NEWS: Sebastian Bach to join Twisted Sister for select 2026 dates!

Very exciting news today as Twisted Sister guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda announce that former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach will be joining the band for select dates in 2026.  The dates are scheduled for fall, and “do not affect or conflict with Sebastian’s current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.”

We are very excited to see what Twisted Sister sound like in their new incarnation.  Fans will recall that Dee Snider had to drop out for health reasons.  This is never an easy decision to make.  It will be interesting to see Dee’s reaction, but ours can be found below.

 

Bassist Mark “The Animal” Mendoza will not be on the tour, replaced by Dee Snider’s bassist Russell Pzütto.  Replacing A.J. Pero on drums is ZO2’s Joey Casatta.  Bach sang lead on “You Can’t Stop Rock and Roll” from the Twisted Forever tribute CD.

#1235: Revisiting Trillion Dollar Treats

RECORD STORE TALES #1235: Revisiting Trillion Dollar Treats

Three years ago, I wanted to replace my old Technics tape deck.  The belts were worn out and I don’t have the skill to replace them.  I headed over to Max the Axe’s Garage Sale, AKA “Trillion Dollar Treats” and bought a Kenwood.  That Kenwood lasted a couple years, but started to act up and crackle when playing tapes recently.  I decided to go back to  Trillion Dollar Treats and see what Maxie had for sale this time.  Max collects old tech, and he had three decks for me to look at.

Unfortunately, Max, our rock star superhero, is recovering from an augmentation.  His brand new titanium hip is causing him some pain, but we still managed to find a good tape deck in the collection.  Max also had some “not for sale” goodies that I just had to take pictures of, for the memories.

The new tape deck was the mission.  I own several things on tape that don’t exist on CD (though as reissues become more comprehensive, that list gets shorter every year).  I want to be able to play and archive my cassettes (and any new ones that I buy) without crackle.  As time goes on, there are fewer and fewer tracks that only exist on cassette, but I also seem to acquire more tapes as the years go on.  I still like the option to play them, and archive the tracks digitally.

Max had several decks, including a rack-mounted one, but I made my choice after only one quick demo.  I picked the Onkyo pictured below, and it does indeed sound great.  I am considering putting a Helix rarity that I own online, that has now been archived in better quality.  Of course, the issue there is, if I put it online, it’s no longer a rarity, is it?  Still, my Helix tape sounds better now than in the past 35 years of playing on other decks.

 

After purchasing my new deck, for which Max threw in two sealed Maxell blank tapes, I had a look around Trillion Dollar Treats to see what else Max had in his collection.  While not for sale, the below items tickled my fancy enough to share with you.

 

NEW!  As seen on TV!  Curl-A-Dog hot dog slicer.  Because who doesn’t need this?  Bonus 20 hot dog recipes, in case you’re cooking impaired.

 

Alterego Voice Decoder!  Three different vocal effects for you to use:  “Monster”, “Alien” and just an amplification.  Masks pictured but not included.

 

Light-Up Shoelaces!  For those who thought my Croclights were cool.

 

Electric Plane Launcher.  From Middlesex University!  I do wish I was better at folding paper airplanes.  Maybe that is a new hobby I should look into this summer.  This can launch them up to four meters!  But the warning states, this is NOT a toy.

 

Golf Selfie Clip.  I know Max does enjoy golfing, but now I expect selfies when his hip heals up.

 

Best of all… the Flying Bat.  Only takes 2 AA batteries.  I would like to see this baby take on my drone.

Even though all of these things are totally awesome and hilarious, Max did dig up one more thing that is not for sale… yet.

In storage, Max found an old reel to reel tape, a master recording of six songs.   It weathered the elements over the decades by remaining sealed in plastic.  The tape contains Max the Axe recordings, including versions of songs that we have never heard before, along with some familiar classics:  “Please Please”, “Magnum P.I.”, “6 Gun”, “Why Do You Talk” and “401”.

The tape appeared to be in good shape, but later that day, Max acquired a working reel to reel player, just to hear them and hopefully do a transfer.  Ultimately we hope these songs will be mastered for release.

It was a great morning spent with Max the Axe at Trillion Dollar Treats.  Stay tuned as there should be more music coming in the months ahead, from Max the Swingin’ Axe!  Stay tuned, for if we are lucky, more music is coming soon.

 

DVD REVIEW: Alice Cooper – Special Edition EP (2003)

ALICE COOPER – Special Edition EP (2003 ClassicPictures)

Special Edition EP…on a DVD?  Sure, why not.  This unofficial Alice Cooper DVD on a now-defunct label recycles three music videos that Alice recorded for German television in the early 1970s.  It’s the kind of thing that you bought because it was cheap and, again, why not?  Before YouTube made such videos easy to find and watch on demand, a DVD like this was a good way to get some obscure Alice Cooper video clips.

The menu music is generic rock, not Alice, but again this is very unofficial.  “Under My Wheels” (live 1971) begins the DVD, with music recorded live as well as video.  There is a cool “Pop-Up” feature that gives you some trivia as you watch.  Nothing ground breaking that fans were dying to know:  More like “Alice Cooper virtually invented rock theatre.  He changed trends in fashion.  A guy can dress like a girl now.”  Those are actual pop-ups that you get on this DVD.  Fortunately, Alice and the band’s performance is great.  Alice is rocking the spider eye makeup.  The audio isn’t superb or up to modern standards but this probably sounded great on your TV in 1971.

“I’m Eighteen”, recorded in 1972, has more pop-ups such as Alice’s birth date and location.  The band look super psychedelic with rear screen visuals. Alice sings the first verse as “Ma ma ma ma ma, la la la la la,” which is certainly different.  Dennis Dunaway is covered in sequins.  Neal Smith is a monster on the kit.  This is one of the versions where Alice quotes “American Pie” at the end of the song.  One of the 50 most important songs in rock history, according to the pop-up trivia.

“Public Animal #9” is a rare treat from School’s Out.  Recorded in 1972, the rear screen remains, now showing close ups of the band as they play.  The song begins with an instrumental intro that is not on the album.  This instrumental bit is dominated by the melodic basswork of Dennis Dunaway.  Then Michael Bruce and Glen Buxton come in with the riff and the opening guitar melody.  The band “hey hey hey’s!” behind a leather-clad Alice.  A rarity, this is one of the few live versions of this song you can easily buy, behind one on The Sound of A EP.  Alone, worth the price of the DVD.

There are more features.  “Previews” contains 30 second clips of other releases in the series, including:  Deep Purple (with a bit of “Highway Star”), Motorhead (“Ace of Spades”),  and so on.  Each of these artists has a three-song DVD in the series you can buy, with similar TV appearances.  The “DVD Jukebox” feature includes some bonus previews.  This is basically 33 minutes of ads for other DVDs.  Some, but not all, are full songs, but with ads over top rendering them unwatchable.  Jack Bruce’s “Sunshine Of Your Love” is only 90 seconds.  A pretty useless special feature.

The Alice Cooper Special Edition EP (DVD) is only worth the three songs in the main feature.  Purchase accordingly!

3/5 stars

 

DVD/CD RE-REVIEW: Iron Maiden – Flight 666 – The Film – The Original Soundtrack (2009)

“Since their debut in 1980, Iron Maiden have become one of the biggest bands in the world.  With little support from radio or mainstream media, they have sold over 70 million records and played some of the most legendary concerts in rock history – including Britain’s Donington Festival, Rock In Rio, and Poland during the height of communism.  In 2008, they embarked on the most challenging and adventurous tour of their career…”  – Sam Dunn

IRON MAIDEN:

Flight 666 – The Film (2009 UM DVD)
Flight 666 – The Original Soundtrack (2009 EMI CD)

Supporting their newest compilation album, Somewhere Back In Time (released May 11 or 12 2008), Iron Maiden embarked upon a new kind of tour.  Lead singer and licensed pilot Bruce Dickinson wondered if there was a way for the band to buy a plane, modify it to carry all their gear and still have room for the road crew, and fly it from gig to gig.  As an added twist, Bruce often flew the plane himself.  The tour had to be captured on a documentary, so Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen of Banger films took the job.

Since Somewhere Back In Time focused on the Dickinson albums from Number of the Beast to Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, Iron Maiden chose a setlist that (mostly) reflected this, with one notable exception.  The interesting thing about this setlist is, because there is only one song played from the Janick Gers era of Iron Maiden (which we’ll get to), he gets more solos on older songs than usual.  The final film was released theatrically, and later on DVD with a CD soundtrack.  The film featured 16 songs, each taped in a different city all over the world, from India to Japan to Brazil.  The concert footage was edited seamlessly into the documentary, but the DVD offers a second disc with the complete songs, unedited.  If you just want the audio experience, the 2 CD soundtrack has you covered.  Since the film had the songs in a certain order to suit the timeline of the tour, we will (mostly) follow the film song order for this review.  The CD features fade-outs between songs, since we all know they are from different shows.  This is the first and only Iron Maiden live album to date, to fade out from song to song.

Flight 666 was recorded over six weeks, from February 1 to March 16, 2008.  The film was released on April 21, 2009 with the soundtrack following on May 11, and the DVD on June 9.  With a running time of 113 minutes, the film made $233,193 at the box office.

1. “ACES HIGH” (Mumbai)

Cut to the airport, and Sam Dunn is boarding the plane Ed Force One.  Bruce is in his pilot’s uniform, and he explains how he came up with this idea to fly themselves on their own plane.  The plane had to be specially modified to carry the gear.  Guitarist Adrian Smith was skeptical.  Special authorization was needed and only came last minute.  Then, a wheel had to be replaced.  The road crew loved the luxury of it, and Dickie Bells gives the slovenly ex-colonial Canadians hell for standing there with their hands in their pockets.  First stop: India.  The band is completely mobbed by a crowd that has been waiting since 6 am.  “Wrathchild” can be heard at soundcheck.  The stage is just made of wood!

You can see a glimpse of the backstage prep before the band hits the stage.  Nicko walks to the stage in flip flops.  The show begins with “Churchill’s Speech”.  The “Aces High” song intro is the studio recording, before breaking into noticeably thicker live version (because of the three guitars).  Bruce in a toque, jumping and leaping everywhere!  He also enjoys playing a gong!  Davey and Adrian’s solo are both magnificent.  First song of the set, and Janick is already dancing!  Bruce’s voice is rougher and lower than Live After Death after 23 years past, and less melodic, but this is still a rather strong version of “Aces High”.

Bruce isn’t flying the plane in the next flight after the show; he is a passenger.  He is only allowed so many hours of work time if he is to fly the plane.  The band talk about manager Rod Smallwood, and they all do their Rod impressions.  Off to Malaysia and Perth Australia, before hitting Melbourne.

The song “Moonchild” is heard but not seen at this point in the film.  On the second DVD, it appears later, so we’ll pick it up then.

 

2. “2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT” (Melbourne)

“SCREAM FOR ME MELBOURNE!”   The crowd handles most of the chorus!  The Australians are absolutely nuts.  Bruce is in great voice.  Janick, dancing once again, twirling his guitar around his body,  irritating some and delighting others.  Adrian’s solo is more effects-laden than the album, but still the same notes.  Bruce and Steve run all over the stage, from left to right.  Top version of “Midnight ” – the best since Live After Death, in fact.

After the show, Adrian seems unhappy about the sound that night, but stresses that you have to push through for the crowd.  Bruce and Nicko praises Adrian’s ability to find all the right notes.

The band enjoys a day off, Adrian plays tennis with Wimbleton champ Pat Cash.  Nicko and Davey go golfing.  Steve brings his kids and enjoys family time.

 

3. “REVELATIONS” (Sydney)

Bruce comments that it took them a while to get to Sydney.  “WAKIE WAKIE!”  His vocals are powerful – no issue with the demanding song.  On this track, the triple guitar harmonies are…revelatory!  Bruce’s vocal is as passionate as it gets.  This is a top version of “Revelations”, second only to Live After Death.  Davey’s solo is like butter, and then Janick’s is sharp like a blade.  Nicko’s powerful right foot does what some drummers do with two bass pedals.  Bruce disappears backstage during the solos to re-hydrate.

 

4. “THE TROOPER” (Japan)

Bruce talks about his family heritage with the RAF.  On flying:  “You can never be the master of it.  It is a very humbling experience.”  There is an Eddie on the dashboard as they fly to Japan.  It is a place that Nicko has always wanted to visit.  The fans are polite and give gifts.  Backstage, Adrian plays some bluesy jams revealing his talent.  Dick Bell is constantly teased about retirement, and if this will be his last tour.  He is stern and hilarious.

For “The Trooper”, Bruce changes into the red coat waving the Union Jack!  The song is a tad faster but Bruce keeps up, and puts in an impressive powerhouse performance.  We’ve had a lot of live versions of “The Trooper” on their many live albums and singles, but this is a good one.  It’s cool when Bruce says “Hey Tokyo…”  The three guitars are blended really well here.  It is a pleasure to watch Davey bend his strings – wide, accurate and with great “guitar mouth” too.

Maiden fly to Anchorage Alaska, and then south to Los Angeles.  The palm trees are a stark contrast to the February snow!  Steve goes to the studio with Kevin Shirley. and works.  You can hear them listening to “The Longest Day” from A Matter of Life and Death.

 

5. “THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST” (Los Angeles)

Kerry King, Lars Ulrich, Scott Ian, Vinnie Appice, Tom Morello and Chad Kroeger are all at the star-studded gig.

Bruce is now down to a T-shirt.  His voice is pushed to the limits here, but he still manages a pretty great opening scream.  The pyro begins, and Bruce is once again leaping, and Janick is kicking up a storm.  Davey’s solo is wonderful when he extends that one note that he is prone to doing.  He really lets it ring.

Back on the plane, Bruce is flying once again and marvels at the change of seasons as they travel, as the jetlag sets in.  Off to Mexico!  Bruce senses there is always a sense of something exploding in Latin America when they arrive.  OLE OLE OLE OLE OLE!  MAIDEN MAIDEN!

 

6. “WASTED YEARS” (Monterey, Mexico)

A potential highlight of the film and sound track is “Wasted Yeats” from Somewhere In Time.   “It’s great to be in Mexico!” exclaims Bruce, as he playfully sits as the crowd cheers “ole ole ole ole ole”.   It’s cool to watch how Adrian plays the main guitar hook – a lot of open strings.  His solo has slightly evolved but it is now even better!  More energy, more shred!  It is skin-tingling when Bruce shouts out “ADRIAN!” and then Smith sings the next line: “So, understand…”   Later, he contributes vocals to the chorus: “Don’t waste your time always searching for those Wasted Years…”  He did write the song, after all.

Off to Mexico City.  Nicko describes Janick as a “lone soldier”, usually looking for an Irish bar.  Janick is also the jester, says Nicko.  Apparently has a degree in sociology.  He’s a free spirit and plays guitar as a free spirit, says Rod.  In Mexico, he explores a pyramid with Nicko.

 

7. “CAN I PLAY WITH MADNESS” (Mexico City)

Bruce’s voice is a bit rougher, but his huge sombrero is hilarious!  It’s so out of place!  This is a solid version of the song which is always challenging vocally.  Adrian’s presence on backing vocals improves the song over versions without him, such as Donington and A Real Live One.

Off to San Jose, Costa Rica. Maiden are playing a 27,000 seat football stadium.  Fans line the streets! The fans are a whole level above the rest!  They cannot imagine that Iron Maiden has come to Costa Rica , a once in a lifetime experience for them.  These people are truly starved of metal concerts like Maiden, and they are not shy about showing it.  Nicko goes golfing, but gets hit by a golf ball in the wrist.  Fortunately, a minor injury.  Nicko is the social side of Maiden, says Rod.

 

8. “POWERSLAVE” (San Jose, Costa Rica)

Bruce is wearing the full bird mask!  In full voice too!  SCREAM FOR ME COSTA RICA!  This version of the song thumps harder during the riff.  You can also hear keyboards providing backing melody.  Bruce riles up the crowd with a “HEY HEY HEY HEY!”, and this could be the second best version of “Powerslave” ever, after Live After Death.  Adrian’s solo is actually a very different version, a variation perhaps, of the album solo.  Still great, just new.

Iron Maiden now head Columbia, where soldiers are everywhere.  Bruce is very apprehensive, in case something goes wrong outside.  People camped out for days, sleeping under tarps waiting for Iron Maiden.  Security confiscates all food and all cameras.  There is a lot of tension in the air.

 

9. “RUN TO THE HILLS” (Bogota, Columbia)

Now Bruce is wearing a vest.  The crowd is mixed very loud in the chorus.  Davey’s wah-wah laden solo is cool, but otherwise this is just another version of “Run to the Hills”.  The crowd is what makes this version different as they are absolutely nuts.  One fan who caught Nicko’s drum stick is crying with emotion at the end of the show (during “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”).  He thanks God, as other fans nearby weep in joy.

Nicko eats a pizza – says he likes the “sweaty feet” kind of cheese.   Off to Sao Paulo, Brazil next.  Bruce talks about their 1985 visit to Rock In Rio, and old video footage is shown from the televised event (which is also “Run to the Hills”).  Fascinatingly, there is a Priest who has a ministry in Brazil with 162 Iron Maiden tattoos.  He includes their lyrics in his sermons.  He named his son Steve Harris.  Incredible.

 

10. “HEAVEN CAN WAIT” (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

The band is seen playing football, and then we cut to the stage.  The football players have joined for the “Woah oh oh!” singing on “Heaven Can Wait”.   It’s pandemonium on stage, with dozens of people jumping up and down.  Janick takes the first guitar solo while Bruce hides behind a sarcophagus.  Bruce kicks the gong this time!  The triple guitars don’t seem to blend so well on the harmony solo, but Bruce is killing it on the vocals (aside from only singing “Heaven can…” most of the time.)   Janick’s solos are great here, defying those who call him second rate.  Again, Nicko’s right foot is doing the work of two feet.

The band continues to travel through South America for several more gigs, into Buenos Ares, Argentina.  They are greeted by fans at the airport once again.  Fans following them around 24 hours a day and it gets to be a bit much for Adrian.  He wants peace and quiet when he’s at the hotel, but fans are a mob at the front door.

 

11. “FEAR OF THE DARK” (Buenos Ares, Argentina)

This is the one and only song that does not fit into the Somewhere Back In Time era.  Why was it included?  It probably serves a dual purpose:  to give Janick a song from his era on this tour, and because it has become a concert staple.  The Argentinians don’t seem to mind.  The crowd are almost louder than the band.  Though we have many versions of “Fear of the Dark”, this one is solid.  Janick’s single harmonic note is always a favourite part.  The way the crowd blends with Bruce on the chorus is powerful.  Dickinson is in great voice, and you can hear every delicious pick scrape on the guitars.  This is a solid go-to version.

Off to Chile, and once again the fans are over-the-top crazy to see the band, mobbing them at the airport and making the national news.  At one point, Iron Maiden were banned in Chile for “Satanic” lyrics, so this is a big deal for the fans.

 

12. “IRON MAIDEN” (Santiago, Chile)

Bruce creates a neat muffled voice effect by singing “SCREAM FOR ME SANTIAGO!” into a paper drinking cup.

Out comes the Somewhere In Time Eddie!  You can see the guy controlling him too, with a massive remote.  Nicko is particularly pounding on this version of “Iron Maiden”.  Janick throws guitar in the air, and twirls it around, which the South Americans don’t seem to be complaining about.

 

13. “MOONCHILD” (San Juan, Puerto Rico)  Full song on CD and DVD disc two

Contrary to other live versions, the acoustic intro is live this time, not pre-recorded.  The usual synth part is re-created on guitar with an echo effect, by Adrian.  A unique version unlike the prior ones, and Steve is killing it on the bass, too.  Thge bass is  very prominent in the mix.  This is a great version of “Moonchild” and a delight to fans of Seventh Son era Maiden.

 

14. “THE CLAIRVOYANT” (Curitiba, Brazil)  Not in film at all – only on CD and DVD disc two

A fan makes it on stage and is promptly escorted off, you can see Bruce mouth “Who’s he?” to the audience.  The opening guitar harmonies are rich with the three guitars, and Bruce is in strong voice, bellowing the verses.

 

15. “RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER” (New Jersey)

Back to North America.  This the other show highlight.  “Rime” has a heavier riff with the three guitars.

Bruce is now dressed in a black cloak, spending a lot of time on the ramp over the drum kit.  This is the song he was most excited to revisit.  It really is a dramatic scene, and the fans are clearly psyched to hear this song again.  Keyboard accents (in spots) are added to provide a melodic backing.  There are loads of explosions and after the middle section is finished.  Quite a spectacle!  Adrian throws in a brand new tapping section into the guitar solo.  The triple harmony part at the end of the solos is thick, fresh and exciting.  Never before have we had this with three guitars.  A landmark version of the song.

Bruce is interviewed by Eddie Trunk.  He explains that they are doing this setlist for new, young fans who never got to hear these songs before.  Bruce notes that their audience keeps getting younger.  He doesn’t mention backlash to the Matter of Life and Death tour, which featured the new album played live in its entirety, but that probably also impacted their seasons to “play classics” this time.

Finally, onto Toronto Canada!  The CN tower can be clearly seen as they land in snowy Toronto.  Last show.  They did it.  It’s a successful tour.

 

16. “HALLOWED BE THY NAME” (Toronto)

SCREAM FOR ME TORONTO!  The atmosphere is electric as the fans clap along, and sing the opening section.  The beautiful harmonics on the guitar by Janick add texture.  Once the song picks up, everyone is leaping in the air.  Bruce is in great voice here, hitting the higher notes, and clearly putting 100% into his performance.  One of the heaviest versions of “Hallowed” available.  A good go-to live version of the song.

That’s the album, and that’s the film.  We go out to the end credits music:  Monty Python’s “Always Look On The Bright Side of Life”.

 

Taken as an album, this is a top three Iron Maiden live album.  Taken as a film, it is for fans only.  Unlike other metal documentaries, there is not much in terms of narrative or drama.  Nicko being hit by a golf ball, and Adrian complaining about mobs is as dramatic as it gets.  Who cares?  It’s Iron Maiden.  It’s a fascinating trip around the world in under two hours.   To be able to be a fly on the plane bulkhead wall with Iron Maiden is the whole point.

5/5 stars

 

🅻🅸🆅🅴 50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 30: Somewhere Back In Time & Flight 666

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 30: Somewhere Back In Time & Flight 666

A special 🅻🅸🆅🅴 episode

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #139

Scream for me, YouTube!  In May 2008, Iron Maiden released a new “best of” CD, unlike the previous four.  Yes, that makes Somewhere Back In Time– The Best of: 1980-1989 the fifth Iron Maiden “best of”.  Despite the title, it has no songs from the first two albums, subbing in live versions with Bruce singing.  The actual tracklist focused on the Dickinson albums from 1982-1988 (Number of the Beast to Seventh Son).  Then, Maiden embarked upon a tour designed to recreate the Live After Death era, with some added goodies (and Eddies) from Somewhere In Time and Seventh Son (plus one song that didn’t fit).

Singer Bruce Dickinson, who was also a licensed pilot, had an idea:  would it be possible to modify a passenger jet to carry all their gear and crew, and fly it from gig to gig no matter how far?

It was indeed possible (if not difficult), and Ed Force One took to the skies to bring Iron Maiden to their fans around the world.  In the pilot’s seat:  Bruce himself!

The first leg of the Somewhere Back In Time tour was documented by Sam Dunn and Banger films for a movie:  Flight 666.  This film played theatrically, and was eventually released on a double DVD set with the movie and all the complete songs.  There was a complete soundtrack on CD and vinyl, and tonight we’re going to look at it all.

Mike and Harrison will dive deep into the film, the songs and the tour.  Mike has over 2000 words of notes, and copies of Flight 666 on CD, DVD and vinyl.  We will tackle Somewhere Back In Time itself as an album, and Harrison will discuss the tour legs that followed.

This will truly be an epic episode, so do not miss it.  We love to interact with the comments.

 

Friday February 27 at  7:00 PM EST, 8:00 PM Atlantic.  Enjoy on YouTube or Facebook.

Past episodes:

Handy YouTube Playlist:

 

 

RE-REVIEW: Eric Carr – Unfinished Business (2011/2025 RSD)

The KISS RE-REVIEW SERIES Part 42 Redux:  Eric Carr solo #2 (Reissued).

ERIC CARR – Unfinished Business (Originally 2011, 2025 Culture Factory)

Beloved drummer Eric Carr has two posthumous “solo albums”:  Rockology and Unfinished Business.  Both contain previously unreleased songs written and performed by Carr, some of which are polished up and finished properly, some of which are basic demos.  2000’s Rockology compilation contained a treasure trove of unheard goodies for the fans, but since there is always more to sell, another batch of tracks were unearthed to mark the 20th anniversary of Eric’s passing.  This time they called it Unfinished Business, and this time you can tell that there wasn’t much left in the vaults to release.   Yet, somehow, the Carr estate found even more tracks to release.  In 2023 a “remastered” version of Rockology was released for Record Store Day.  It included five more tracks, including very harsh demos from 1967, and 1974.  It also included a few alternate versions of previously released tracks, of limited value.  Then in 2025, and hopefully for the last time, five more tracks were coughed up on a similar reissue of Unfinished Business.  It is now an hour and 14 minutes long, so buckle up for a bumpy ride.

Getting the cosmestics out of the way first, Culture Factory do a fantastic job with these reissues.  The CDs are designed to look like vinyl.  Rockology was reissued on a black CD, and Unfinished Business is a lovely blue.  While the last album was designed to resemble the Kiss solo albums, this one looks like Creatures of the Night.  The style and obi strips for these reissues mean they also match each other.  Inside is a two-page booklet with very small print, and a sleeve for the CD, featuring two Kiss-era photos of Eric:  One from Creatures and one from Animalize.

There are a few Eric interviews and audio clips included, and the album opens appropriately with Eric introducing himself.  The first song is an updated version of “Just Can’t Wait” from Rockology.  Like a classic early 80s Bon Jovi song, it had slick hooks and hit potential.  This fine demo was just crying out for a lead vocal to finish it off.  This was completed by Ted Poley of Danger Danger.  Though the backing track lacks the fidelity of a proper Kiss recording, the song has taken shape as the shoulda-coulda-been hit that it is.  Eric would have been proud and very happy to hear it as a finished song, even though it sounds like you’re playing an old cassette.

The unfinished “Troubles Inside You” is a demo with regular Kiss collaborator and Beatlemania member Mitch Weissman.  It was recorded at Gene Simmons’ house, but the old cassette must have deteriorated pretty badly.  The music is barely audible, though hints of a good song shine through.  It clearly needed work, particularly on the chorus.  Weissman is on lead vocals, and Eric programmed the drum machine.  It sounds like a Creatures outtake, but this demo is truly chore to listen to.

There are a couple Kiss songs here for the diehard fans.  “No One’s Messin’ With You” is accompanied by an audio clip of Eric explaining that he insisted on singing a song this time.  Yes, that means this is yet another demo of what would become “Little Caesar” from Hot in the Shade (Another called “Ain’t That Peculiar” was released on the 2001 Kiss Box Set.)  This is an almost completely different set of lyrics, although it does have the “Hey Little Caesar” chorus.  In chronological terms, this version probably falls between the other two, with lyrics still a work in progress and a different verse melody.

Disappointingly, some songs here are not recorded by Eric Carr.  “Carr Jam 1991” and “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose” are not demos.  They are remakes by Zo2 drummer Joey Cassata as a tribute.  Sonically both sound great, but why do we need these?  For “Carr Jam”, we already have a Kiss version which has Eric Carr on drums and Bruce Kulick on guitar.  This one has a guitarist named Benny Doro playing all the electric instruments.  Giving Cassata credit, he plays homage to the Fox’s drum hooks and style very admirably.  “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose” with Paulie Z on vocals, belongs on a tribute album.  Not an album billed as an Eric Carr CD.

“Carr Jam” is followed by an interview about Eric’s audition, but it is followed by one of the very worst tracks in terms of quality.  This is “Shandi”, from Eric’s Kiss audition tape, with brand new acoustic backing music.  Unfortunately, Eric’s shaky voice (or a warbly tape) makes this totally unlistenable.  We have to assume it’s the tape, because nobody would dream of sending this to Kiss as an audition.

Two more Kiss outtakes include the legendary “Dial L For Love” and “Elephant Man”.  These were written for Crazy Nights and Revenge, respectively.  Neither were finished by Carr.  “Dial L For Love” has the bones of a good song with a unique 80s riff, including harmonics.  Eric only managed to finish the lyrics for “Elephant Man”, but here it is given music and life by a group of musicians including the late A.J. Pero of Twisted Sister, and ex-Europe guitarist Kee Marcello.  Singer Bob Gilmartin did a great job of it, turning “Elephant Man” into a cross between ballad and rocker, and something Kiss actually could have done on Revenge. “Elephant Man” does not feature Eric, only the lyrics he wrote, but it actually turned out pretty good.  We’ll allow this one, even though Eric isn’t on it, because there was no better way for us to hear his lyrics.

Eric’s Kiss bandmate, Mark St. John, found the cassette tape for “Midnight Stranger”.  It is another unfinished riff.  Mark was slated to overdub brand new solos for this instrumental, but he too passed before he could finish.  This is the original cassette demo.  The riff sounds like a brother to “Carr Jam”.  They are definitely related.  One has to assume that Eric gave this tape to Mark at some time during the making of Animalize.  Obviously, neither Mark nor Eric would be allowed to write on the album, so this is an interesting oddity.

Rockology featured a good Eric original called “Eyes of Love”, which Bruce Kulick finished by adding his guitar.  This version has Eric’s lead vocals backed by a new recording by Benny Doro and drummer John Humphrey.  Obviously, the Kulick version is the go-to.  This version doesn’t add much in terms of value to the fan.  It’s an artificially created “new” version, to flesh out an already dubious CD release.

“Through the Years” features some Eric Carr drum solos edited together, and dedicated to Bill Aucoin (who also features in an audio clip).  The drum solos themselves will sound familiar, as many ended up in “Carr Jam” and Kiss concerts live.

Finally there is a 1967 recording by Eric’s first band The Cellarmen, with Eric on lead vocals.  At the time of the original release for Unfinished Business, this was considered something really rare and special, but it turns out they had more that they were hanging on to.  Now, we get two more Cellarmen tracks:  1967’s Beatles-y “I Cry At Night” and 1968’s “I Found You (One I Adore)”.  These tracks sound pretty decent considering their age.  An official release like this is certainly welcome for these old tapes.  The late 1960s are alive again when you push play.

Several of the remaining bonus tracks are quite long.  Into the 1970s, we have a lengthy jam of “Down By The River”, performed by Salt and Pepper, recorded in 1974.  According to the CD, that is Eric on lead vocals and drums.  It sounds like when Deep Purple Mk I used to do slow psychedelic cover versions, complete with slamming drums.  Not a great cover, but certainly of interest to Eric fans.

“Get Down” is an overlong disco demo by Creation, dating to 1974.  This one is complete with a horn section, sax solos, and organ.  The surviving tape quality limits its listenability.  It’s interesting not only to hear Eric play the disco beats (quite awesomely), but also to hear him sing this soulful style.

Rewinding to 1972, Salt and Pepper also covered “Black Magic Woman”, this time keeping it to about five minutes.  Eric’s drumming on this is absolutely thunderous.  Though it is hard to shake the Deep Purple Mk I vibes, comparing Eric to Ian Paice on this is not out of the question.

The final track, a cover of “Listen to the Music”, dates back to 1977 and is recorded by Mother Nature Father Time.  This is a nice pop rock song with twangy country guitars.  Eric’s vocals are present but a bit muffled, making it hard to fully enjoy the tracks.  It is a pretty impressive version of the song, with ample accompaniment.

Never mind that the five bonus tracks from Rockology and the five from Unfinished Business could have been released as a single standalone disc, a third Eric Carr album perhaps.  That’s what should have been been done, for the fans who are tired of endless reissues.  Let us hope that more tracks don’t mysteriously turn up on a third go-round of reissues.

2/5 stars

 

 

Mike’s Sausagefest 2020 Audio Collage – Catch Phrases, Uncle Meat & Night Ranger

Every year at Sausagefest, I would create an audio collage of random bits and samples of music, movies and TV Shows. I don’t know if the 2020 version was ever used, but here it is.

Happy Birthday Dan! Off The Charts: Dan’s Birthday Live Stream

Happy birthday to my friend and collaborator, Dan Chartrand from Off the Charts.

Though February 22 is his birthday, Dan celebrated online last night with a listening party full of friends.  I was happy to be invited, and so I joined Dan, Steve Deluxe and a couple new friends for some songs.  Each guest picked a song to play that had some kind of connection with Dan.  Of course, having interviewed Rick Hughes of Sword with Dan, it made sense to pick a Rick song from his new album Redemption.

Thanks for inviting me Dan, and happy birthday.

 

VHS Archives #160: Queensryche Spotlight

Here are all the interview segments that I recorded from the Queensryche Spotlight on MuchMusic, around late 1991 or early 1992.

1. Queenryche introduce the MuchMusic Spotlight (Chris DeGarmo and Geoff Tate)

2. Why did Queensryche cover “Gonna Get Close To You” by DalBello?  Geoff Tate 1986.

3. Let’s Talk About Seattle with Geoff and Chris in 1991.

4. The whole ooint of doing Operation: Mindcrime with Chris and Geoff 1991.

5. Putting on a good show with Geoff and Chris 1986.

🅻🅸🆅🅴: Top Ten Songs of Queensrÿche

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK With Mike and the Mad Metal Man

Special 🅻🅸🆅🅴 Episode featuring guest Tim Durling & Uncle Meat

And guest list from Jake

Episode 138: Top Ten Songs of Queensrÿche

Raise ’em up!  Uncle Meat wanted to count down the Top 10 songs from Queensrÿche, a band we have yet to tackle on Grab A Stack of Rock.  So, we looked into the Eyes of a Stranger, placed Hand on Heart, and tried to shed some Nocturnal Light on these songs.  But it wasn’t Just Us!  Along for the ride is terrestrial DJ Tim Durling, and we will also have a guest list from Jake (Not From State Farm).

Spanning the EP all the way to Digital Noise Alliance, Queensrÿche have a lot of songs to sift through.  For this special episode, Mike even went as far as to acquire a copy of Frequency Unknown, the album that Geoff Tate made before he lost the rights to the Queensrÿche name.  (For added fun, this copy was gifted by Matthew Phillips, who had three remixed CDs sent to him by Cleopatra records.  This is not the retail Billy Sherwood remix, but the rare mail order only version dubbed “we remix, you decide”.)

Even though Queensrÿche arguably had a “dark period” with some albums that didn’t ignite the fire in fans, they also had a strong comeback with Todd LaTorre on lead vocals.  Will any Todd songs make the list tonight?  We’ll be Breaking the Silence to reveal all!

Friday February 20 at  7:00 PM EST, 8:00 PM Atlantic.  Enjoy on YouTube or Facebook.