain Damage/Eclipse together. The same is true of Speak To Me/Breathe In The Air
10. Eclipse: This song is probably part of the reason that this is one of my favorite albums ever. I love how this album just ends on the highest note and the most powerful track on the album. This song proves that the album just continually builds progressively gets more power until now. This is my favorite Pink Floyd song just because of the energy you get from this. I mean the flow of the keys and the instruments. And the vocals are so simple and yet they are delivered into making them very strong and emotionally appealing. And to wrap up the album we heard that heartbeat one last time. Just the production on this song pumps me up. It probably does that to anyone. The way this album ends makes you want to buy the next album by Pink Floyd. {11/10)

Over all I give this album a 10/10. I don't think that any album could ever be like this one, or even come close to sounding like this one. Pink Floyd did have a certain style but certain  sounds were preserved on this album. This was also one of the greatest albums of all time, and I agree with Rolling Stone Magazine... for once. This album is awesome, if you haven't heard it go and listen to it on YouTube, I don't really care how you do just find someway to listen to the album. This is defiantly on albums to hear before you die. This bitch's reverb helps give it that outer space vibe. This is truly a masterpiece.

So Far, So Good... So What! - Megadeth

Today is my friend Justin Stockton's 17th birthday. I asked him what album he wanted me to review for him on his birthday and he told me So Far, So Good... So What!. I know that this is my favorite Megadeth album, well either that or Peace Sells... Who's Buying. But part of the reason I like this so much is because it isn't their ''masterpiece'' and I think it should be. This album is very underrated and should be more respected. I think that this is well....

1. Into The Lungs Of Hell: This is my favorite song off this album. I love the intro with the electronic sounding horns. There is something about that that makes me feel like that is an awesome way to start a song and an album. The intro solo in this song also sounds awesome I love the guitar distortion. This song kind of reminds me of my favorite Iron Maiden song Transylvania. This is like their Transylvania to me. There is a certain feel for this so good The soloing and the recording in general on this song just... This song is a 10/10.
2. Set The World Afire: The sample in the beginning of this track of the radio then getting bombed. I think that that's hilarious. The riffs in this song are more like Transylvania. than Track 1, but that's the intro instrumentation. The reason I say that this vocals on this album work is because there is some type of evil vocal effect in the background making it sound evil. There is a part in here where the riff speeds up, that is my favorite part of the song. This entire album in general is defiantly BA. The intro, solo, chorus, instrumentation this also gets a big 10
3. Anarchy Of The U.K.: I like this song. I like the original and I also like this version to. This a a good cover of the song with a cool sounding solo. I also like the music video for this song. Also I'm glad that Dave  didn't really change the lyrics up so much. I don't really have a ton of stuff. This cover is solid.
4. Mary Jane: It don't matter what this tracks about. All that matters is that it is beast. It is slow moving and reminds me of the album, well it's Metallica's 1984 sophomore effort Ride the Lightning. The guitar just sounds awesome and the beat. When this speeds up it gets more intense and reminds me of, for some reason the song Transylvania comes to mind. The soloing on this is amazing.period! This is defiantly a headbanger and thrash classic.
5. 502: the beginning of this song reminded me of Miserlou by Dick Dale and the Del Tones. Well that is until he says shit. Ha. there is some type of police alarm and vehicle horns sampled were it founded like a solo, which was followed by a bad ass soloing power. The ending with the like emotional breakdown during the fade. 10
6. In My Darkest Hours: This is an emotional song. I like this and it is like their Stairway to Heaven. If you've heard it you know what I'm talking about. I love how the acoustic guitars sound on this album. I feel this is Megadeth's own For Whom The Bell Tolls, but better mixed and better quality. The fact that the lyrics are based on Cliff Burton in honor of his passing. That's touching man, that he would do that for someone in a band that kicked him out. This only hits you harder when you find out Metallica hadn't really, until after this song, honored Cliff. They are honest bastards, in a bad way. The solo in this is among the awesome solo parts
7. Liar: This reminds me of something I'd hear on a 1970's Judas Priest album. Which is their shining moments as a band, in my opinion. The song keeps on driving and picks up after the emotion of In My Darkest Hours is done. It's like he is now denying the fact that Cliff has died and calls the person who told him this that they are a "Fucking Liar". I think that from that point of view it is masterpiece.
8. Hook In The Mouth: this song has a very driving bass riff in it. I like that it's different. This seems like something I could vision Cliff playing on. Now that isn't the case. But the song has a type of solo where in the beginning of it it sounds like bees buzzing. Which I think is funny an also at the same time amazing.

Overall I'd give this album a 9/10. By far one of my favorite 80's album and better than some of Metallica's 80's monsters. This is different, but it's not. This stands out from Dave's discography. There are very important parts on this that are important to me. This album has a pre-Meagdeth existence world Metallica. The first two albums are their best and they sound like Dave's writing.