You know, I think I like Ozzy more with Black Sabbath than his solo stuff. His solo stuff is good, but whenever I listen to it I think I give more consideration to his guitarists than him.

Case in point: “Mr. Crowley”

I was always a Randy fan (vs. Eddie Van Halen). And I think his classical influences show strongly on “Mr. Crowley”.

And one thing I always appreciated about Zakk was while he was still Zakk, still had his playing style, he honored Randy’s composition, playing the song as it should be.

I say this because, as I write this, I have fresh in my mind a cover band I heard at a small festival. They were actually pretty good, but then they played Ted Nugent’s “Strangehold” and butchered it. Solos aren’t just a time to wank off; sometimes they are, but sometimes the solo line is very much a composed piece that makes the song what it is and you just can’t deviate from it. “Strangehold” is one such song. “Mr Crowley” is another, especially on the outro, and while Zakk throws in his signature vibrato, it’s still Randy’s composition.

Another band with a lot of solid songs.

“Madness of an Architect” is one I love to crank to 11 because it’s just this sonic wall of noise.

But as cliché as it might be, “Snakes for the Divine” is awesome. The whole album, and the song.

And yes, I like listening to live High on Fire recordings, because there are mistakes. Real music, y’know?

When you have a career as long as Judas Priest, you know there are going to be lots of favorites.

“You Got Another Thing Comin'” is a favorite, because it’s one of those songs I gravitate to when I need to refresh my attitude.

But as unconventional as it is, and probably no surprise to long-time readers, one of my favorite Judas Priest songs to listen to is the “Rising in the East” version of “Diamonds and Rust”

Given King Diamond’s stuff is more about concept albums than songs. I think it’s easier for me to pick out a favorite album than a song.

I mean, if I have to pick a song, maybe “Abigail”, just because of the song structure, the constant lyrical revisiting of “Abigail”.

But album? “Conspiracy”. The whole “Them” concept, chapter 2. “At the Graves” is such a strong start and of course sets everything up for the story and album. I actually like singing the opening part… so operatic.

This will sound weird, but while I think there are “better” songs by Holy Grail, I find “Call of Valhalla” to be a favorite of mine. It’s just this mid-tempo track, but I think it’s got a good groove, and yes I love the lyrics. All the Viking imagery is just fun, and the way James sings it is just powerful. Yes… you feel like you’re sailing in your longship to battle, and this is your battle hymn. 🙂

Saw an obscure posting to Lazarus A.D.’s Facebook page. Silent for so long, then a “2015!” posting (which is now gone….)… so maybe they aren’t dead yet, but who knows. Here’s hoping they will be back, because they were certainly one of the best of the “thrash revival” bands.

“Revolution” is a perfect example.

Always turn this up to 11.

I think what makes “Redneck” my favorite Lamb of God track isn’t the anthemic chorus, but the music video.

Hilarity.

Let’s keep it simple today, because it’s hard for me to choose.

The “Superjudge” album is probably my favorite Monster Magnet album — I could listen to it endlessly. “Cage Around the Sun” is such a cool song. But if there’s any song that I think sums up Dave Wyndorf’s drug-induced lyrical voyages, it’s “Face Down”

“I’m sucking up more karma than I need, so have a supernova on me” it just one of those cool lines that you’ll never top.

But the other Monster Magnet song I find myself always coming back to is “Bummer”

There are so many people that go to bed with Lucifer, then cry cry cry when they don’t greet the day with God.

Oh this one is easy for me.

Sure, “Institutionalized” is an institution.

“War Inside My Head” is such a great anthem (and who’s that young kid on bass in this video?)

“Don’t Give Me Your Nothin'” has such a great groove.

There really are so many favorites.

But without question, my #1 Suicidal track is “You Can’t Bring Me Down”

The whole song, but especially the rant at the end:

Just ’cause you don’t understand what’s going on don’t mean it don’t make no sense.
And just ’cause you don’t like it don’t mean it ain’t no good.
And let me tell you something… before you talking a walk in my world, you better take a look at the real world, ’cause this ain’t no Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
Can you say “feel like shit”?
Yeah, maybe sometimes I do feel like shit. I ain’t happy about it, but I’d rather feel like shit than be full of shit.
And if I offended you? Oh I’m sorry, but maybe you needed to be offended.
Well, here’s my apology, and one more thing: FUCK YOU!
‘Cause you can’t bring me down.

 

Of course any favorite Sepultura is Sepultura that still has Max and Igor in the band. Sorry guys, but they were Sepultura.

“Inner Self” is one of those songs that I prefer a live version over the album version. I had a copy of their “Live in Barcelona” VHS, and I cannot listen to the song without hearing in my head Max’s command to Barcelona to “destroy dis fucking place”.

Certainly “Arise” was a breakthrough album for them.

But the crazy thing is… while I don’t like the whole album, I love “Roots Bloody Roots”. The rhythm, the primal screaming, the groove. I mean, play this song live and watch the crowd go into a frenzy. It’s just that kind of song.