Website Update

It's official! I'm going to make a website based off this blog. The website will go live on Monday, March 31 at 4:00 PM. I'm currently in the process of designing it. Leave any suggestions in the comments below. ROCK ON

Album Review: "Skid Row" by Skid Row

Released in January 1989, Skid Row is one of the best debut albums I have ever heard. It has that perfect combination between hard rock and hair metal. That combination gives the songs a badass edge to them. Songs like "18 and Life" and "I Remember You" have that really heavy sounding guitar tone. It's a really hard tone to get, but it sounds great nonetheless. The record was certified 5x Platinum and was an instant success. I really believe that Skid Row was one of the last hair metal bands to sound good before grunge took over the airwaves. Skid Row is a badass album and I really think you should check it out.

Classic Rock Weekly: 5 of the most badass singers from the 70s and 80s

1. Axl Rose-Guns N' Roses

At a time when glam metal and pop music dominated the airwaves, Guns N' Roses brought hard rock crashing back into the charts. While many pay attention to Slash's mesmerizing guitar solos, few have noticed the vocal powerhouse that is Axl Rose. Songs like "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Paradise City" demonstrate his vocal range. Many overlook Rose's vocal abilities and focus more on his antics. Riots and late starts aside, this guy is a badass singer.

2. James Hetfield-Metallica

Where do I even start? For over 30 years, Metallica has been one of the best thrash metal bands around. While Kirk Hammett's guitar riffs and solos are unbelievable, I think it's Hetfield that gives Metallica that badass edge to their songs. Being able to play and sing simultaneously like that is just awesome. Believe me, I've tried to play and sing at the same time and it's not easy. Being able to produce music and lyrics as good as Metallica's is awesome. But being able to release fresh material that sounds good since 1981? Now that's impressive. 

3. Steven Tyler-Aerosmith

Also known as the "King of Scream" and the "Demon of Screamin," Steven Tyler is a vocal powerhouse to unique to ignore. Songs like "Dream On" and I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" demonstrate how he can scream and still make it sound good. Some say it sounds terrible, but isn't rock supposed to sound raw and ugly? Despite the fact that he looks like a chick, Steven Tyler is one of the best singers in rock music. 

4. Brian Johnson-AC/DC

The death of lead singer Bon Scott didn't stop AC/DC from producing badass music. In 1980, AC/DC released the hit album 'Back in Black' with Brian Johnson as the lead singer. The album sold a crushing 19 million. When a band loses its lead singer, things tend to fall apart and the band ceases to exist. That was not the case for AC/DC. Brian Johnson was able to keep the band going until 2003. 

5. David Lee Roth-Van Halen

Van Halen was ahead of its time when the band released its debut album, Van Halen in 1978. Similar to Steven Tyler, Roth was a vocal powerhouse that nobody could ignore. Roth fronted Van Halen until 1984 when he quit the band due to musical differences with Eddie Van Halen. He rejoined Van Halen in 1996 for a short time. He then rejoined Van Halen again in 2007. In 2012, the band released the album A Different Kind of Truth with Roth on vocals. Despite the drama, David Lee Roth is a badass. 

Thanks for reading my blog!

250 Pageviews!!! Not a lot compared to other blogs, but it's an accomplishment for me. Also, depending on how this blog works out for me, I might be starting a website. It's $10 a month to host it and I get decent paychecks, so why not? The website will be similar to the blog, but it's going to have a lot of new, awesome things on it that I can't put on my blog because it can't support some of the features. Updates as they occur. Thanks for reading and one more thing..... ROCK ON!!! \m/

Classic Rock Weekly: Guitarists that Rock!

Here's 30 Classic Rock Guitarists that rock. These aren't in any specific order. They just rock.

1. Slash (Guns N' Roses)
2. Stevie Ray Vaughan (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
3. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
4. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)
5. Keith Richards (Rolling Stones)
6. Joe Perry (Aerosmith)
7. Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
8. Jimi Hendrix (Jimi Hendrix Experience)
9. Angus Young (AC/DC)
10. Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
11. Pete Townshend (The Who)
12. Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)
13. Ace Frehley (Kiss)
14. Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
15. Tommy Iommi (Black Sabbath)
16. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
17. Dave Sabo (Skid Row)
18. Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
19. Paul Gilbert (Paul Gilbert)
20. Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick)
21. James Hetfield (Metallica)
22. Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society)
23. Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones)
24. Les Paul
25. Phil Collen (Def Leppard)
26. Eric Clapton (Cream)
27. Jeff Beck (The Yardbirds)
28. Joe Walsh (Eagles)
29. Brian May (Queen)
30. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple)

NOTE: I WILL NOW BE POSTING VIDEOS FOR 'SONG OF THE DAY.' IT'S HARD TO KEEP UP IF I HAVE TO WRITE 3 PARAGRAPHS EVERY DAY WHEN I'M IN SCHOOL. I WILL GO BACK TO WRITING ABOUT THE SONG DURING THE SUMMER SINCE THERE IS NO SCHOOL. 

THANKS FOR READING AND ROCK ON!!!

Rock Biography #2: Hardline

Rock Biography #2:

Hardline 

You know when you find that one band that's not very popular, but their music is amazing? Hardline is one of those bands. Formed in 1991 by brothers Johnny Gioeli and Joey Gioeli, Hardline is one of the most underrated hair bands of the early 90s. Despite being in the monstrous shadows of bands like Guns N' Roses and Metallica, Hardline still managed to make amazing music. They released their debut album, Double Eclipse, on April 28, 1992. Their first single, Takin' Me Down, reached #37 on the Hot 100. Hardline wouldn't release another album until 2002. 

After Hardline lost its record deal, bassist Todd Jensen and drummer Deen Castronovo left the band to join Ozzy Osbourne's backing band. In 2002, Hardline released its second studio album, II. It was the last record to feature guitarist Joey Gioeli. In 2009, they released their third album, Leaving the End Open. In 2012, they released their fourth album, Danger Zone. In short, Hardline was not remembered by many, but they still made great music. 

Classic Rock Bands and the Albums they're remembered for

Aerosmith- Toys in The Attic
AC/DC- Back in Black
Black Sabbath- Paranoid
Beatles- Revolver
Def Leppard- Hysteria
Guns N' Roses- Appetite For Destruction
Metallica- Master of Puppets
Van Halen- 1984
Pink Floyd- The Wall
Jimi Hendrix Experience- Are You Experienced
Rolling Stones- Hot Rocks
Kiss- Alive II
Queen- Sheer Heart Attack
Eagles- Hotel California
ZZ Top- Eliminator
The Who- Tommy

Why Nirvana doesn't belong in the Rock and Roll HOF

Before I dive into this, I would like to say that I have conflict with Nirvana as it is, but I will try to keep this factual. If you are over 30, chances are you remember Nirvana's hit album Nevermind. I don't really like this album because grunge music is not my genre. From what I have noticed, Nevermind seems like the only album Nirvana is remembered for. Yes, every band has that one album they are remembered for. Pink Floyd has The Wall, Guns N' Roses has Appetite For Destruction, AC/DC has Back in Black, you get the idea. But Nirvana has that one album and that's about it. To be even more specific, it seems like they only have one song they are remembered for (Smells Like Teen Spirit). That one album topped the charts on the strength of that one song. I'll give them credit where credit is due, but I don't think that one album is good enough to get you inducted into the Rock Hall. 

When I started this blog, I specifically said: If you are here for 90s grunge, alternative rock, or death metal, then this blog is not for you. The Rock Hall is supposed to honor the best of the best, and Nirvana doesn't fit that description. They were only around for a few years before Kurt Cobain committed suicide. I'm not trying to be a hater, I just don't think that one album is good enough to get you into the Rock Hall. 

ALSO- Later today I will be posting a list of bands and each album that they are remembered for. 

Throwback Thursday: Pink Floyd "The Wall"

Released in 1979, The Wall is widely considered Pink Floyd's best and most popular album. It contains amazing tracks such as Comfortably Numb, Another Brick in the Wall Part 1, and Another Brick in the Wall Part 2. 

This Day in Rock History: March 20th

Let me explain since this is the first post. THIS DAY IN ROCK HISTORY is a daily post on this blog where I list significant events in rock history that happened on each day. It's like the THIS DAY IN HISTORY section in your local newspaper, except for the historical events I'm posting are about classic rock. You feel me? Cool. Since there are too many events to list, I am going to pick 5 events each day that stand out to me. Since I'm still in school and have a part-time job, they will most-likely be posted at different times each day. I also have to give credit to This Day In Rock, which is where I'm getting the significant events. You can check them out by clicking here.



THIS DAY IN ROCK: MARCH 20th

March 20, 1968- Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Richie Furay, and Jim Messina are arrested in Los Angeles. They were charged with "being in a place where it is suspected marijuana is being used." Clapton was found innocent, while Young, Furay, and Messina had to pay a small fine.

March 20, 1965- The Rolling Stones single "The Last Time" reaches #1 in the British Isles.

March 20, 1960- Elvis Presley records his first session since leaving the U.S. Army. The result of those sessions was Mess of Blues

March 20, 1982- Joan Jett and the Blackhearts I Love Rock N' Roll tops the charts.

March 20, 1971- Yes releases the Yes album in the U.K.

Rock Biographies: Guns N' Roses

Rock Biography #1:

Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses formed in los angeles in 1985. The original lineup was set in 1986 and it consisted of Axl Rose (Vocals), Izzy Stradlin (Rhythm Guitar), Slash (Lead guitar), Duff McKagan (Bass guitar) and Steven Adler (Drums). Guns N' Roses did not hit mainstream success immediatley. They had to start out small. they started out by playing in rock clubs on Sunset Strip. By late 1986, Tom Zutaut of Geffen Records signed GN'R to a 6 album deal. They released their debut album, Appetite For Destruction, on July 21, 1987. Initially it didn't sell very well due to limited airplay from MTV and various radio stations. David Geffen called MTV and begged them to play the music video for "Welcome to the Jungle." MTV agreed to play it once, at 5:00 on a Sunday morning. MTV played it, and their switchboards blew up. People were calling in asking them what it was and asked them to play it again. On July 23, 1988, Appetite For Destruction hit #1 in the U.S. It reached the top on the strength of its hit single "Sweet Child O' Mine," their first and only #1 single. To this day, Appetite For Destruction is the highest-selling debut album in the U.S., selling over 30 million copies and being certified 18x Platinum.

Geffen Records was quick to respond to the success of Appetite. GN'R released their second album, GN'R Lies, on November 29, 1989. It had 4 tracks from their self released album "Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide" and 4 acoustic tracks. "Lies" shot to #4 on the charts on the success of Appetite. By the end of 1988, Guns N' Roses had ended their tour and scattered out to their homes. In 1990, drummer Steven Adler was fired from the band due to his extreme drug use. Matt Sorum from "The Cult" replaced Adler. After hiring Sorum, Guns began work on their full length follow up to Appetite For Destruction.

On September 17, 1991, GN'R released the double album, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II. They placed #1 and #2 on the charts, selling 700,000 copies in their first week. After the release of the albums, Izzy Stradlin left the band because of his new found sobriety. Ex-Kills For Thrills guitarist Gilby Clarke replaced Stradlin. After a few months off, GN'R continued their massive two year tour. It ended in Buenos Aires, Argentina on July 17, 1993 in front of a crowd of 100,000 people. It was the last performance the world would see from the original line-up. On October 30, 1996, Slash left the band because he felt like Axl was dictating the band. Duff left shortly after that in 1997 and was followed by Matt Sorum who was fired from the band after and argument with Axl. Axl and Slash have not spoken since 1996. In 2008, Axl, along with a "new" Guns N' Roses, released Chinese Democracy. Even with the success of Chinese Democracy, many fans are still hoping for a reunion of the original lineup. 

SONG OF THE DAY

SONG OF THE DAY: Dream On by Aerosmith

3-20-14

Released on June 27, 1973, Dream On is one of Aerosmith's most well known songs. It was written by lead singer Steven Tyler. Upon its release, it peaked at #59 on the charts. It stands out among other Aerosmith songs due to its style. Dream On is kind of a break from the funk-type riffs of songs like Cryin' and Walk this Way. 

During a 2011 interview, lead singer Steven Tyler says that he recalls lying under his dad's piano when he was 3 years old and listening to his dad play classical music. He said "That's where I got that Dream On chordage." Funny how people can turn that stuff into a song, isn't it? 

Nevertheless, this is an amazing song from an amazing band. That opening riff from Joe Perry almost sounds heavenly. And how can we forget Steven Tyler almost screaming "Dream on, dream on." Dream On is an amazing and very powerful song. No wonder these guys have so many fans. 

Click here to listen



Make sure you check back for tomorrow's "SONG OF THE DAY"

WELCOME TO CLASSIC ROCK WEEKLY

WELCOME TO CLASSIC ROCK WEEKLY

My name is Austin Ketoff. I am a guitar player from Dubuque, Iowa. Google it if you don't know where it is. I have been playing for about a year. I started in May of 2013. But enough about me, let's get you oriented with this blog. As the title suggests, this blog is about classic rock. So if you're looking to find death metal, grunge or alternative rock, then this blog is not for you. This page focuses solely on the classic rock bands of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. On this page, you will see bands such as Aerosmith, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, Van Halen, and more. You will frequently see lesser known bands that made great music but weren't remembered for it. 

I have here a list of things that you will see on here every day. 

DAILY 

-Song reviews

-This day in classic rock (significant events in classic rock that happened on that day)

-Recommended bands and albums

-Guitar and bass riffs from classic rock songs

-Daily rock biographies

-Much much more

Here is what you will see weekly

WEEKLY

-Album of the week

-Song of the week

-Album reviews

-Band reviews 

-New poll
-Throwback Thursday (old videos or photos of classic rock bands)

-LOTS OF NEW MATERIAL

Thanks for reading and enjoy!